WASH 10K 2014 12 31
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC  20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x
Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 2014 or
o
Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission file number:  001-32991
WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
RHODE ISLAND
05-0404671
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
23 BROAD STREET, WESTERLY, RHODE ISLAND
02891
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:     401-348-1200
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
COMMON STOCK, $.0625 PAR VALUE PER SHARE
THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET LLC
(Title of each class)
(Name of each exchange on which registered)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:   NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. oYes  xNo
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  oYes  xNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  xYes  oNo
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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). xYes  oNo
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  x
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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer  o
Accelerated filer  x
Non-accelerated filer  o
Smaller reporting company  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). oYes  xNo
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant at June 30, 2014 was $526,290,337 based on a closing sales price of $36.77 per share as reported for the NASDAQ OMX®, which includes $18,355,676 held by The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly under trust agreements and other instruments.
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.0625 par value per share, outstanding as of February 27, 2015 was 16,761,788.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated March 16, 2015 for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 28, 2015 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.



FORM 10-K
WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC.
For the Year Ended December 31, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description
 
 
Page
Number
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains statements that are “forward-looking statements.” We may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the SEC, in our annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees. You can generally identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “assume,” “outlook,” “will,” “should,” and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control.  These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different than the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

Some of the factors that might cause these differences include the following: weakness in national, regional or international economic conditions or conditions affecting the banking or financial services industries or financial capital markets; volatility in national and international financial markets; additional government intervention in the U.S. financial system; reductions in net interest income resulting from interest rate volatility as well as changes in the balance and mix of loans and deposits; reductions in the market value of wealth management assets under administration; changes in the value of securities and other assets; reductions in loan demand; changes in loan collectibility, default and charge-off rates; changes in the size and nature of our competition; changes in legislation or regulation and accounting principles, policies and guidelines, and changes in the assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements.  In addition, the factors described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K may result in these differences.  You should carefully review all of these factors, and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could cause these differences.  These forward-looking statements were based on information, plans and estimates at the date of this report, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes.

PART I

ITEM 1.  Business

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (the “Bancorp”), a publicly-owned registered bank holding company and financial holding company, was organized in 1984 under the laws of the state of Rhode Island.  The Bancorp owns all of the outstanding common stock of The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly (the “Bank”), a Rhode Island chartered commercial bank.  The Bancorp was formed in 1984 under a plan of reorganization in which outstanding common shares of the Bank were exchanged for common shares of the Bancorp.  See additional information under the caption “Subsidiaries.”

Through its subsidiaries, the Bancorp offers a comprehensive product line of banking and financial services to individuals and businesses including commercial, residential and consumer lending, retail and commercial deposit products, and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut; its automated teller machine (“ATMs”) networks; and its Internet website at www.washtrust.com. The Bancorp’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ OMX® Market under the symbol “WASH.”

The accounting and reporting policies of the Bancorp and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Corporation” or “Washington Trust”) conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and to general practices of the banking industry.  At December 31, 2014, Washington Trust had total assets of $3.59 billion, total deposits of $2.75 billion and total shareholders’ equity of $346.3 million.

Business Segments
Washington Trust manages its operations through two business segments: Commercial Banking and Wealth Management Services.  Activity not related to the segments, such as the investment securities portfolio, wholesale funding activities and administrative units are considered Corporate.  See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure related to business segments.



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Commercial Banking
Lending Activities
The Corporation’s lending activities are conducted primarily in southern New England and, to a lesser extent, other states.  Washington Trust offers a variety of commercial and retail lending products.

Commercial Loans
Commercial lending represents a significant portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio.  Commercial loans fall into two major categories: commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.

Commercial real estate loans consist of commercial mortgages secured by real property where the primary source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property or the proceeds of the sale, refinancing or permanent financing of the property. Commercial real estate loans also include construction loans made to businesses for land development or the on-site construction of industrial, commercial, or residential buildings. Commercial real estate loans frequently involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. The Bank’s commercial real estate loans are secured by a variety of property types, such as retail facilities, office buildings, commercial mixed use, lodging, multi-family dwellings and industrial and warehouse properties. At December 31, 2014, commercial real estate loans represented 60% and 33%, respectively, of the commercial loan and total loan portfolios.

Commercial and industrial loans primarily provide working capital, equipment financing and financing for other business-related purposes. Commercial and industrial loans are frequently collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and/or general business assets.  A significant portion of the Bank’s commercial and industrial loans is also collateralized by real estate.  Commercial and industrial loans also include tax exempt loans made to states and political subdivisions, as well as industrial development or revenue bonds issued through quasi-public corporations for the benefit of a private or non-profit entity where that entity rather than the governmental entity is obligated to pay the debt service. The Bank’s commercial and industrial loan portfolio includes loans to business sectors such as healthcare/social assistance, owner occupied and other real estate, retail trade, manufacturing, construction businesses, wholesale trade, accommodation and food services, entertainment and recreation, public administration and professional services. At December 31, 2014, commercial and industrial loans represented 40% and 21%, respectively, of the commercial loan and total loan portfolios.

The commercial loan portfolio represented 54% of total loans at December 31, 2014. In making commercial loans, Washington Trust may occasionally solicit the participation of other banks. Washington Trust also participates from time to time in commercial loans originated by other banks. In such cases, these loans are individually underwritten by us using standards similar to those employed for our self-originated loans. Occasionally, the guaranteed portion of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans are sold to investors.

Residential Real Estate Mortgages
The residential real estate portfolio represented 34% of total loans at December 31, 2014.  Residential real estate mortgages are primarily originated by commissioned mortgage originator employees. Residential mortgages are originated both for sale in the secondary market as well as for retention in the Bank’s loan portfolio.  Loan sales to the secondary market provide funds for additional lending and other banking activities.  Loans originated for sale in the secondary market are sold to investors such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and other institutional investors. Washington Trust sells loans with servicing retained or released.  Residential real estate mortgages are also originated for various investors in a broker capacity, including conventional mortgages and reverse mortgages. In recent years, Washington Trust has expanded its residential mortgage business beyond its branch network, through the addition of residential mortgage lending offices in eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut. In 2014, residential mortgage loan originations for retention in portfolio amounted to $353.4 million, while loans originated for sale in the secondary market, including loans originated in a broker capacity, totaled $346.9 million.

Prior to March 2009, Washington Trust had periodically purchased one- to four-family residential mortgages originated in other states as well as southern New England from other financial institutions.  All residential mortgage loans purchased from other financial institutions were individually underwritten by us at the time of purchase using standards similar to those employed for our self-originated loans.  At December 31, 2014, purchased residential mortgage balances represented 3% and 1% of the total residential real estate mortgage and total loan portfolios, respectively.


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Consumer Loans
The consumer loan portfolio represented 12% of total loans as of December 31, 2014.  Consumer loans include home equity loans and lines of credit, personal installment loans and loans to individuals secured by general aviation aircraft and automobiles.  Home equity lines and home equity loans represent 86% of the total consumer portfolio at December 31, 2014.  All home equity lines and home equity loans were originated by Washington Trust in its general market area.  The Bank estimates that approximately 69% of the combined home equity line and home equity loan balances are first lien positions or subordinate to other Washington Trust mortgages.

Credit Risk Management and Asset Quality
Washington Trust utilizes the following general practices to manage credit risk:
Limiting the amount of credit that individual lenders may extend;
Establishment of formal, documented processes for credit approval accountability;
Prudent initial underwriting and analysis of borrower, transaction, market and collateral risks;
Ongoing servicing of the majority of individual loans and lending relationships;
Continuous monitoring of the portfolio, market dynamics and the economy; and
Periodic reevaluation of our strategy and overall exposure as economic, market and other relevant conditions change.

The credit risk management function is conducted independently of the lending groups. Credit risk management is responsible for oversight of the commercial loan rating system, determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and for preparing monthly and quarterly reports regarding the credit quality of the loan portfolio to ensure compliance with the credit policy.  In addition, it is responsible for managing nonperforming and classified assets.  On a quarterly basis, the criticized loan portfolio, which consists of commercial loans that are risk rated special mention or worse, are reviewed by management, focusing on the current status and strategies to improve the credit.  An annual loan review program is conducted by a third party to provide an independent evaluation of the creditworthiness of the commercial loan portfolio, the quality of the underwriting and credit risk management practices and the appropriateness of the risk rating classifications.  This review is supplemented with selected targeted reviews of the commercial loan portfolio.  Various techniques are utilized to monitor indicators of credit deterioration in the portfolios of residential real estate mortgages and home equity lines and loans, along with selected targeted reviews within these portfolios.  Among these techniques is the periodic tracking of loans with an updated FICO score and an estimated loan to value (“LTV”) ratio.  LTV is determined via statistical modeling analyses.  The indicated LTV levels are estimated based on such factors as the location, the original LTV, and the date of origination of the loan and do not reflect actual appraisal amounts.

The Board of Directors of the Bank monitors credit risk management through two committees, the Finance Committee and the Audit Committee.  The Finance Committee has primary oversight responsibility for the credit granting function, including approval authority for credit granting policies, review of management’s credit granting activities and approval of large exposure credit requests.  The Audit Committee oversees various systems and procedures performed by management to monitor the credit quality of the loan portfolio, conduct a loan review program, maintain the integrity of the loan rating system and determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The Audit Committee also approves the policy and methodology for establishing the allowance for loan losses. These committees report the results of their respective oversight functions to the Bank’s Board of Directors.  In addition, the Bank’s Board of Directors receives information concerning asset quality measurements and trends on a regular basis.

Deposit Activities
Deposits represent Washington Trust’s primary source of funds and are gathered primarily from the areas surrounding our branch network.  The Bank offers a wide variety of deposit products with a range of interest rates and terms to consumer, commercial, non-profit and municipal deposit customers.  Washington Trust’s deposit accounts consist of interest-bearing checking, noninterest-bearing checking, savings, money market and certificates of deposit.  A variety of retirement deposit accounts are offered to personal and business customers.  Additional deposit services provided to customers include debit cards, ATMs, telephone banking, Internet banking, mobile banking, remote deposit capture and


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other cash management services. From time to time, brokered time deposits from out-of-market institutional sources are utilized as part of our overall funding strategy.

Washington Trust is a participant in the Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) program, the Demand Deposit Marketplace (“DDM”) program and the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) program. Washington Trust uses these deposit sweep services to place customer funds into interest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts, and/or certificates of deposits issued by other participating banks. Customer funds are placed at one or more participating banks to ensure that each deposit customer is eligible for the full amount of FDIC insurance. As a program participant, we receive reciprocal amounts of deposits from other participating banks. ICS, DDM and CDARS deposits are considered to be brokered deposits for bank regulatory purposes. We consider these reciprocal deposit balances to be in-market deposits as distinguished from traditional out-of-market brokered deposits.

Wealth Management Services
The Corporation’s wealth management business generated revenues totaling $33.4 million in 2014, representing 22% of total revenues.  Washington Trust provides a broad range of wealth management services to personal and institutional clients and mutual funds.  These services include investment management; financial planning; personal trust services, including services as trustee, administrator, custodian and guardian; and estate settlement.  Institutional trust services are also provided, including custody and fiduciary services.  Wealth management services are provided through the Bank and its registered investment adviser subsidiary, Weston Financial Group, Inc. The Corporation also operates a broker-dealer subsidiary which primarily conducts transactions for Weston Financial Group clients.  See additional information under the caption “Subsidiaries.”  Noninterest income from wealth management services includes trust and investment management fees and mutual fund fees, which are classified as asset-based revenues since they are primarily derived from the value of wealth management assets under administration. Noninterest income from wealth management services also includes transaction-based revenues, such as financing planning, commissions and other service fees, which are not primarily derived from the value of assets.

At December 31, 2014, wealth management assets under administration totaled $5.07 billion. These assets are not included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investment Securities Portfolio
Washington Trust’s investment securities portfolio is managed to generate interest income, to implement interest rate risk management strategies and to provide a readily available source of liquidity for balance sheet management.  See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Washington Trust may acquire, hold and transact in various types of investment securities in accordance with applicable federal regulations, state statutes and guidelines specified in Washington Trust’s internal investment policy.  At December 31, 2014, the Corporation’s investment securities portfolio consisted of U.S. government agency and government-sponsored agency debt obligations, including mortgage-backed securities; municipal securities; corporate debt securities; and individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities.

Investment activity is monitored by an Investment Committee, the members of which also sit on the Corporation’s Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”).  Asset and liability management objectives are the primary influence on the Corporation’s investment activities.  However, the Corporation also recognizes that there are certain specific risks inherent in investment portfolio activity.  The securities portfolio is managed in accordance with regulatory guidelines and established internal corporate investment policies that provide limitations on specific risk factors such as market risk, credit risk and concentration, liquidity risk and operational risk to help monitor risks associated with investing in securities.  Reports on the activities conducted by Investment Committee and the ALCO are presented to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.

Wholesale Funding Activities
The Corporation utilizes advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”) as well as other borrowings as part of its overall funding strategy.  FHLBB advances are used to meet short-term liquidity needs, to purchase securities and to originate and purchase loans.  The FHLBB is a cooperative that provides services, including funding in the form of advances, to its member banking institutions.  As a requirement of membership, the Bank must own a minimum amount


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of FHLBB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLBB.  The Bank also has access to an unused line of credit with the FHLBB amounting to $40.0 million at December 31, 2014.  In addition, the FHLBB has issued standby letters of credit to depositor customers of the Bank to collateralize public deposits. The Bank’s FHLBB borrowings, line of credit and letters of credit are collateralized by a blanket pledge agreement on the Bank’s FHLBB stock, certain qualified investment securities and loans, as well as amounts maintained on deposit at the FHLBB. Additional funding sources are available through securities sold under agreements to repurchase and through the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

As noted above under the heading “Deposit Activities,” the Corporation also utilizes out-of-market brokered time deposits as part of its overall funding program.

Acquisitions
The following summarizes Washington Trust’s acquisition history:

On August 31, 2005, the Bancorp completed the acquisition of Weston Financial Group, Inc. (“Weston Financial”), a registered investment adviser and financial planning company located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with broker-dealer and insurance agency subsidiaries.

On April 16, 2002, the Bancorp completed the acquisition of First Financial Corp., the parent company of First Bank and Trust Company, a Rhode Island chartered community bank.

On June 26, 2000, the Bancorp completed the acquisition of Phoenix Investment Management Company, Inc. (“Phoenix”), an independent investment advisory firm located in Providence, Rhode Island.

On August 25, 1999, the Bancorp completed the acquisition of PierBank, Inc. (“PierBank”), a Rhode Island chartered community bank headquartered in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.

Subsidiaries
The Bancorp’s subsidiaries include the Bank and Weston Securities Corporation (“WSC”).  In addition, as of December 31, 2014, the Bancorp also owned all of the outstanding common stock of WT Capital Trust I and WT Capital Trust II, special purpose finance entities formed with the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred debt securities and investing the proceeds in junior subordinated debentures of the Bancorp.  See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

The following is a description of Bancorp’s primary operating subsidiaries:

The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly
The Bank was originally chartered in 1800 as the Washington Bank and is the oldest banking institution headquartered in its market area and is among the oldest banks in the United States.  Its current corporate charter dates to 1902.

The Bank provides a broad range of financial services, including lending, deposit and cash management services and wealth management services.  The deposits of the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), subject to regulatory limits.

The Bank’s subsidiary, Weston Financial, is a registered investment adviser and financial planning company located in Wellesley, Massachusetts, with an insurance agency subsidiary.  In addition, the Bank has other passive investment subsidiaries whose primary functions are to provide servicing on passive investments, such as loans acquired from the Bank and investment securities.  The Bank also has a limited liability company subsidiary that serves as a special limited partner responsible for certain administrative functions associated with the Bank’s investment in two real estate limited partnerships. In addition, the Bank has a mortgage banking subsidiary, Washington Trust Mortgage Company LLC (“WTMC”) that is licensed to do business in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire. See “-Supervision and Regulation-Consumer Protection Regulation-Mortgage Reform” for a discussion of certain regulations that apply to WTMC. Our mortgage origination business conducted in most of our residential mortgage lending offices located outside of Rhode Island is performed by this Bank subsidiary.


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Weston Securities Corporation
WSC is a licensed broker-dealer that markets several investment programs, including mutual funds and variable annuities, primarily to Weston Financial clients.  WSC acts as the principal distributor to a group of mutual funds for which Weston Financial is the investment advisor.

Market Area
Washington Trust is headquartered in Westerly, Rhode Island, in Washington County.  Washington Trust’s primary deposit gathering area consists of the communities that are served by its branch network.  As of December 31, 2014, the Bank had ten branch offices located in southern Rhode Island (Washington County), eight branch offices located in the greater Providence area in Rhode Island and a branch office located in southeastern Connecticut.  In 2015, we plan to open two new full-service branches; one in Rumford, Rhode Island, and the other in Providence, Rhode Island. These plans are a continuation of our expansion into the greater Providence area. Both the population and number of businesses in Providence County far exceed those in southern Rhode Island.

Washington Trust’s lending activities are conducted primarily in southern New England and, to a lesser extent, other states.  In addition to branch offices, the Bank has a commercial lending office at its main office and in the financial district of Providence, Rhode Island. As of December 31, 2014, Washington Trust has six residential mortgage lending offices: three located in eastern Massachusetts (Sharon, Burlington and Braintree), two Connecticut offices (Glastonbury and Darien) and a Warwick, Rhode Island office.

Washington Trust provides wealth management services from its offices located in Westerly, Narragansett and Providence, Rhode Island, and Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Competition
Washington Trust faces considerable competition in its market area for all aspects of banking and related financial service activities.  Competition from both bank and non-bank organizations is expected to continue.

Washington Trust contends with strong competition both in generating loans and attracting deposits.  The primary factors in competing are interest rates, financing terms, fees charged, products offered, personalized customer service, online access to accounts and convenience of branch locations, ATMs and branch hours.  Competition comes from commercial banks, credit unions, and savings institutions, as well as other non-bank institutions.  Washington Trust faces strong competition from larger institutions with greater resources, broader product lines and larger delivery systems than the Bank.

Washington Trust operates in a highly competitive wealth management services marketplace.  Key competitive factors include investment performance, quality and level of service, and personal relationships.  Principal competitors in the wealth management services business are commercial banks and trust companies, investment advisory firms, mutual fund companies, stock brokerage firms, and other financial companies. Many of these companies have greater resources than Washington Trust.

Employees
At December 31, 2014, Washington Trust had 590 employees consisting of 561 full-time and 29 part-time and other employees.  Washington Trust maintains a comprehensive employee benefit program providing, among other benefits, group medical and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance and a 401(k) plan. The Corporation maintains a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain eligible employees who were hired prior to October 1, 2007. The Corporation also has non-qualified retirement plans to provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain employees, as described in these plans. In September 2013, the Corporation amended its defined benefit pension plan primarily to freeze benefit accruals after a ten-year transition period ending in December 2023. Management considers relations with its employees to be good.  See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on certain employee benefit programs.



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Statistical Disclosures
The information required by Securities Act Guide 3 “Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies” is located on the pages noted below.
Description
 
Page

I.
Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholder Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differentials
41-42

II.
Investment Portfolio
 
48-51, 87

III.
Loan Portfolio
 
51-58, 91

IV.
Summary of Loan Loss Experience
 
59-62, 100

V.
Deposits
 
41, 106

VI.
Return on Equity and Assets
 
29

VII.
Short-Term Borrowings
 
108


Supervision and Regulation
The Corporation is subject to extensive supervision, regulation, and examination by various bank regulatory authorities and other governmental agencies.  Federal and state banking laws have as their principal objective the maintenance of the safety and soundness of financial institutions and the federal deposit insurance system or the protection of consumers or depositors, rather than the protection of shareholders of a bank holding company, such as the Bancorp.

Set forth below is a brief description of certain laws and regulations that relate to the regulation of Washington Trust.  The following discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the statutes, regulations, policies and guidelines described below.

Regulation of the Bancorp
As a bank holding company, the Bancorp is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”) and the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Division of Banking (the “RI Division of Banking”).

The Federal Reserve has the authority to issue orders to bank holding companies to cease and desist from unsafe or unsound banking practices and violations of laws, regulations, or conditions imposed by, agreements with, or commitments to, the Federal Reserve.  The Federal Reserve is also empowered to assess civil money penalties against companies or individuals who violate the BHCA or orders or regulations thereunder, to order termination of non-banking activities of non-banking subsidiaries of bank holding companies, and to order termination of ownership and control of a non-banking subsidiary by a bank holding company.

Source of Strength.  Under the BHCA, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Bancorp is required to serve as a source of financial strength for the Bank.  This support may be required at times when the Bancorp may not have the resources to provide support to the Bank.  In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a bank subsidiary will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to a priority of payment.

Acquisitions and Activities.  The BHCA prohibits a bank holding company, without prior approval of the Federal Reserve, from acquiring all or substantially all the assets of a bank, acquiring control of a bank, merging or consolidating with another bank holding company, or acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting shares of another bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, the acquiring bank holding company would control more than 5% of the voting shares of such other bank or bank holding company.

The BHCA also prohibits a bank holding company from engaging directly or indirectly in activities other than those of banking, managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to its subsidiary banks.  In 2005, the Bancorp elected financial holding company status pursuant to the provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (“GLBA”).  As a financial holding company, the Bancorp is authorized to engage in certain financial activities in which a bank holding company that has not elected to be a financial holding company may not engage.  “Financial activities” is broadly defined


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to include not only banking, insurance and securities activities, but also merchant banking and additional activities that the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines to be financial in nature, incidental to such financial activities, or complementary activities that do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally.  Currently, as a financial holding company, the Bancorp engages, through WSC, in broker-dealer activities pursuant to this authority.

If a financial holding company or any depository institution subsidiary of a financial holding company fails to remain well capitalized and well managed, the Federal Reserve may impose such limitations on the activities of the financial holding company as the Federal Reserve determines to be appropriate, including limitations that preclude the company and its affiliates from commencing any new activity or acquiring control of or shares of any company engaged in any activity that is authorized particularly for financial holding companies.  The company must also enter into an agreement with the Federal Reserve to comply with all applicable requirements to qualify as a financial holding company. If any insured depository institution subsidiary of a financial holding company remains out of compliance for 180 days or such longer period as the Federal Reserve permits, the Federal Reserve may require the financial holding company to divest either its insured depository institution or all of its non-banking subsidiaries engaged in activities not permissible for a bank holding company.  If a financial holding company fails to maintain a “satisfactory” or better record of performance under the Community Reinvestment Act (the “CRA”), the financial holding company will be prohibited, until the rating is raised to satisfactory or better, from engaging in new activities, or acquiring companies other than bank holding companies, banks or savings associations, except that the Bancorp could engage in new activities, or acquire companies engaged in activities that are closely related to banking under the BHCA.

Limitations on Acquisitions of Bancorp Common Stock.  The Change in Bank Control Act prohibits a person or group of persons acting in concert from acquiring “control” of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve has been notified and has not objected to the transaction.  Under a rebuttable presumption established by the Federal Reserve, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting securities of a bank holding company, such as the Bancorp, with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, would, under the circumstances set forth in the presumption, constitute the acquisition of control of a bank holding company.  In addition, the BHCA prohibits any company from acquiring control of a bank or bank holding company without first having obtained the approval of the Federal Reserve.  Among other circumstances, under the BHCA, a company has control of a bank or bank holding company if the company owns, controls or holds with power to vote 25% or more of a class of voting securities of the bank or bank holding company, controls in any manner the election of a majority of directors or trustees of the bank or bank holding company, or the Federal Reserve has determined, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the company has the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the bank or bank holding company.

Regulation of the Bank
The Bank is subject to the regulation, supervision and examination by the FDIC, the RI Division of Banking and the Connecticut Department of Banking.  The Bank is also subject to various Rhode Island and Connecticut business and banking regulations and the regulations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “CFPB”) (as examined and enforced by the FDIC).  Additionally, under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve may directly examine the subsidiaries of the Bancorp, including the Bank.

Deposit Insurance.  Substantially all of the deposits of the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) and are subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF.  The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased the FDIC deposit insurance limit to $250,000 per depositor for deposits maintained in the same right and capacity at a particular insured depository institution.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDIA”), as amended by the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act and the Dodd-Frank Act, requires the FDIC to take steps as may be necessary to cause the ratio of deposit insurance reserves to estimated insured deposits the designated reserve ratio to reach 1.35% by September 30, 2020, and it mandates that the reserve ratio designated by the FDIC for any year may not be less than 1.35%.  The FDIC utilizes a risk-based assessment system that imposes insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that takes into account a bank’s capital level and supervisory rating.  Assessment rates may also vary for certain institutions based on long-term debt issuer ratings, secured or brokered deposits.  Deposit premiums are based on assets.  To determine its deposit insurance premium, the Bank computes the base amount of its average consolidated assets less its average tangible equity (defined as the amount of Tier 1 capital) and the applicable assessment rate.  The FDIC has the power to adjust deposit insurance assessment rates at any time.  In addition, under the FDIA, the FDIC may


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terminate deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe and unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC.  The Bank’s FDIC insurance expense in 2014 was $1.8 million.

Acquisitions and Branching.  Prior approval from the RI Division of Banking and the FDIC is required in order for the Bank to acquire another bank or establish a new branch office.  Well capitalized and well managed banks may acquire other banks in any state, subject to certain deposit concentration limits and other conditions, pursuant to the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act.  In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act authorizes a state-chartered bank, such as the Bank, to establish new branches on an interstate basis to the same extent a bank chartered by the host state may establish branches.

Activities and Investments of Insured State-Chartered Banks.  Section 24 of the FDIA generally limits the types of equity investments an FDIC-insured state-chartered bank, such as the Bank, may make and the kinds of activities in which such a bank may engage, as a principal, to those that are permissible for national banks.  Further, the GLBA permits national banks and state banks, to the extent permitted under state law, to engage via financial subsidiaries in certain activities that are permissible for subsidiaries of a financial holding company.  In order to form a financial subsidiary, a state-chartered bank must be well capitalized, and such banks would be subject to certain capital deduction, risk management and affiliate transaction rules, among other things.

Brokered Deposits.  Section 29 of the FDIA and FDIC regulations generally limit the ability of an insured depository institution to accept, renew or roll over any brokered deposit unless the institution’s capital category is “well capitalized” or, with the FDIC’s approval, “adequately capitalized.”  Depository institutions, other than those in the lowest risk category, that have brokered deposits in excess of 10% of total deposits will be subject to increased FDIC deposit insurance premium assessments.

Community Reinvestment Act.  The CRA requires the FDIC to evaluate the Bank’s performance in helping to meet the credit needs of the entire communities it serves, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, consistent with its safe and sound banking operations, and to take this record into consideration when evaluating certain applications.  The FDIC’s CRA regulations are generally based upon objective criteria of the performance of institutions under three key assessment tests: (i) a lending test, to evaluate the institution’s record of making loans in its service areas; (ii) an investment test, to evaluate the institution’s record of investing in community development projects, affordable housing, and programs benefiting low or moderate income individuals and businesses; and (iii) a service test, to evaluate the institution’s delivery of services through its branches, ATMs, and other offices.  Failure of an institution to receive at least a “Satisfactory” rating could inhibit the Bank or the Bancorp from undertaking certain activities, including engaging in activities newly permitted as a financial holding company under GLBA and acquisitions of other financial institutions.  The Bank has achieved a rating of “Satisfactory” on its most recent examination dated October 3, 2012.  Rhode Island and Connecticut also have enacted substantially similar community reinvestment requirements.

Lending Restrictions.  Federal law limits a bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons.  Among other things, extensions of credit to insiders are required to be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons.  Also, the terms of such extensions of credit may not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features and may not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of the bank’s capital. The Dodd-Frank Act explicitly provides that an extension of credit to an insider includes credit exposure arising from a derivatives transaction, repurchase agreement, reverse repurchase agreement, securities lending transaction or securities borrowing transaction.  Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act requires that asset sale transactions with insiders must be on market terms, and if the transaction represents more than 10% of the capital and surplus of the Bank, be approved by a majority of the disinterested directors of the Bank.

Enforcement Powers.  The FDIC, the RI Division of Banking and the Connecticut Department of Banking have the authority to issue orders to banks under their supervision to cease and desist from unsafe or unsound banking practices and violations of laws, regulations, or conditions imposed by, agreements with, or commitments to, the FDIC, the RI


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Division of Banking or the Connecticut Department of Banking.  The FDIC, the RI Division of Banking or the Connecticut Department of Banking is also empowered to assess civil money penalties against companies or individuals who violate banking laws, orders or regulations.

Capital Adequacy and Safety and Soundness
Regulatory Capital Requirements.  The Federal Reserve and the FDIC have issued substantially similar risk-based and leverage capital rules applicable to U.S. banking organizations such as the Bancorp and the Bank.  These guidelines are intended to reflect the relationship between a banking organization’s capital and the degree of risk associated with its operations based on transactions recorded on-balance sheet as well as off-balance sheet items.  The Federal Reserve and the FDIC may from time to time require that a banking organization maintain capital above the minimum levels discussed below, due to the banking organization’s financial condition or actual or anticipated growth.

The capital adequacy rules define qualifying capital instruments and specify minimum amounts of capital as a percentage of assets that banking organizations are required to maintain.  Tier 1 capital for banks and bank holding companies generally consists of the sum of common shareholders’ equity, non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and related surplus and, in certain cases and subject to limitations, minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries, less goodwill, other non-qualifying intangible assets and certain other deductions.  Tier 2 capital generally consists of hybrid capital instruments, perpetual debt and mandatory convertible debt securities, cumulative perpetual preferred stock, term subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock, and, subject to limitations, allowances for loan losses.  The sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital less certain required deductions represents qualifying total risk-based capital.  Prior to the effectiveness of certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, bank holding companies were permitted to include trust preferred securities and cumulative perpetual preferred stock in Tier 1 capital, subject to limitations.  However, the Federal Reserve’s capital rule applicable to bank holding companies permanently grandfathers nonqualifying capital instruments, including trust preferred securities, issued before May 19, 2010 by depository institution holding companies with less than $15 billion in total assets as of December 31, 2009, subject to a limit of 25% of Tier 1 capital.  In addition, under rules that became effective January 1, 2015, accumulated other comprehensive income (positive or negative) must be reflected in Tier 1 capital; however, the Bancorp may make a one-time, permanent election to continue to exclude accumulated other comprehensive income from capital.  If the Bancorp does not make this election, unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, will be included in the calculation of the Bancorp’s regulatory capital. The Bancorp intends to make this election.

Under the capital rules, risk-based capital ratios are calculated by dividing Tier 1 and total risk-based capital, respectively, by risk-weighted assets.  Assets and off-balance sheet credit equivalents are assigned a risk weight based primarily on relative risk.  Under rules in effect through December 31, 2014, the minimum required Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 4% and the minimum total risk-based capital ratio was 8%.  As of December 31, 2014, the Bancorp’s Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio was 11.52% and its total risk-based capital ratio was 12.56%.

In addition to the risk-based capital requirements, under rules in effect through December 31, 2014, the Federal Reserve required top-rated bank holding companies to maintain a minimum leverage capital ratio of Tier 1 capital (defined by reference to the risk-based capital guidelines) to its average total consolidated assets of at least 3.0%.  For most other bank holding companies (including the Bancorp), the minimum leverage capital ratio was 4.0%.  Bank holding companies with supervisory, financial, operational or managerial weaknesses, as well as bank holding companies that are anticipating or experiencing significant growth, were expected to maintain capital ratios well above the minimum levels.  The Bancorp’s Tier 1 leverage ratio as of December 31, 2014 was 9.14%.

Prior to the effective date of the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC had adopted a statement of policy regarding the capital adequacy of state-chartered banks and promulgated regulations to implement the system of prompt corrective action established by Section 38 of the FDIA.  Under the FDIC regulations, which were in effect through December 31, 2014, a bank was considered “well capitalized” if it had: (i) a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater; (iii) a leverage capital ratio of 5.0% or greater; and (iv) was not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.



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In 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision released new capital requirements, known as Basel III, setting forth higher capital requirements, enhanced risk coverage, a global leverage ratio, provisions for counter-cyclical capital, and liquidity standards.  In 2013, the Federal Reserve, along with the other federal banking agencies, issued final rules implementing the Basel III capital standards and establishing the minimum capital requirements for banks and bank holding companies required under the Dodd-Frank Act.  These rules, which became effective January 1, 2015, establish a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio requirement of 4.5%, a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio requirement of 6%, a minimum total capital requirement of 8% and a minimum leverage ratio requirement of 4%.  Additionally, subject to a transition schedule, these rules require an institution to establish a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in an amount above the minimum risk-based capital requirements for “adequately capitalized” institutions equal to 2.5% of total risk weighted assets, or face restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, pay discretionary bonuses, and to engage in share repurchases.

Under rules effective January 1, 2015, a bank holding company, such as the Bancorp, is considered “well capitalized” if the bank holding company (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, (ii) has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%, and (iii) is not subject to any written agreement order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.  In addition, the FDIC has amended its prompt corrective action rules to reflect the revisions made by the Final Capital Rule. Under the FDIC’s revised rules, which became effective January 1, 2015, an FDIC supervised institution is considered “well capitalized” if it (i) has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater; (ii) a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater; (iii) a common Tier 1 equity ratio of at least 6.5% or greater, (iv) a leverage capital ratio of 5.0% or greater; and (iv) is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive, or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.

The Bancorp and the Bank are considered “well capitalized” under all regulatory definitions.

Safety and Soundness Standard.  The FDIA requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to prescribe standards, by regulations or guidelines, relating to internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, risk management, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings, stock valuation and compensation, fees and benefits, and such other operational and managerial standards as the agencies deem appropriate.  Guidelines adopted by the federal bank regulatory agencies establish general standards relating to internal controls and information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth and compensation, and fees and benefits. In general, these guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risk and exposures specified in the guidelines.  The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder.  In addition, the federal banking agencies adopted regulations that authorize, but do not require, an agency to order an institution that has been given notice by an agency that it is not satisfying any of such safety and soundness standards to submit a compliance plan.  If, after being so notified, an institution fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan or fails in any material respect to implement an acceptable compliance plan, the agency must issue an order directing action to correct the deficiency and may issue an order directing other actions of the types to which an undercapitalized institution is subject under the “prompt corrective action” provisions of the FDIA. See “-Regulatory Capital Requirements” above.  If an institution fails to comply with such an order, the agency may seek to enforce such order in judicial proceedings and to impose civil money penalties.

Dividend Restrictions
The Bancorp is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank.  Revenues of the Bancorp are derived primarily from dividends paid to it by the Bank.  The right of the Bancorp, and consequently the right of shareholders of the Bancorp, to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of the Bank, through the payment of such dividends or otherwise, is necessarily subject to the prior claims of creditors of the Bank (including depositors), except to the extent that certain claims of the Bancorp in a creditor capacity may be recognized.

Restrictions on Bank Holding Company Dividends.  The Federal Reserve has the authority to prohibit bank holding companies from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice.  The Federal Reserve has indicated generally that it may be an unsafe or unsound practice for bank holding companies to pay dividends unless


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the bank holding company’s net income over the preceding year is sufficient to fund the dividends and the expected rate of earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Further, when the Final Capital Rule comes into effect, the Company’s ability to pay dividends would be restricted if it does not maintain capital above the conservation buffer.  See “-Capital Adequacy and Safety and Soundness-Regulatory Capital Requirements” above.

Restrictions on Bank Dividends.  The FDIC has the authority to use its enforcement powers to prohibit a bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.  Federal law also prohibits the payment of dividends by a bank that will result in the bank failing to meet its applicable capital requirements on a pro forma basis.  Payment of dividends by a bank is also restricted pursuant to various state regulatory limitations. Reference is made to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of the Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends.

Certain Transactions by Bank Holding Companies with their Affiliates
There are various statutory restrictions on the extent to which bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries may borrow, obtain credit from or otherwise engage in “covered transactions” with their insured depository institution subsidiaries.  The Dodd-Frank Act amended the definition of affiliate to include an investment fund for which the depository institution or one of its affiliates is an investment adviser.  An insured depository institution (and its subsidiaries) may not lend money to, or engage in covered transactions with, its non-depository institution affiliates if the aggregate amount of covered transactions outstanding involving the bank, plus the proposed transaction exceeds the following limits: (i) in the case of any one such affiliate, the aggregate amount of covered transactions of the insured depository institution and its subsidiaries cannot exceed 10% of the capital stock and surplus of the insured depository institution; and (ii) in the case of all affiliates, the aggregate amount of covered transactions of the insured depository institution and its subsidiaries cannot exceed 20% of the capital stock and surplus of the insured depository institution. For this purpose, “covered transactions” are defined by statute to include a loan or extension of credit to an affiliate, a purchase of or investment in securities issued by an affiliate, a purchase of assets from an affiliate unless exempted by the Federal Reserve, the acceptance of securities issued by an affiliate as collateral for a loan or extension of credit to any person or company, the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate, securities borrowing or lending transactions with an affiliate that creates a credit exposure to such affiliate, or a derivatives transaction with an affiliate that creates a credit exposure to such affiliate.  Covered transactions are also subject to certain collateral security requirements. Covered transactions as well as other types of transactions between a bank and a bank holding company must be on market terms and not otherwise unduly favorable to the holding company or an affiliate of the holding company. Moreover, Section 106 of the BHCA provides that, to further competition, a bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tying arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, lease or sale of property of any kind, or furnishing of any service.

Consumer Protection Regulation
The Bancorp and the Bank are subject to federal and state laws designed to protect consumers and prohibit unfair or deceptive business practices including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Fair Housing Act, Home Ownership Protection Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (“FACT Act”), the GLBA, the Truth in Lending Act, the CRA, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, National Flood Insurance Act and various state law counterparts.  These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must interact with customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans and providing other services.  Further, the Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB, which has the responsibility for making rules and regulations under the federal consumer protection laws relating to financial products and services.  The CFPB also has a broad mandate to prohibit unfair or deceptive acts and practices and is specifically empowered to require certain disclosures to consumers and draft model disclosure forms.  Failure to comply with consumer protection laws and regulations can subject financial institutions to enforcement actions, fines and other penalties.  The FDIC examines the Bank for compliance with CFPB rules and enforces CFPB rules with respect to the Bank.

Mortgage Reform. The Dodd-Frank Act prescribes certain standards that mortgage lenders must consider before making a residential mortgage loan, including verifying a borrower’s ability to repay such mortgage loan and allows borrowers to assert violations of certain provisions of the Truth in Lending Act as a defense to foreclosure proceedings. Under the


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Dodd-Frank Act, prepayment penalties are prohibited for certain mortgage transactions and creditors are prohibited from financing insurance policies in connection with a residential mortgage loan or home equity line of credit. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act prohibits mortgage originators from receiving compensation based on the terms of residential mortgage loans and generally limits the ability of a mortgage originator to be compensated by others if compensation is received from a consumer. The Dodd-Frank Act requires mortgage lenders to make additional disclosures prior to the extension of credit, in each billing statement and for negative amortization loans and hybrid adjustable rate mortgages. Additionally, CFPB’s new qualified mortgage rule, which was amended and became effective on November 3, 2014 (the “QM Rule”), requires creditors, such as Washington Trust, to make a reasonable good faith determination of a consumer's ability to repay any consumer credit transaction secured by a dwelling.

Privacy and Customer Information Security.  The GLBA requires financial institutions to implement policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of nonpublic personal information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties. In general, the Bank must provide its customers with an annual disclosure that explains its policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such nonpublic personal information, and, except as otherwise required or permitted by law, the Bank is prohibited from disclosing such information except as provided in such policies and procedures.  The GLBA also requires that the Bank develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information (as defined under GLBA), to protect against anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.  The Bank is also required to send a notice to customers whose sensitive information has been compromised if unauthorized use of the information is reasonably possible.  Most states, including the states where the Bank operates, have enacted legislation concerning breaches of data security and the duties of the Bank in response to a data breach.  Congress continues to consider federal legislation that would require consumer notice of data security breaches.  In addition, Massachusetts has promulgated data security regulations with respect to personal information of Massachusetts residents.  Pursuant to the FACT Act, the Bank had to develop and implement a written identity theft prevention program to detect, prevent, and mitigate identity theft in connection with the opening of certain accounts or certain existing accounts.  Additionally, the FACT Act amends the Fair Credit Reporting Act to generally prohibit a person from using information received from an affiliate to make a solicitation for marketing purposes to a consumer, unless the consumer is given notice and a reasonable opportunity and a reasonable and simple method to opt out of the making of such solicitations.

Anti-Money Laundering
The Bank Secrecy Act.  Under the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), a financial institution is required to have systems in place to detect certain transactions, based on the size and nature of the transaction.  Financial institutions are generally required to report to the U.S. Treasury any cash transactions involving more than $10,000.  In addition, financial institutions are required to file suspicious activity reports for transactions that involve more than $5,000 and which the financial institution knows, suspects or has reason to suspect involves illegal funds, is designed to evade the requirements of the BSA or has no lawful purpose.  The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA PATRIOT Act”), which amended the BSA, together with the implementing regulations of various federal regulatory agencies, has caused financial institutions, such as the Bank, to adopt and implement additional policies or amend existing policies and procedures with respect to, among other things, anti-money laundering compliance, suspicious activity, currency transaction reporting, customer identity verification and customer risk analysis.  In evaluating an application under Section 3 of the BHCA to acquire a bank or an application under the Bank Merger Act to merge banks or effect a purchase of assets and assumption of deposits and other liabilities, the applicable federal banking regulator must consider the anti-money laundering compliance record of both the applicant and the target.  In addition, under the USA PATRIOT Act financial institutions are required to take steps to monitor their correspondent banking and private banking relationships as well as, if applicable, their relationships with “shell banks.”

OFAC.  The U.S. has imposed economic sanctions that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, nationals and others.  These sanctions, which are administered by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), take many different forms.  Generally, however, they contain one or more of the following elements: (i) restrictions on trade with or investment in a sanctioned country, including prohibitions against direct or indirect imports from and exports to a sanctioned country and prohibitions on “U.S. persons” engaging in financial or other transactions relating to a sanctioned country or with certain designated persons and entities; (ii) a blocking of assets in which the government or specially designated nationals of the sanctioned country have an interest, by prohibiting transfers of property subject to


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U.S. jurisdiction (including property in the possession or control of U.S. persons); and (iii) restrictions on transactions with or involving certain persons or entities.  Blocked assets (for example, property and bank deposits) cannot be paid out, withdrawn, set off or transferred in any manner without a license from OFAC.  Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the Corporation.

Regulation of Other Activities
Registered Investment Adviser and Broker-Dealer. WSC is a registered broker-dealer and a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”).  WSC is subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), FINRA and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Weston Financial is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Advisers Act”), and is subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the SEC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including those related to sales methods, trading practices, the use and safekeeping of customers’ funds and securities, capital structure, record keeping and the conduct of directors, officers and employees.

As an investment advisor, Weston Financial is subject to the Investment Advisers Act and any regulations promulgated thereunder, including fiduciary, recordkeeping, operational and disclosure obligations.  Each of the mutual funds for which Weston Financial acts an advisor or subadvisor is registered with the SEC under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), and subject to requirements thereunder.  Shares of each mutual fund are registered with the SEC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and are qualified for sale (or exempt from such qualification) under the laws of each state and the District of Columbia to the extent such shares are sold in any of those jurisdictions.  In addition, an advisor or subadvisor to a registered investment company generally has obligations with respect to the qualification of the registered investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).

The foregoing laws and regulations generally grant supervisory agencies and bodies broad administrative powers, including the power to limit or restrict Weston Financial from conducting its business in the event it fails to comply with such laws and regulations.  Possible sanctions that may be imposed in the event of such noncompliance include the suspension of individual employees, limitations on business activities for specified periods of time, revocation of registration as an investment advisor, commodity trading advisor and/or other registrations, and other censures and fines.

Mortgage Lending. WTMC, formed in 2012, is a mortgage lending subsidiary of the Bank and licensed to do business in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire. WTMC is subject to the regulation, supervision and examination by the banking divisions in each of these states. See “-Consumer Protection Regulation” and “-Consumer Protection Regulation-Mortgage Reform” above for a description of certain regulations that apply to WTMC.

Volcker Rule Restrictions on Proprietary Trading and Sponsorship of Hedge Funds and Private Equity Funds.  The Dodd-Frank Act bars banking organizations, such as the Bancorp, from engaging in proprietary trading and from sponsoring and investing in hedge funds and private equity funds, except as permitted under certain limited circumstances, in a provision commonly referred to as the “Volcker Rule.”  Under the Dodd-Frank Act, proprietary trading generally means trading by a banking entity or its affiliate for its trading account. Hedge funds and private equity funds are described by the Dodd-Frank Act as funds that would be registered under the Investment Company Act but for certain enumerated exemptions.  The Volcker Rule restrictions apply to the Bancorp, the Bank and all of their subsidiaries and affiliates.

ERISA.  The Bank and Weston Financial are each also subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”), and related regulations, to the extent it is a “fiduciary” under ERISA with respect to some of its clients.  ERISA and related provisions of the Code impose duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA, and prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of each ERISA plan that is a client of the Bank or Weston Financial, as applicable, as well as certain transactions by the fiduciaries (and several other related parties) to such plans.

Securities and Exchange Commission Availability of Filings
Under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, periodic and current reports must be filed or furnished with the SEC.  You may read and copy any reports, statements or other information filed by Washington Trust with the SEC at its public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.  Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms.  Washington Trust’s filings are also available to the public from commercial


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document retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.  In addition, Washington Trust makes available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of its website (www.washtrust.com) its annual report on Form 10-K, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and exhibits and amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. Information on the Washington Trust website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A.  Risk Factors.
Before making any investment decision with respect to our common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described below, in addition to the other information contained in this report and in our other filings with the SEC. The risks and uncertainties described below and in our other filings are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also affect our business. If any of these known or unknown risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be impaired. In that event, the market price for our common stock could decline and you may lose your investment. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

Risks Related to Our Banking Business - Credit Risk and Market Risk
Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses.
We are exposed to the risk that our borrowers may default on their obligations. A borrower’s default on its obligations under one or more loans may result in lost principal and interest income and increased operating expenses as a result of the allocation of management time and resources to the collection and work-out of the loan. In certain situations, where collection efforts are unsuccessful or acceptable work-out arrangements cannot be reached, we may have to write off the loan in whole or in part. In such situations, we may acquire real estate or other assets, if any, that secure the loan through foreclosure or other similar available remedies, and often the amount owed under the defaulted loan exceeds the value of the assets acquired.

We periodically make a determination of an allowance for loan losses based on available information, including, but not limited to, the quality of the loan portfolio, certain economic conditions, the value of the underlying collateral and the level of nonaccrual and criticized loans. We rely on our loan quality reviews, our experience and our evaluation of economic conditions, among other factors, in determining the amount of provision required for the allowance for loan losses. Provisions to this allowance result in an expense for the period. If, as a result of general economic conditions, changes to previous assumptions, or an increase in defaulted loans, we determine that additional increases in the allowance for loan losses are necessary, we will incur additional expenses.

Determining the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. At any time, there are likely to be loans in our portfolio that will result in losses but that have not been identified as nonperforming or potential problem credits. We cannot be sure that we will be able to identify deteriorating credits before they become nonperforming assets or that we will be able to limit losses on those loans that are identified. We have in the past been, and in the future may be, required to increase our allowance for loan losses for any of several reasons. Federal and state regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio as part of a regulatory examination, may request that we increase our allowance for loan losses. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in our allowance for loan losses. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed our allowance for loan losses, we will need additional increases in our allowance for loan losses. Any increases in our allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in our net income and, possibly, our capital, and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

For a more detailed discussion on the allowance for loan losses, see additional information disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.”

Fluctuations in interest rates may reduce our profitability.
Our consolidated results of operations depend, to a large extent, on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest-earning assets, such as loans and investments, and interest expense on interest-bearing


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liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.  These rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, both domestic and foreign, and the monetary and fiscal policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities. We have adopted asset and liability management policies to minimize the potential adverse effects of changes in interest rates on net interest income, primarily by altering the mix and maturity of loans, investments funding sources, and derivatives. However, even with these policies in place, a change in interest rates can impact our results of operations or financial condition.

The market values of most of our financial assets are sensitive to fluctuations in market interest rates.  Fixed-rate investments, mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans typically decline in value as interest rates rise.  Changes in interest rates can also affect the rate of prepayments on mortgage-backed securities, thereby adversely affecting the value of such securities and the interest income generated by them.

Changes in interest rates can also affect the amount of loans that we originate, as well as the value of loans and other interest-earning assets and our ability to realize gains on the sale of such assets and liabilities.  Prevailing interest rates also affect the extent to which our borrowers prepay their loans.  When interest rates increase, borrowers are less likely to prepay their loans, and when interest rates decrease, borrowers are more likely to prepay loans.  Funds generated by prepayments might be reinvested at a less favorable interest rate.  Prepayments may adversely affect the value of mortgage loans, the levels of such assets that are retained in our portfolio, net interest income, loan servicing income and capitalized servicing rights.

Increases in interest rates might cause depositors to shift funds from accounts that have a comparatively lower cost, such as regular savings accounts, to accounts with a higher cost, such as certificates of deposit. If the cost of interest-bearing deposits increases at a rate greater than the yields on interest-earning assets increase, our net interest income will be negatively affected.  Changes in the asset and liability mix may also affect our net interest income.

For additional discussion on interest rate risk, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Asset / Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk.”

Our loan portfolio includes commercial loans, which are generally riskier than other types of loans.
At December 31, 2014, commercial loans represented 54% of our loan portfolio. Commercial loans generally carry larger loan balances and involve a higher risk of nonpayment or late payment than residential mortgage loans. These loans may lack standardized terms and may include a balloon payment feature. The ability of a borrower to make or refinance a balloon payment may be affected by a number of factors, including the financial condition of the borrower, prevailing economic conditions and prevailing interest rates. Repayment of these loans is generally more dependent on the economy and the successful operation of a business. Because of the risks associated with commercial loans, we may experience higher rates of default than if the portfolio were more heavily weighted toward residential mortgage loans. Higher rates of default could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Environmental liability associated with our lending activities could result in losses.
In the course of business, we may acquire, through foreclosure, properties securing loans we have originated that are in default. While we believe that our credit granting process incorporates appropriate procedures for the assessment of environmental contamination risk, there is a risk that material environmental violations could be discovered on these properties, particularly in commercial real estate lending. In this event, we might be required to remedy these violations at the affected properties at our sole cost and expense. The cost of this remedial action could substantially exceed the value of affected properties. We may not have adequate remedies against the prior owner or other responsible parties and could find it difficult or impossible to sell the affected properties. These events could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We have credit and market risk inherent in our securities portfolio.
We maintain a diversified securities portfolio, which includes U.S. government agency and government-sponsored agency debt obligations, including mortgage-backed securities; municipal securities; corporate debt securities; and individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities.  We seek to limit credit losses in our securities portfolios by generally purchasing only highly-rated securities.  The valuation and liquidity of our securities could be adversely impacted by reduced market liquidity, increased normal bid-asked spreads and increased uncertainty of market participants, which could reduce the


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market value of our securities, even those with no apparent credit exposure.  The valuation of our securities requires judgment and as market conditions change security values may also change.

Difficult market conditions and economic trends in the real estate market have adversely affected our industry and our business and could continue to have an adverse effect.
We were particularly affected by downturns in the U.S. real estate market following the 2008 financial crisis. Declines in the real estate market over the past several years, including decreased property values and increased delinquencies and foreclosures, may continue to have a negative impact on the credit performance of loans secured by real estate resulting in significant write-downs of assets by many financial institutions as the values of real estate collateral supporting many loans have declined significantly. In addition, a deterioration in the economy or increased levels of unemployment, among other factors, could lead to erosion of customer confidence, a reduction in general business activity and increased market volatility. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and businesses and the lack of confidence in the financial markets could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price. Our ability to properly assess the creditworthiness of customers and to estimate the losses inherent in our credit exposure would be made more complex by these difficult market and economic conditions. Accordingly, if market conditions worsen, we may experience increases in foreclosures, delinquencies, write-offs and customer bankruptcies, as well as more restricted access to funds.

Weakness or deterioration in the southern New England economy could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
We primarily serve individuals and businesses located in southern New England. As a result, a significant portion of our earnings are closely tied to the economy of that region. Weakening or deterioration in the economy of southern New England could result in the following consequences:
    loan delinquencies may increase;
    problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
    demand for our products and services may decline;
    collateral for our loans may decline in value, in turn reducing a customer's borrowing power and reducing the value of collateral securing a loan; and
    the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us.

We operate in a highly regulated industry, and laws and regulations, or changes in them, could limit or restrict our activities and could have an adverse impact in our operations.
We are subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve, and the Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the FDIC, Rhode Island Division of Banking and the Connecticut Department of Banking. Federal and state laws and regulations govern numerous matters affecting us, including changes in the ownership or control of banks and bank holding companies, maintenance of adequate capital and the financial condition of a financial institution, permissible types, amounts and terms of extensions of credit and investments, permissible non-banking activities, the level of reserves against deposits and restrictions on dividend payments. The FDIC, Rhode Island Division of Banking and the Connecticut Division of Banking have the power to issue consent orders to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law by banks subject to their regulation, and the Federal Reserve possesses similar powers with respect to bank holding companies.

Our banking business is also affected by the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve. Changes in monetary or legislative policies may affect the interest rates the Bank must offer to attract deposits and the interest rates it must charge on loans, as well as the manner in which it offers deposits and makes loans. These monetary policies have had, and are expected to continue to have, significant effects on the operating results of depository institutions generally, including the Bank.

Because our business is highly regulated, the laws, rules, regulations, and supervisory guidance and policies applicable to us are subject to regular modification and change. It is impossible to predict the competitive impact that any such changes would have on the banking and financial services industry in general or on our business in particular. Such changes may, among other things, increase the cost of doing business, limit permissible activities, or affect the competitive


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balance between banks and other financial institutions. Changes to statutes, regulations, or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations, or policies, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer, and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations, or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties, and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. See “Business-Supervision and Regulation.”

Additional requirements imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act could adversely affect us.
The Dodd-Frank Act comprehensively reformed the regulation of financial institutions, products and services. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB as an independent bureau of the Federal Reserve. The CFPB has the authority to prescribe rules for all depository institutions governing the provision of consumer financial products and services, which may result in rules and regulations that reduce the profitability of such products and services or impose greater costs and restrictions on us and our subsidiaries.

On December 10, 2013, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, federal banking and securities regulators issued final rules to implement Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act, also known as the “Volcker Rule.” Generally, the Volcker Rule restricts banking organizations and their affiliated companies from engaging in proprietary trading and from sponsoring and investing in hedge funds and private equity funds, except as permitted under certain limited circumstances. After a conformance period, which is currently set to end on July 21, 2015 (except for certain investments and activities existing before December 31, 2013), the Volcker Rule restrictions will apply to the Bancorp, the Bank and all of their subsidiaries and affiliates.

The Dodd-Frank Act also established new minimum mortgage underwriting standards for residential mortgages, and the regulatory agencies have focused on the examination and supervision of mortgage lending and servicing activities. The CFPB’s QM Rule requires creditors, such as Washington Trust, to make a reasonable good faith determination of a consumer's ability to repay any consumer credit transaction secured by a dwelling. The rule provides creditors with minimum requirements for making such ability-to-repay determinations and could limit the Bank’s ability to make certain types of loans or loans to certain borrowers, or could make it more expensive and time-consuming to make these loans, which could limit the Bank’s growth or profitability. See “-Business-Supervision and Regulation-The Dodd-Frank Act.”

Current and future legal and regulatory requirements, restrictions, and regulations, including those imposed under the Dodd-Frank Act, may adversely impact our profitability and may have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes required by the legislation and related regulations and may make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified executive officers and employees.

We will become subject to more stringent capital requirements.
The federal banking agencies issued a joint final rule, or the “Final Capital Rule,” that implemented the Basel III capital standards and established the minimum capital levels required under the Dodd-Frank Act. As of January 1, 2015, we must comply with the Final Capital Rule. The Final Capital Rule established a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5% of risk-weighted assets for a “well capitalized” institution and increased the minimum Tier 1 capital ratio for a “well capitalized” institution from 6.0% to 8.0% for FDIC supervised institutions. Additionally, subject to a transition period, the Final Capital Rule requires an institution to maintain a 2.5% common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer over the 6.5% minimum risk based capital requirements for “adequately capitalized” institutions to avoid restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, discretionary bonuses, and engage in share repurchases. The Final Capital Rule permanently grandfathers trust preferred securities issued before May 19, 2010 subject to a limit of 25% of Tier 1 capital. The Final Capital Rule increased the required capital for certain categories of assets, including high-volatility construction real estate loans and certain exposures related to securitizations; however, the Final Capital Rule retained the current capital treatment of residential mortgages. Under the Final Capital Rule, we may make a one-time, permanent election to continue to exclude accumulated other comprehensive income from capital. If we do not make this election, unrealized gains and losses will be included in the calculation of our regulatory capital. We intend to make this election. Implementation of these standards, or any other new regulations, may adversely affect our ability to pay dividends, or require us to reduce business levels or raise capital, including in ways that may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.


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The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.
Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions.  Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships.  We have exposure to a number of different counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial industry, including brokers and dealers, other commercial banks, investment banks, and other financial institutions.  As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services institutions, or the financial services industry generally, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and losses or defaults by us or by other institutions and organizations.  Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default of our counterparty or customer.  In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be liquidated or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the financial instrument exposure due to us.  There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Wealth Management Business
Our wealth management business is highly regulated, and the regulators have the ability to limit or restrict our activities and impose fines or suspensions on the conduct of our business.
We offer wealth management services through the Bank and its subsidiary, Weston Financial, a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act. The Investment Advisers Act imposes numerous obligations on registered investment advisers, including fiduciary, record keeping, operational and disclosure obligations. We are also subject to the provisions and regulations of ERISA to the extent that we act as a “fiduciary” under ERISA with respect to certain of our clients. ERISA and the applicable provisions of the federal tax laws impose a number of duties on persons who are fiduciaries under ERISA and prohibit certain transactions involving the assets of each ERISA plan which is a client, as well as certain transactions by the fiduciaries (and certain other related parties) to such plans. In addition, applicable law provides that all investment contracts with mutual fund clients may be terminated by the clients, without penalty, upon no more than 60 days notice. Investment contracts with institutional and other clients are typically terminable by the client, also without penalty, upon 30 days notice. Changes in these laws or regulations could have a material adverse impact on our profitability and mode of operations.

The market value of wealth management assets under administration may be negatively affected by changes in economic and market conditions.
Revenues from wealth management services represented 22% of our total revenues for 2014.  A substantial portion of these fees are dependent on the market value of wealth management assets under administration, which are primarily marketable securities.  Changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions, volatility in financial markets, and general trends in business and finance, all of which are beyond our control, could adversely impact the market value of these assets and the fee revenues derived from the management of these assets.

We may not be able to attract and retain wealth management clients at current levels.
Due to strong competition, our wealth management business may not be able to attract and retain clients at current levels.  Competition is strong because there are numerous well-established and successful investment management and wealth advisory firms including commercial banks and trust companies, investment advisory firms, mutual fund companies, stock brokerage firms, and other financial companies.  Many of our competitors have greater resources than we have.

Our ability to successfully attract and retain wealth management clients is dependent upon our ability to compete with competitors’ investment products, level of investment performance, client services and marketing and distribution capabilities.  If we are not successful, our results of operations and financial condition may be negatively impacted.

Wealth management revenues are primarily derived from investment management (including mutual funds), trust fees and financial planning services.  Most of our investment management clients may withdraw funds from accounts under management generally at their sole discretion.  Financial planning contracts must typically be renewed on an annual basis and are terminable upon relatively short notice.  The financial performance of our wealth management business is a significant factor in our overall results of operations and financial condition.



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Risks Related to Our Operations
We may suffer losses as a result of operational risk, cyber security risk, or technical system failures.
We are subject to certain operational risks, including, but not limited to, the risk of electronic fraudulent activity due to cyber criminals targeting bank accounts and other customer information, data processing system failures and errors, inadequate or failed internal processes, customer or employee fraud and catastrophic failures resulting from terrorist acts or natural disasters.  We depend upon data processing, software, communication, and information exchange on a variety of computing platforms and networks and over the Internet, and we rely on the services of a variety of vendors to meet our data processing and communication needs.  Despite instituted safeguards, we cannot be certain that all of our systems are entirely free from vulnerability to attack or other technological difficulties or failures. Information security risks have increased significantly due to the use of online, telephone, and mobile banking channels by customers and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, and other external parties. Our technologies, systems, networks and our customers’ devices have been or are likely to continue to be the target of cyber-attacks, computer viruses, malicious code, phishing attacks or attempted information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our customers’ confidential, proprietary, and other information, the theft of customer assets through fraudulent transactions or disruption of our or our customers’ or other third parties’ business operations. If information security is breached or other technology difficulties or failures occur, information may be lost or misappropriated, services and operations may be interrupted and we could be exposed to claims from customers. While we maintain a system of internal controls and procedures, any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

We rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure.
Third party vendors provide key components of our business infrastructure such as Internet connections, network access and core application processing. While we have selected these third party vendors carefully, we do not control their actions. Any problems caused by these third parties, including as a result of their not providing us their services for any reason or their performing their services poorly, could adversely affect our ability to deliver products and services to our customers or otherwise conduct our business efficiently and effectively. Replacing these third party vendors could also entail significant delay and expense.

We may not be able to compete effectively against larger financial institutions in our increasingly competitive industry.
We compete with larger bank and non-bank financial institutions for loans and deposits in the communities we serve, and we may face even greater competition in the future due to legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation.  Many of our competitors have significantly greater resources and lending limits than we have.  Banks and other financial services firms can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service.  In addition, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automated transfer and automatic payment systems.  Many competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures than we do.  Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.  Our long-term success depends on the ability of Washington Trust to compete successfully with other financial institutions in Washington Trust’s service areas.

We may be unable to attract and retain key personnel.
Our success depends, in large part, on our ability to attract and retain key personnel.  Competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry can be intense and we may not be able to hire or retain the key personnel that we depend upon for success.  The unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel could have a material adverse impact on our business because of their skills, knowledge of the markets in which we operate, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.

Damage to our reputation could significantly harm our business, including our competitive position and business prospects.
We are dependent on our reputation within our market area, as a trusted and responsible financial company, for all aspects of our business with customers, employees, vendors, third-party service providers, and others, with whom we conduct business or potential future businesses. Our ability to attract and retain customers and employees could be adversely affected if our reputation is damaged. Our actual or perceived failure to address various issues could give rise to reputational risk that could cause harm to us and our business prospects. These issues also include, but are not limited to, legal and


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regulatory requirements; properly maintaining customer and employee personal information; record keeping; money-laundering; sales and trading practices; ethical issues; appropriately addressing potential conflicts of interest; and the proper identification of the legal, reputational, credit, liquidity and market risks inherent in our products. Failure to appropriately address any of these issues could also give rise to additional regulatory restrictions and legal risks, which could, among other consequences, increase the size and number of litigation claims and damages asserted or subject us to enforcement actions, fines and penalties and cause us to incur related costs and expenses. Furthermore, any damage to our reputation could affect our ability to retain and develop the business relationships necessary to conduct business, which in turn could negatively impact our financial condition, results of operations, and the market price of our common stock.

We face significant legal risks, both from regulatory investigations and proceedings and from private actions brought against us.
From time to time we are named as a defendant or are otherwise involved in various legal proceedings, including class actions and other litigation or disputes with third parties. There is no assurance that litigation with private parties will not increase in the future. Actions currently pending against us may result in judgments, settlements, fines, penalties or other results adverse to us, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations, or cause serious reputational harm to us. As a participant in the financial services industry, it is likely that we will continue to experience litigation related to our businesses and operations.

Our businesses and operations are also subject to increasing regulatory oversight and scrutiny, which may lead to additional regulatory investigations or enforcement actions. These and other initiatives from federal and state officials may subject us to further judgments, settlements, fines or penalties, or cause us to be required to restructure our operations and activities, all of which could lead to reputational issues, or higher operational costs, thereby reducing our revenue.

We may incur fines, penalties and other negative consequences from regulatory violations, possibly even inadvertent or unintentional violations.
We maintain systems and procedures designed to ensure that we comply with applicable laws and regulations. However, some legal/regulatory frameworks provide for the imposition of fines or penalties for noncompliance even though the noncompliance was inadvertent or unintentional and even though there was in place at the time systems and procedures designed to ensure compliance. For example, we are subject to regulations issued by OFAC that prohibit financial institutions from participating in the transfer of property belonging to the governments of certain foreign countries, designated nationals of those countries and certain other persons or entities whose interest in property is blocked by OFAC-administered sanctions. OFAC may impose penalties for inadvertent or unintentional violations even if reasonable processes are in place to prevent the violations. There may be other negative consequences resulting from a finding of noncompliance, including restrictions on certain activities. Such a finding may also damage our reputation as described above and could restrict the ability of institutional investment managers to invest in our securities.

Risks Related to Liquidity
We are subject to liquidity risk.
Liquidity is the ability to meet cash flow needs on a timely basis at a reasonable cost. Our liquidity is used principally to originate or purchase loans, to repay deposit liabilities and other liabilities when they come due, and to fund operating costs. Customer demand for non-maturity deposits can be difficult to predict. Changes in market interest rates, increased competition within our markets, and other factors may make deposit gathering more difficult. Disruptions in the capital markets or interest rate changes may make the terms of wholesale funding sources, which include FHLBB advances, brokered time certificates of deposit, federal funds purchased and securities sold under repurchase agreements, less favorable and may make it difficult to sell securities when needed to provide additional liquidity. As a result, there is a risk that the cost of funding will increase or that we will not have sufficient funds to meet our obligations when they come due.

We are a holding company and depend on the Bank for dividends, distributions and other payments.
The Bancorp is a legal entity separate and distinct from the Bank. Revenues of the Bancorp are derived primarily from dividends paid to it by the Bank. The right of the Bancorp, and consequently the right of shareholders of the Bancorp, to participate in any distribution of the assets or earnings of the Bank, through the payment of such dividends or otherwise,


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is necessarily subject to the prior claims of creditors of the Bank (including depositors), except to the extent that certain claims of the Bancorp in a creditor capacity may be recognized.

Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends only when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors. Although we have historically declared cash dividends on our common stock, we are not required to do so and our Board of Directors may reduce or eliminate our common stock dividend in the future. The Federal Reserve has authority to prohibit bank holding companies from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice. Additionally, the FDIC has the authority to use its enforcement powers to prohibit a bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Further, when the Final Capital Rule comes into effect our ability to pay dividends would be restricted if we do not maintain a capital conservation buffer. A reduction or elimination of dividends could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. See Item, “Business-Supervision and Regulation-Dividend Restrictions” and “Business-Supervision and Regulation-Regulatory Capital Requirements.”

Risks Related to Accounting and Accounting Standards
If we are required to write-down goodwill recorded in connection with our acquisitions, our profitability would be negatively impacted.
Applicable accounting standards require us to use the purchase method of accounting for all business combinations.  Under purchase accounting, if the purchase price of an acquired company exceeds the fair value of the company’s net assets, the excess is carried on the acquirer’s balance sheet as goodwill.  At December 31, 2014, we had $58.1 million of goodwill on our balance sheet.  Goodwill must be evaluated for impairment at least annually.  A significant and sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, slower growth rates or other factors could result in impairment of goodwill. Write-downs of the amount of any impairment, if necessary, would be charged to the results of operations in the period in which the impairment occurs.  There can be no assurance that future evaluations of goodwill will not result in findings of impairment and related write-downs, which would have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The performance of our securities portfolio in difficult market conditions could have adverse effects on our results of operations.
Under applicable accounting standards, we are required to review our securities portfolio periodically for the presence of other-than-temporary impairment, taking into consideration current market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, volatility of earnings, current analysts’ evaluations, our ability and intent to hold securities until a recovery of fair value, as well as other factors. Adverse developments with respect to one or more of the foregoing factors may require us to deem particular securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired, with the credit related portion of the reduction in the value recognized as a charge to the results of operations in the period in which the impairment occurs. Market volatility may make it difficult to value certain securities. Subsequent valuations, in light of factors prevailing at that time, may result in significant changes in the values of these securities in future periods. Any of these factors could require us to recognize further impairments in the value of our securities portfolio, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations in future periods.

Changes in accounting standards are difficult to predict and can materially impact our financial statements.
Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board or regulatory authorities change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in our restating prior period financial statements.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our common stock is not insured by any governmental entity.
Our common stock is not a deposit account or other obligation of any bank and is not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental entity.



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The market price and trading volume of our stock can be volatile.
The price of our common stock can fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors. In addition, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. We cannot assure you that the market price of our common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly. Some of the factors that could cause fluctuations or declines in the price of our common stock include, but are not limited to, actual or anticipated variations in reported operating results, recommendations by securities analysts, the level of trading activity in our common stock, new services or delivery systems offered by competitors, business combinations involving our competitors, operating and stock price performance of companies that investors deem to be comparable to Washington Trust, news reports relating to trends or developments in the credit, mortgage and housing markets as well as the financial services industry, and changes in government regulations.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future and such capital may not be available when needed.
As a bank holding company, we are required by regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs.  Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and our financial performance.  We cannot assure you that such capital will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.  Our inability to raise sufficient additional capital on acceptable terms when needed could subject us to certain activity restrictions or to a variety of enforcement remedies available to the regulatory authorities, including limitations on our ability to pay dividends or pursue acquisitions, the issuance by regulatory authorities of a capital directive to increase capital and the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC.

Certain provisions of our articles of incorporation may have an anti-takeover effect.
Provisions of our articles of incorporation and regulations and federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial to our shareholders. The combination of these provisions may inhibit a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

ITEM 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.



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ITEM 2.  Properties.
Washington Trust is headquartered at 23 Broad Street, Westerly, Rhode Island. As of December 31, 2014, the Bank has ten branch offices located in southern Rhode Island (Washington County), eight branch offices located in the greater Providence area in Rhode Island and one branch office located in southeastern Connecticut. Washington Trust plans to open two new full-service branches in the greater Providence area in 2015. In addition, Washington Trust has also identified and submitted applications for future branch locations in North Providence and Coventry, Rhode Island, which are pending regulatory approval.

As of December 31, 2014, Washington Trust also has a commercial lending office located in the financial district of Providence, Rhode Island and six residential mortgage lending offices that are located in eastern Massachusetts (Sharon, Burlington and Braintree), in Glastonbury and Darien, Connecticut and in Warwick, Rhode Island. Washington Trust provides wealth management services from its offices located in Westerly, Narragansett and Providence, Rhode Island, and Wellesley, Massachusetts. Washington Trust has two operations facilities and a corporate office located in Westerly, Rhode Island, as well as an additional corporate office located in East Greenwich, Rhode Island.

At December 31, 2014, nine of the Corporation’s facilities were owned, twenty-one were leased and one branch office was owned on leased land.  Lease expiration dates range from two months to twenty-six years with renewal options on certain leases of three months to twenty-five years.  All of the Corporation’s properties are considered to be in good condition and adequate for the purpose for which they are used.

In addition to the locations mentioned above, the Bank has two owned offsite-ATMs in leased spaces.  The terms of one of these leases are negotiated annually.  The term for the second offsite-ATM leased space expires in five years with no renewal option.

The Bank also operates ATMs that are branded with the Bank’s logo under contracts with a third party vendor located in retail stores and other locations primarily in Rhode Island and to a lesser extent in southeastern Connecticut.

For additional information regarding premises and equipment and lease obligations see Notes 7 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 3.  Legal Proceedings.
The Corporation is involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of business.  Management is of the opinion, based on its review with counsel of the development of such matters to date, that the ultimate disposition of such other matters will not materially affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Corporation.

ITEM 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.



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PART II

ITEM 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The Bancorp’s common stock trades on NASDAQ OMX® under the symbol WASH.

The following table summarizes quarterly high and low stock price ranges, the end of quarter closing price and dividends paid per share for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Quarters
2014
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
Stock Prices:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$38.40
 
$38.45
 
$38.10
 
$41.10
Low
31.46
 
32.77
 
32.99
 
32.20
Close
37.47
 
36.77
 
32.99
 
40.18
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividend declared per share
$0.29
 
$0.29
 
$0.32
 
$0.32

 
Quarters
2013
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
Stock Prices:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
High
$28.00
 
$29.08
 
$33.09
 
$38.05
Low
25.53
 
25.71
 
28.33
 
30.49
Close
27.38
 
28.52
 
31.43
 
37.22
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividend declared per share
$0.25
 
$0.25
 
$0.26
 
$0.27

At February 27, 2015, there were 1,742 holders of record of the Bancorp’s common stock.

The Bancorp will continue to review future common stock dividends based on profitability, financial resources and economic conditions.  The Bancorp (including the Bank prior to 1984) has recorded consecutive quarterly dividends for over 100 years.

The Bancorp’s primary source of funds for dividends paid to shareholders is the receipt of dividends from the Bank.  A discussion of the restrictions on the advance of funds or payment of dividends by the Bank to the Bancorp is included in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

See additional disclosures on Equity Compensation Plan Information in Part III, Item 12 “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.” The Bancorp did not repurchase any shares during the fourth quarter of 2014.



-27-


Stock Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder return on the Corporation’s common stock against the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Bank Stocks index and the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S.) for the five years ended December 31.  The historical information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of future performance.

The results presented assume that the value of the Corporation’s common stock and each index was $100.00 on December 31, 2009.  The total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.


For the period ending December 31,
2009

 
2010

 
2011

 
2012

 
2013

 
2014

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.

$100.00

 

$146.57

 

$166.23

 

$190.26

 

$278.26

 

$310.49

NASDAQ Bank Stocks
100.00

 
114.16

 
102.17

 
121.26

 
171.86

 
180.31

NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S.)
100.00

 
118.15

 
117.22

 
138.02

 
193.47

 
222.16




-28-


ITEM 6.  Selected Financial Data.
The selected consolidated financial data set forth below does not purport to be complete and should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information including the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes, and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Selected Financial Data
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
At or for the years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2010

Financial Results:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and dividend income

$121,117

 

$116,348

 

$121,061

 

$121,346

 

$123,254

Interest expense
21,612

 
24,563

 
30,365

 
36,391

 
46,063

Net interest income
99,505

 
91,785

 
90,696

 
84,955

 
77,191

Provision for loan losses
1,850

 
2,400

 
2,700

 
4,700

 
6,000

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
97,655

 
89,385

 
87,996

 
80,255

 
71,191

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on sales of securities

 

 
1,223

 
698

 
729

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 
(3,489
)
 
(221
)
 
(191
)
 
(417
)
Other noninterest income
59,015

 
65,569

 
64,212

 
52,257

 
48,161

Total noninterest income
59,015

 
62,080

 
65,214

 
52,764

 
48,473

Noninterest expense
96,847

 
98,785

 
102,338

 
90,373

 
85,311

Income before income taxes
59,823

 
52,680

 
50,872

 
42,646

 
34,353

Income tax expense
18,999

 
16,527

 
15,798

 
12,922

 
10,302

Net income

$40,824

 

$36,153

 

$35,074

 

$29,724

 

$24,051

Per Share Information ($):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
2.44

 
2.18

 
2.13

 
1.82

 
1.49

Diluted
2.41

 
2.16

 
2.13

 
1.82

 
1.49

Cash dividends declared  (1)
1.22

 
1.03

 
0.94

 
0.88

 
0.84

Book value
20.68

 
19.84

 
18.05

 
17.27

 
16.63

Market value - closing stock price
40.18

 
37.22

 
26.31

 
23.86

 
21.88

Performance Ratios (%):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Return on average assets
1.23

 
1.17

 
1.16

 
1.02

 
0.82

Return on average equity
11.87

 
11.65

 
11.97

 
10.61

 
9.09

Equity to assets
9.65

 
10.34

 
9.62

 
9.18

 
9.24

Dividend payout ratio  (2)
50.62

 
47.69

 
44.13

 
48.35

 
56.38

Asset Quality Ratios (%):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total past due loans to total loans
0.63

 
0.89

 
1.22

 
1.22

 
1.27

Nonperforming loans to total loans
0.56

 
0.74

 
0.98

 
0.99

 
0.93

Nonperforming assets to total assets
0.48

 
0.62

 
0.83

 
0.81

 
0.79

Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans
175.75

 
152.37

 
136.95

 
140.33

 
154.42

Allowance for loan losses to total loans
0.98

 
1.13

 
1.35

 
1.39

 
1.43

Net charge-offs to average loans
0.07

 
0.23

 
0.07

 
0.17

 
0.24

Capital Ratios (%):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 leverage capital ratio
9.14

 
9.41

 
9.30

 
8.70

 
8.25

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
11.52

 
12.12

 
12.01

 
11.61

 
11.53

Total risk-based capital ratio
12.56

 
13.29

 
13.26

 
12.86

 
12.79

____________
(1)
Represents historical per share dividends declared by the Bancorp.
(2)
Represents the ratio of historical per share dividends declared by the Bancorp to diluted earnings per share.


-29-



Selected Financial Data
(Dollars in thousands)
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2010

Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks

$80,350

 

$85,317

 

$92,650

 

$87,020

 

$92,736

Mortgage loans held for sale
45,693

 
11,636

 
50,056

 
20,340

 
13,894

Total securities
382,884

 
422,808

 
415,879

 
593,392

 
594,100

FHLBB stock
37,730

 
37,730

 
40,418

 
42,008

 
42,008

Loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Commercial
1,535,488

 
1,363,335

 
1,252,419

 
1,124,628

 
1,027,065

Residential real estate
985,415

 
772,674

 
717,681

 
700,414

 
645,020

Consumer
338,373

 
326,875

 
323,903

 
322,117

 
323,553

Total loans
2,859,276

 
2,462,884

 
2,294,003

 
2,147,159

 
1,995,638

Less allowance for loan losses
28,023

 
27,886

 
30,873

 
29,802

 
28,583

Net loans
2,831,253

 
2,434,998

 
2,263,130

 
2,117,357

 
1,967,055

Investment in bank-owned life insurance
63,519

 
56,673

 
54,823

 
53,783

 
51,844

Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets
62,963

 
63,607

 
64,287

 
65,015

 
65,966

Other assets
82,482

 
76,098

 
90,641

 
85,183

 
81,922

Total assets

$3,586,874

 

$3,188,867

 

$3,071,884

 

$3,064,098

 

$2,909,525

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Demand deposits

$459,852

 

$440,785

 

$379,889

 

$339,809

 

$228,437

NOW accounts
326,375

 
309,771

 
291,174

 
257,031

 
241,974

Money market accounts
802,764

 
666,646

 
496,402

 
406,777

 
396,455

Savings accounts
291,725

 
297,357

 
274,934

 
243,904

 
220,888

Time deposits
874,102

 
790,762

 
870,232

 
878,794

 
948,576

Total deposits
2,754,818

 
2,505,321

 
2,312,631

 
2,126,315

 
2,036,330

FHLBB advances
406,297

 
288,082

 
361,172

 
540,450

 
498,722

Junior subordinated debentures
22,681

 
22,681

 
32,991

 
32,991

 
32,991

Other liabilities
56,799

 
43,137

 
69,438

 
82,991

 
72,618

Total shareholders’ equity
346,279

 
329,646

 
295,652

 
281,351

 
268,864

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$3,586,874

 

$3,188,867

 

$3,071,884

 

$3,064,098

 

$2,909,525

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Quality:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual loans

$15,945

 

$18,302

 

$22,543

 

$21,237

 

$18,510

Nonaccrual investment securities

 
547

 
843

 
887

 
806

Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession
1,176

 
932

 
2,047

 
2,647

 
3,644

Total nonperforming assets

$17,121

 

$19,781

 

$25,433

 

$24,771

 

$22,960

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wealth Management Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market value of assets under administration

$5,069,966

 

$4,781,958

 

$4,199,640

 

$3,900,061

 

$3,967,207



-30-


Selected Quarterly Financial Data
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2014
Q1

 
Q2

 
Q3

 
Q4

 
Year

Interest and dividend income

$29,290

 

$29,591

 

$30,331

 

$31,905

 

$121,117

Interest expense
5,454

 
5,123

 
5,393

 
5,642

 
21,612

Net interest income
23,836

 
24,468

 
24,938

 
26,263

 
99,505

Provision for loan losses
300

 
450

 
600

 
500

 
1,850

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
23,536

 
24,018

 
24,338

 
25,763

 
97,655

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on sales of securities

 

 

 

 

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 

 

 

 

Other noninterest income
19,370

 
12,814

 
13,125

 
13,706

 
59,015

Total noninterest income
19,370

 
12,814

 
13,125

 
13,706

 
59,015

Noninterest expense
29,292

 
22,448

 
22,047

 
23,060

 
96,847

Income before income taxes
13,614

 
14,384

 
15,416

 
16,409

 
59,823

Income tax expense
4,316

 
4,587

 
4,878

 
5,218

 
18,999

Net income

$9,298

 

$9,797

 

$10,538

 

$11,191

 

$40,824

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
16,626

 
16,678

 
16,714

 
16,735

 
16,689

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
16,800

 
16,831

 
16,855

 
16,911

 
16,872

Per share information:
Basic earnings per common share

$0.56

 

$0.59

 

$0.63

 

$0.67

 

$2.44

 
Diluted earnings per common share

$0.55

 

$0.58

 

$0.62

 

$0.66

 

$2.41

 
Cash dividends declared per share

$0.29

 

$0.29

 

$0.32

 

$0.32

 

$1.22


Selected Quarterly Financial Data
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2013
Q1

 
Q2

 
Q3

 
Q4

 
Year

Interest and dividend income

$28,793

 

$28,799

 

$29,390

 

$29,366

 

$116,348

Interest expense
6,326

 
6,390

 
6,002

 
5,845

 
24,563

Net interest income
22,467

 
22,409

 
23,388

 
23,521

 
91,785

Provision for loan losses
600

 
700

 
700

 
400

 
2,400

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
21,867

 
21,709

 
22,688

 
23,121

 
89,385

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net realized gains on sales of securities

 

 

 

 

Net other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities
(2,772
)
 

 

 
(717
)
 
(3,489
)
Other noninterest income
15,938

 
16,394

 
17,400

 
15,837

 
65,569

Total noninterest income
13,166

 
16,394

 
17,400

 
15,120

 
62,080

Noninterest expense
24,184

 
25,005

 
25,548

 
24,048

 
98,785

Income before income taxes
10,849

 
13,098

 
14,540

 
14,193

 
52,680

Income tax expense
3,428

 
4,115

 
4,580

 
4,404

 
16,527

Net income

$7,421

 

$8,983

 

$9,960

 

$9,789

 

$36,153

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
16,401

 
16,454

 
16,563

 
16,602

 
16,506

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
16,449

 
16,581

 
16,696

 
16,770

 
16,664

Per share information:
Basic earnings per common share

$0.45

 

$0.54

 

$0.60

 

$0.59

 

$2.18

 
Diluted earnings per common share

$0.45

 

$0.54

 

$0.59

 

$0.58

 

$2.16

 
Cash dividends declared per share

$0.25

 

$0.25

 

$0.26

 

$0.27

 

$1.03



-31-


ITEM 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following analysis is intended to provide the reader with a further understanding of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation for the periods shown.  For a full understanding of this analysis, it should be read in conjunction with other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Part I, “Item 1. Business”, Part II, “Item 6. Selected Financial Data” and Part II, “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Accounting policies involving significant judgments, estimates and assumptions by management, which have, or could have, a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and impact income are considered critical accounting policies.  The Corporation considers the following to be its critical accounting policies: allowance for loan losses, review of goodwill for impairment and assessment of investment securities for impairment.

Allowance for Loan Losses
Establishing an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment.  The Corporation uses a methodology to systematically measure the amount of estimated loan loss exposure inherent in the loan portfolio for purposes of establishing a sufficient allowance for loan losses.  The methodology includes three elements:

(1)
Loss allocations are identified for individual loans deemed to be impaired in accordance with GAAP.  Impaired loans are loans for which it is probable that the Bank will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements and all loans restructured in a troubled debt restructuring.  Impaired loans do not include large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, which consist of most residential mortgage loans and consumer loans.  Impairment is measured on a discounted cash flow method based upon the loan’s contractual effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or if the loan is collateral dependent, at the fair value of the collateral.  For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is dependent on the sale of the collateral, management adjusts the fair value for estimated costs to sell. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is dependent on the operation of the collateral, such as accruing troubled debt restructured loans, estimated costs to sell are not incorporated into the measurement. Management may also adjust appraised values to reflect estimated market value declines or apply other discounts to appraised values for unobservable factors resulting from its knowledge of circumstances associated with the property.

(2)
Loss allocation factors are used for non-impaired loans based on credit grade, historical loss experience, estimated loss emergence period (the period of time from the event of loss to loss realization), delinquency status and other similar credit quality indicators.

Individual commercial loans not deemed to be impaired are evaluated using an internal rating system and the application of loss allocation factors.  The loan rating system is described under the caption “Credit Quality Indicators” in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  The loan rating system and the related loss allocation factors take into consideration parameters including the borrower’s financial condition, the borrower’s performance with respect to loan terms, the adequacy of collateral and the adequacy of guarantees.  We periodically reassess and revise the loss allocation factors used in the assignment of loss exposure to appropriately reflect our analysis of migrational loss experience.  Revisions to loss allocation factors are not retroactively applied. We analyze historical loss experience over periods deemed to be relevant to the inherent risk of loss in the commercial loan portfolio and the related estimate of the loss emergence period as of the balance sheet date.  We also adjust loss factor allocations for various exposures we believe are not adequately presented in historical loss experience, including our assessments of credit risk associated with certain industries, an ongoing trend toward larger credit relationships, recent changes in portfolio composition, conditions that may affect the ability of borrowers to meet debt service requirements, trends in rental rates on commercial real estate and conditions that may affect the collateral position, such as environmental matters.

Portfolios of more homogeneous populations of loans, including the various categories of residential mortgages and consumer loans are analyzed as groups, with loss allocation factors assigned to each group based on account delinquency status. We periodically reassess and revise the loss allocation factors. Revisions to loss allocation factors are not retroactively applied. We analyze historical loss experience over periods deemed to be relevant


-32-


to the inherent risk of loss in residential mortgage and consumer loan portfolios and the related estimate of the loss emergence period as of the balance sheet date.  We also adjust loss factor allocations for various exposures we believe are not adequately presented in historical loss experience including trends in real estate values, consideration of general economic conditions, increases in delinquency levels and regulatory changes affecting the foreclosure process.  These matters are also evaluated taking into account the geographic location of the underlying loans.

(3)
An unallocated allowance is maintained to allow for measurement imprecision associated with impaired and nonaccrual loans.

Because the methodology is based upon historical experience and trends, current economic data as well as management’s judgment, factors may arise that result in different estimations.  Significant factors that could give rise to changes in these estimates may include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions in our market area, concentration of risk and declines in local property values.  Adversely different conditions or assumptions could lead to increases in the allowance.  In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for loans losses.  Such agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.  As of December 31, 2014, management believes that the allowance is adequate and consistent with asset quality and delinquency indicators.

Review of Goodwill for Impairment
The Corporation allocated the cost of an acquired entity to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.  

The excess of the purchase price for acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including other intangible assets, was recorded as goodwill.  Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, defined as the segment level, at least annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment loss has occurred.  In assessing impairment, the Corporation has the option to perform a qualitative analysis 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 the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of such events or circumstances, we determine it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we would not be required to perform a two-step impairment test. The Corporation has not opted to perform this qualitative analysis. Goodwill was tested for impairment using the two-step quantitative impairment analysis described below.

The first step (“Step 1”) of the quantitative impairment analysis requires a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value to identify potential impairment. The second step (“Step 2”) of the analysis is necessary only if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Step 2 is a more detailed analysis, which involves measuring the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in Step 1, over the aggregate fair value of the individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. Goodwill impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes, but may not be limited to, the selection of appropriate discount rates, the identification of relevant market comparables and the development of cash flow projections. The selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques may result in a higher or lower fair value. Judgment is applied in determining the weightings that are most representative of fair value.

Washington Trust has two reporting units: the commercial banking segment and the wealth management services segment. For both segments of the Corporation, goodwill was assessed for impairment in 2014 by performing a discounted cash flow analysis (“income approach”) and utilizing estimates of selected market information (“market approach”).  The income approach measures the fair value of an interest in a business by discounting expected future cash flows to a present value.  The market approach takes into consideration fair values of comparable companies operating in similar lines of business that are potentially subject to similar economic and environmental factors and could be considered reasonable investment alternatives.  The results of the income approach and the market approach were weighted equally.  Step 1 results of the 2014 impairment analysis indicated that the fair value significantly exceeded the carrying value for both reporting units.


-33-



These assumptions used in the impairment test of goodwill are susceptible to change based on changes in economic conditions and other factors.  Any change in the estimates which the Corporation uses to determine the carrying value of the Corporation’s goodwill could adversely affect the Corporation’s results of operations. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Assessment of Investment Securities for Impairment
Securities that the Corporation has the ability and intent to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and are accounted for using historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses, net of taxes, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in shareholders’ equity.  The fair values of securities may be based on either quoted market prices, third party pricing services or third party valuation specialists. When the fair value of an investment security is less than its amortized cost basis, the Corporation assesses whether the decline in value is other-than-temporary.  The Corporation considers whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary.  Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in the value subsequent to the reporting date, forecasted performance of the issuer, changes in the dividend or interest payment practices of the issuer, changes in the credit rating of the issuer or the specific security, and the general market condition in the geographic area or industry in which the issuer operates.

Future adverse changes in market conditions, continued poor operating results of the issuer, projected adverse changes in cash flows which might impact the collection of all principal and interest related to the security, or other factors could result in further losses that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, possibly requiring an additional impairment charge in the future.

In determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred for debt securities, the Corporation compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost of the security.  If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost of the security, then the entire amortized cost of the security will not be recovered; that is, a credit loss exists, and an other-than-temporary impairment shall be considered to have occurred.

When an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment recognized in earnings for a debt security depends on whether the Corporation intends to sell the security or if it is more-likely-than-not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost less any current period credit loss.  If the Corporation intends to sell the security or it is more-likely-than-not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the amortized cost and fair value of the security.  If the Corporation does not intend to sell or it is more-likely-than-not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss shall be recognized in earnings and the noncredit-related portion of the other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in other comprehensive income.

Overview
Washington Trust offers a comprehensive product line of banking and financial services to individuals and businesses including commercial, residential and consumer lending, retail and commercial deposit products, and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut; its ATM networks; and its Internet website at www.washtrust.com.

Our largest source of operating income is net interest income, the difference between interest earned on loans and securities and interest paid on deposits and other borrowings.  In addition, we generate noninterest income from a number of sources including wealth management services, loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others, deposit services and bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”).  Our principal noninterest expenses include salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and facility-related costs, technology and other administrative expenses.

Our financial results are affected by interest rate volatility, changes in economic and market conditions, competitive conditions within our market area and changes in legislation, regulation and/or accounting principles.  While the regional


-34-


economic climate has been improving in recent quarters, adverse changes in future economic growth, consumer confidence, credit availability and corporate earnings could impact our financial results.  Management believes that overall credit quality continues to be affected by the slow pace of recovery in national and regional economic conditions, including comparatively high unemployment levels in Rhode Island.

We continued to leverage our strong, statewide brand to build market share in Rhode Island whenever possible and bring select business lines to new markets with high-growth potential while remaining steadfast in our commitment to provide superior service. In 2015, we plan to open two new full-service branches; one in Rumford, Rhode Island, and the other in Providence, Rhode Island.

Opportunities and Risks
A significant portion of the Corporation’s commercial banking and wealth management business is conducted in the Rhode Island and greater southern New England area.  Management recognizes that substantial competition exists in this marketplace and views this as a key business risk.  A substantial portion of the banking industry market share in this region is held by much larger financial institutions with greater resources and larger delivery systems than the Bank.  Market competition also includes the expanded commercial banking presence of credit unions and savings banks.  While these competitive forces will continue to present risk, we have been successful in growing our commercial banking base and wealth management business. Management believes that the breadth of our product line, our size and quality and level of service provide opportunities to compete effectively in our marketplace.

Significant challenges also exist with respect to credit risk, interest rate risk, the condition of the financial markets and related impact on wealth management assets and operational risk.

Credit risk is the risk of loss due to the inability of borrower customers to repay loans or lines of credit.  Credit risk on loans is reviewed below under the heading “Asset Quality.”  Credit risk also exists with respect to debt instrument investment securities, which is reviewed below under the heading “Investment Securities.”

Interest rate risk exists because the repricing frequency and magnitude of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities are not identical.  This risk is reviewed in more detail below under the heading “Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk.”

Wealth management service revenues, which represented approximately 22% of total revenues in 2014, are largely dependent on the market value of wealth management assets under administration.  These values may be negatively affected by changes in economic conditions and volatility in the financial markets.

Operational risk includes the risk of loss resulting from electronic fraudulent activity due to cyber criminals targeting bank accounts and other customer information, data processing system failures and errors, inadequate or failed internal processes, customer or employee fraud and catastrophic failures resulting from terrorist acts or natural disasters.  Operational risk is discussed above under Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

For additional factors that could adversely impact Washington Trust’s future results of operations and financial condition, see the section labeled “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Composition of Earnings
Comparison of 2014 with 2013
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014, amounted to $40.8 million, or $2.41 per diluted share, an increase of 13% and 12%, respectively, when compared to net income of $36.2 million and $2.16 per diluted share, in 2013. The returns on average equity and average assets for 2014 were 11.87% and 1.23%, respectively, compared to 11.65% and 1.17%, respectively, for 2013.

2014 results included the following transactions:
On March 1, 2014, the Corporation sold its merchant processing business line to a third party. The sale resulted in a gain of $6.3 million, after-tax $4.0 million, or 24 cents per diluted share.


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In connection with this sale, the Corporation incurred divestiture related costs of $355 thousand, after-tax $227 thousand, or 1 cent per diluted share. The majority of the divestiture costs were classified as salaries and employee benefit costs.
Washington Trust also prepaid FHLBB advances totaling $99.3 million, resulting in debt prepayment penalty expense of approximately $6.3 million, after-tax $4.0 million, or 24 cents per diluted share.

2013 results included the following transactions:
Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses of $3.5 million were recognized on pooled trust preferred debt securities. The net after-tax impact of this was $2.2 million, or 13 cents per diluted share. See additional disclosure regarding OTTI losses in the section in the section “Financial Condition” under the heading “Securities.”
Certain junior subordinated debentures were redeemed and as a result, unamortized debt issuance costs of $244 thousand, after-tax $156 thousand, or 1 cent per diluted share, were expensed.
Executive severance related expenses of $270 thousand, after-tax $173 thousand, or 1 cent per diluted share, were recognized.
Residential mortgage portfolio loans totaling $48.7 million were sold at a gain of $977 thousand, after-tax $626 thousand, or 4 cents per diluted share.
Debt prepayment penalty expense of $1.1 million, after-tax $721 thousand, or 4 cents per diluted share, was recognized.

The above mentioned transactions reduced 2014 net income by $245 thousand, or 1 cent per diluted share and reduced 2013 net income by $2.7 million, or 15 cents per diluted share. Excluding these transactions, as well as the merchant processing fee revenue and expenses recognized prior to the consummation of the business line sale, 2014 results reflected growth in net interest income, higher wealth management revenues, lower salaries and employee benefit costs and a decrease in the provision for loan losses, which were partially offset by declines in mortgage banking revenues (net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others).

Net interest income for 2014 increased by $7.7 million, or 8%, from 2013, largely due to growth in average loan balances and a reduction in funding costs. The net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earnings assets) was 3.28% for 2014, unchanged from 2013.

The loan loss provision charged to earnings for 2014 amounted to $1.9 million, a decrease of $550 thousand from 2013. Management believes that the level of the provision for loan losses has been consistent with the trends in asset quality and credit quality indicators.

For 2014, wealth management revenues totaled $33.4 million, up by $1.6 million, or 5%, from 2013, largely due to an increase in asset-based revenues.

Net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others (“mortgage banking revenues”) amounted to $6.8 million in 2014, down by $6.3 million, or 48%, from 2013 largely due to decline in residential mortgage loan sales activity.

Salaries and employee benefit costs, the largest component of noninterest expenses, totaled $58.5 million for 2014 down by $1.5 million, or 3%, from 2013, primarily due to a reduction in defined benefit pension costs.

Income tax expense amounted to $19.0 million for 2014, up by $2.5 million from 2013.  The effective tax rate for 2014 was 31.8%, compared to 31.4% for 2013.

Comparison of 2013 with 2012
Net income for 2013 amounted to $36.2 million, or $2.16 per diluted share, up from $35.1 million, or $2.13 per diluted share, reported for 2012. The returns on average equity and average assets for 2013 were 11.65% and 1.17%, respectively, compared to 11.97% and 1.16%, respectively, for 2012.



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The comparison of 2013 earnings to 2012 was impacted by the following:
There were no net realized gains on securities in 2013, while there were $1.2 million recognized in 2012.
Other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) losses of $3.5 million in 2013, compared to $221 thousand in 2012.
Debt prepayment penalty expense of $1.1 million was recognized in 2013, compared to $3.9 million in 2012.
Also, in connection with 2013 transactions mentioned above under the caption “Comparison of 2014 with 2013,” unamortized debt issuance costs of $244 thousand were expensed, a gain on sale of residential mortgage portfolio loans of $977 thousand was recorded and executive severance related expenses of $270 thousand were recognized in 2013.

Excluding the above mentioned transactions, the increase in earnings in 2013 reflected higher wealth management revenues and increased net interest income, partially offset by a decline in mortgage banking revenues.

Net interest income for 2013 increased by $1.1 million, or 1%, over 2012, reflecting growth in average loan balances and a reduction in funding costs. The net interest margin was 3.28% for 2013, down from 3.29% reported for 2012.

The loan loss provision charged to earnings for 2013 amounted to $2.4 million, a decrease of $300 thousand from 2012.

For 2013, wealth management revenues totaled $31.8 million, up by $2.2 million, or 7%, over 2012, largely due to an increase of $2.0 million, or 7%, in asset-based revenues.

Mortgage banking revenues amounted to $13.1 million in 2013, down by $1.0 million, or 7%, from 2012 reflecting declines in residential mortgage loan refinancing and sales activity due to relatively higher market interest rates.

Salaries and employee benefit costs totaled $60.1 million for 2013, up by a modest $266 thousand from 2012.

Income tax expense amounted to $16.5 million for 2013, up by $729 thousand from 2012.  The effective tax rate for 2013 was 31.4%, compared to 31.1% for 2012.

Results of Operations
Segment Reporting
Washington Trust manages its operations through two business segments, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management Services.  Activity not related to the segments, such as investment securities portfolio, wholesale funding activities, net gain on sale of business line, income from BOLI and administrative expenses are not allocated to the operating segments are considered Corporate.  The Corporate unit also includes the residual impact of methodology allocations such as funds transfer pricing offsets. Methodologies used to allocate income and expenses to business lines are periodically reviewed and revised. See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure related to business segments.

Comparison of 2014 with 2013
The Commercial Banking segment reported net income of $27.6 million in 2014, a decrease of $1.3 million, or 5%, from 2013. Net interest income for this operating segment increased by $867 thousand, or 1%, from 2013 and was impacted by lower yields on loans as well as narrower spreads in the funds transfer pricing allocation with the Corporate unit. The provision for loan losses totaled $1.9 million, down by $550 thousand from 2013, due to stable and favorable trends in asset quality and credit quality indicators. Noninterest income derived from the Commercial Banking segment totaled $17.6 million for 2014, down by $13.2 million, or 43%, from 2013. The decline in noninterest income was due to lower mortgage banking revenues and a decrease in merchant processing fee revenue, due to the sale of this business line on March 1, 2014. The decrease in merchant processing fee revenue corresponded to a decline in merchant processing costs included in this operating segment’s noninterest expenses. Commercial Banking noninterest expenses for 2014, decreased by $9.4 million, or 15%, from 2013, largely due to declines in merchant processing costs and salaries and benefit costs.

The Wealth Management Services segment reported 2014 net income of $6.1 million, a decrease of $220 thousand, or 3%, from 2013. Noninterest income derived from the Wealth Management Services segment was $33.4 million in 2014, up by $1.6 million, or 5%, compared to 2013.  This increase included a decrease of $834 thousand, or 36%, in


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transaction‑based revenues, which was offset by an increase of $2.4 million, or 8%, in asset-based revenues. Wealth Management assets under administration totaled $5.07 billion at December 31, 2014, up by 6% from December 31, 2013. Noninterest expenses for the Wealth Management Services segment totaled $23.5 million for 2014, up by $1.7 million, or 8%, from 2013, largely due to increases in salaries and employee benefit costs and outsourced services.

Net income attributable to the Corporate unit amounted to $7.1 million in 2014, compared to $861 thousand in 2013. The Corporate unit’s net interest income for 2014 increased by $6.9 million from 2013, largely due to a favorable change in net funds transfer pricing offsets with the Commercial Banking segment, as well as declining wholesale funding costs in 2014 compared to 2013. Noninterest income for the Corporate unit for 2014 increased by $8.6 million, compared to a year ago. This increase reflected the $6.3 million gain recognized on the 2014 sale of the merchant processing services business line and the $3.5 million other-than-temporary impairment loss recognized in 2013, offset, in part, by the 2013 residential mortgage portfolio loan sale gain of $977 thousand. The Corporate unit’s noninterest expense for 2014 increased by $5.7 million from 2013, due to an increase in debt prepayment penalty expense. See additional discussion regarding these noninterest income and expense items in the “Overview” section under the caption “Composition of Earnings.”

Comparison of 2013 with 2012
The Commercial Banking segment reported net income of $29.0 million in 2013, an increase of $440 thousand, or 2%, from 2012. Commercial Banking net interest income for 2013 increased modestly by $128 thousand from 2012.  The 2013 provision for loan losses totaled $2.4 million, down by $300 thousand from 2012 and consistent with trends in asset quality and credit quality indicators. Noninterest income derived from the Commercial Banking segment totaled $30.8 million for 2013, down by $958 thousand, or 3%, from 2012, largely due to lower mortgage banking revenues. Commercial Banking noninterest expenses for 2013, decreased by $898 thousand, or 1%, from 2012, reflecting a decline in salaries and employee benefit costs.

The Wealth Management Services segment reported 2013 net income of $6.3 million, an increase of $832 thousand, or 15%, from 2012. Noninterest income derived from the Wealth Management Services segment was $31.8 million in 2013, up by $2.2 million, or 7%, compared to 2012.  This included an increase of $216 thousand, or 10%, in transaction‑based revenues and an increase of $2.0 million, or 7%, in asset-based revenues over 2012. The average balance of wealth management assets for the year 2013 was 9% higher than the average balance for 2012. Noninterest expenses for the Wealth Management Services segment totaled $21.8 million for 2013, up by $915 thousand, or 4%, from 2012, largely due to an increase in salaries and employee benefit costs.

Net income attributable to the Corporate unit amounted to $861 thousand in 2013, compared to $1.1 million in 2012. The Corporate unit’s net interest income for 2013 increased by $971 thousand from 2012, largely due to a favorable change in net funds transfer pricing offsets with the Commercial Banking segment and declining wholesale funding costs in 2013 compared to 2012. Noninterest income for the Corporate unit for 2013 decreased by $4.4 million, compared to 2012. This decline was driven by an increase in other‑than‑temporary impairment losses and lower net realized gains on securities in 2013. The Corporate unit’s noninterest income in 2013 also included a gain of $977 thousand recognized on a residential mortgage portfolio loan sale. The Corporate unit’s noninterest expense for 2013 decreased by $3.6 million from 2012, due to a decrease in debt prepayment penalty expense. See additional discussion regarding these noninterest income and expense items in the “Overview” section under the caption “Composition of Earnings.”



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Net Interest Income
Net interest income continues to be the primary source of our operating income.  Net interest income is affected by the level of interest rates, changes in interest rates and changes in the amount and composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  Included in interest income are loan prepayment fees and certain other fees, such as late charges. The following discussion presents net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent (“FTE”) basis by adjusting income and yields on tax-exempt loans and securities to be comparable to taxable loans and securities.  For more information see the section entitled “Average Balances / Net Interest Margin - Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE) Basis” below.

Comparison of 2014 with 2013
FTE net interest income for 2014 increased by $7.9 million, or 8%, from 2013. The net interest margin was 3.28% in 2014, unchanged from 2013.

Included in these results were the following transactions:
In March 2014, FHLBB advances totaling $99.3 million that had a weighted average rate of 3.01% and a weighted average remaining term of thirty-six months were prepaid. Brokered time deposits of $80.0 million and existing on-balance sheet liquidity were utilized for the prepayment of these advances. The brokered time deposits had an initial weighted average cost of 0.93% and weighted average maturity of thirty-five months.
During the second quarter of 2013, $10.3 million of junior subordinated debentures were redeemed and as a result, unamortized debt issuance costs of $244 thousand were expensed and classified as interest expense in that quarter. The rate on this debt was approximately 5.69% at the time of redemption, which included the cost of a related interest rate swap that matured upon the redemption event.

Average interest-earning assets amounted to $3.11 billion for 2014, up by 8% from the average balance for 2013, primarily due to loan growth. The yield on average interest-earning assets in 2014 declined by 16 basis points from 2013, reflecting the impact of a sustained low interest rate environment. 

Total average loans increased by $243.6 million, or 10%, from 2013, led by growth in average residential real estate mortgage balances. The yield on total loans for 2014 was 4.17%, down by 18 basis points from 2013. The contribution of loan prepayment fees and other fees to the yield on total loans was 5 basis points in both 2014 and 2013. During 2014, yields on new loan originations have been below the average yield of the existing loan portfolio. Due to the combined effect of new loan growth and the runoff of higher yielding loan balances, interest rates on total interest-earning assets may continue to decline.

Total average securities for 2014 increased by $4.6 million, from the average balances from a year earlier, reflecting purchases of debt securities offset, in part, by maturities, calls and pay-downs. The FTE rate of return on securities for 2014 decreased by 36 basis points from 2013, due to maturities, calls and pay-downs of higher yielding securities combined with purchases of lower yielding securities.

Average interest-bearing liabilities for 2014 increased by $171.3 million, or 7%, from the average balances in 2013, due to deposit growth offset, in part, by decreases in FHLBB advances. The cost of funds for 2014 declined by 19 basis points from 2013, largely due to declines in the rate paid on FHLBB advances and time deposits.

The average balances of FHLBB advances for in 2014 were down by $47.2 million compared to the average balances in 2013. The average rate paid on such advances 2014 was 2.80% compared to 3.30% in 2013.

Total average interest-bearing deposits in 2014 increased by $139.8 million from the average balances in 2013. This included increases of $83.9 million in average out-of-market wholesale brokered time certificates of deposit. Excluding the increases in wholesale brokered time deposits, growth in average interest-bearing deposits was primarily due to increases in average money market account balances, partially offset by a decrease in average in-market time deposit balances. The average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits for the year ended December 31, 2014 decreased by 4 basis points compared to 2013, due to lower rates on time deposits, offset, in part, by higher rates on money market deposits.



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The average balance of noninterest-bearing demand deposits for 2014 increased by $48.5 million, or 13%, compared to 2013.

Comparison of 2013 with 2012
FTE net interest income for 2013 increased by $1.4 million, or 1%, from 2012. The net interest margin decreased by 1 basis point from 3.29% in 2012 to 3.28% in 2013. Included in net interest income were:
In 2013, FHLBB advances totaling $24.5 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 2.48% and a weighted average remaining maturity of 42 months were prepaid and as a result, debt prepayment penalty expense of $1.1 million was recognized. The Corporation also modified the terms to extend the maturity dates of $72.5 million of its FHLBB advances with original maturity dates in 2015. The original weighted average interest rate was 3.68% and was revised to 3.09% with maturities ranging from 2017 to 2019.
Loan prepayment fees and other fee income of $1.2 million and $715 thousand, respectively, for 2013 and 2012.
Accelerated amortization of $244 thousand in debt issuance costs, which was classified as interest expense, resulting from the redemption of $10.3 million of our junior subordinated debentures in 2013. There was no such expense incurred in 2012. See additional disclosure regarding the redemption in the section “Source of Funds.”

Average interest-earning assets amounted to $2.87 billion for 2013, up by 2% from the average balance in 2012.  Total average loans increased by $146.1 million, or 7%, due to growth in both the commercial and residential real estate loan portfolios.  The yield on total loans for 2013 decreased by 28 basis points from 2012, reflecting the impact of a sustained low interest rate environment on loan yields. The contribution of loan prepayment fees and other fees to the yield on total loans was 5 basis points and 4 basis points, respectively, in 2013 and 2012. Total average securities for 2013 decreased by $119.6 million, or 24%, from 2012, due primarily to principal payments received on mortgage-backed securities.  The FTE rate of return on securities for 2013 remained relatively flat compared to the prior year.

Average interest-bearing liabilities for 2013 decreased by $13.2 million, or 1%, from 2012, reflecting decreases in FHLBB advances and time deposits. The average balance of FHLBB advances for 2013 decreased by $144.3 million, or 31%, compared to 2012. See discussion regarding FHLBB advances under the section “Source of Funds.” The weighted average cost of funds for 2013 declined by 24 basis points from 2012, largely due to declines in the rate paid on time deposits. The average balance of noninterest-bearing demand deposits for 2013 increased by $46.3 million, or 14%, compared to 2012.



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Average Balances / Net Interest Margin - Fully Taxable Equivalent (“FTE”) Basis
The following table presents average balance and interest rate information.  Tax-exempt income is converted to a FTE basis using the statutory federal income tax rate adjusted for applicable state income taxes net of the related federal tax benefit.  For dividends on corporate stocks, the 70% federal dividends received deduction is also used in the calculation of tax equivalency.  Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities and fair value adjustments on mortgage loans held for sale are excluded from the average balance and yield calculations.  Nonaccrual and renegotiated loans, as well as interest earned on these loans (to the extent recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income) are included in amounts presented for loans.
Years ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
(Dollars in thousands)
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/ Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/ Rate
 
Average Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/ Rate
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans

$1,382,036

 

$59,421

 
4.30
 

$1,286,029

 

$59,387

 
4.62
 

$1,177,268

 

$58,823

 
5.00
Residential real estate loans, including mortgage loans held for sale
904,556

 
37,033

 
4.09
 
767,450

 
31,752

 
4.14
 
733,178

 
31,974

 
4.36
Consumer loans
334,368

 
12,758

 
3.82
 
323,847

 
12,304

 
3.80
 
320,828

 
12,428

 
3.87
Total loans
2,620,960

 
109,212

 
4.17
 
2,377,326

 
103,443

 
4.35
 
2,231,274

 
103,225

 
4.63
Cash, federal funds sold and short-term investments
65,045

 
128

 
0.20
 
72,726

 
158

 
0.22
 
41,359

 
91

 
0.22
FHLBB stock
37,730

 
561

 
1.49
 
38,238

 
148

 
0.39
 
40,713

 
207

 
0.51
Taxable debt securities
331,514

 
10,437

 
3.15
 
316,440

 
11,008

 
3.48
 
431,024

 
15,359

 
3.56
Nontaxable debt securities
55,283

 
3,267

 
5.91
 
65,708

 
3,889

 
5.92
 
69,838

 
4,115

 
5.89
Corporate stocks

 

 
 

 

 
 
910

 
68

 
7.47
Total securities
386,797

 
13,704

 
3.54
 
382,148

 
14,897

 
3.90
 
501,772

 
19,542

 
3.89
Total interest-earning assets
3,110,532

 
123,605

 
3.97
 
2,870,438

 
118,646

 
4.13
 
2,815,118

 
123,065

 
4.37
Noninterest-earning assets
210,746

 
 
 
 
 
208,463

 
 
 
 
 
221,031

 
 
 
 
Total assets

$3,321,278

 
 
 
 
 

$3,078,901

 
 
 
 
 

$3,036,149

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing demand deposits

$12,988

 

$—

 
 

$4,461

 

$—

 
 

$—

 

$—

 
NOW accounts
311,927

 
190

 
0.06
 
291,705

 
183

 
0.06
 
259,595

 
175

 
0.07
Money market accounts
768,626

 
3,054

 
0.40
 
569,534

 
1,749

 
0.31
 
430,262

 
1,078

 
0.25
Savings accounts
291,880

 
182

 
0.06
 
288,892

 
186

 
0.06
 
261,795

 
276

 
0.11
Time deposits (in-market)
637,279

 
7,380

 
1.16
 
728,328

 
9,144

 
1.26
 
794,239

 
10,842

 
1.37
Wholesale brokered time deposits
187,325

 
2,131

 
1.14
 
103,401

 
1,158

 
1.12
 
99,235

 
1,219

 
1.23
FHLBB advances
274,879

 
7,698

 
2.80
 
322,118

 
10,643

 
3.30
 
466,424

 
14,956

 
3.21
Junior subordinated debentures
22,681

 
964

 
4.25
 
27,398

 
1,484

 
5.42
 
32,991

 
1,570

 
4.76
Other
157

 
13

 
8.28
 
581

 
16

 
2.75
 
5,093

 
249

 
4.87
Total interest-bearing liabilities
2,507,742

 
21,612

 
0.86
 
2,336,418

 
24,563

 
1.05
 
2,349,634

 
30,365

 
1.29
Demand deposits
432,857

 
 
 
 
 
384,323

 
 
 
 
 
338,046

 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
36,868

 
 
 
 
 
47,961

 
 
 
 
 
55,382

 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity
343,811

 
 
 
 
 
310,199

 
 
 
 
 
293,087

 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$3,321,278

 
 
 
 
 

$3,078,901

 
 
 
 
 

$3,036,149

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 

$101,993

 
 
 
 
 

$94,083

 
 
 
 
 

$92,700

 
 
Interest rate spread
 
 
 
 
3.11
 
 
 
 
 
3.08
 
 
 
 
 
3.08
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
3.28
 
 
 
 
 
3.28
 
 
 
 
 
3.29


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Interest income amounts presented in the preceding table include the following adjustments for taxable equivalency for the years indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Commercial loans

$1,370

 

$962

 

$569

Nontaxable debt securities
1,118

 
1,336

 
1,416

Corporate stocks

 

 
19

Total

$2,488

 

$2,298

 

$2,004


Volume/Rate Analysis - Interest Income and Expense (FTE Basis)
The following table presents certain information on a FTE basis regarding changes in our interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated.  The net change attributable to both volume and rate has been allocated proportionately.
(Dollars in thousands)
2014/2013
 
2013/2012
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net Change
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Net Change
Interest on interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans

$4,287

 

($4,253
)
 

$34

 

$5,218

 

($4,654
)
 

$564

Residential real estate loans, including mortgage loans held for sale
5,665

 
(384
)
 
5,281

 
1,445

 
(1,667
)
 
(222
)
Consumer loans
391

 
63

 
454

 
111

 
(235
)
 
(124
)
Cash, federal funds sold and short-term investments
(16
)
 
(14
)
 
(30
)
 
67

 

 
67

FHLBB stock
(2
)
 
415

 
413

 
(12
)
 
(47
)
 
(59
)
Taxable debt securities
507

 
(1,078
)
 
(571
)
 
(4,012
)
 
(339
)
 
(4,351
)
Nontaxable debt securities
(615
)
 
(7
)
 
(622
)
 
(247
)
 
21

 
(226
)
Corporate stocks

 

 

 
(34
)
 
(34
)
 
(68
)
Total interest income
10,217

 
(5,258
)
 
4,959

 
2,536

 
(6,955
)
 
(4,419
)
Interest on interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW accounts
7

 

 
7

 
28

 
(20
)
 
8

Money market accounts
713

 
592

 
1,305

 
385

 
286

 
671

Savings accounts
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
 
32

 
(122
)
 
(90
)
Time deposits (in-market)
(1,079
)
 
(685
)
 
(1,764
)
 
(857
)
 
(840
)
 
(1,697
)
Wholesale brokered time deposits
952

 
21

 
973

 
50

 
(112
)
 
(62
)
FHLBB advances
(1,448
)
 
(1,497
)
 
(2,945
)
 
(4,724
)
 
411

 
(4,313
)
Junior subordinated debentures
(231
)
 
(289
)
 
(520
)
 
(287
)
 
201

 
(86
)
Other
(18
)
 
15

 
(3
)
 
(156
)
 
(77
)
 
(233
)
Total interest expense
(1,108
)
 
(1,843
)
 
(2,951
)
 
(5,529
)
 
(273
)
 
(5,802
)
Net interest income

$11,325

 

($3,415
)
 

$7,910

 

$8,065

 

($6,682
)
 

$1,383


Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses is based on management’s periodic assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses which, in turn, is based on such interrelated factors as the composition of the loan portfolio and its inherent risk characteristics; the level of nonperforming loans and net charge-offs, both current and historic; local economic and credit conditions; the direction of real estate values; and regulatory guidelines.  The provision for loan losses is charged against earnings in order to maintain an allowance for loan losses that reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date.



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The provision for loan losses charged to earnings amounted to $1.9 million, $2.4 million and $2.7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. In 2014, net charge-offs totaled $1.7 million, or 0.07% of average loans. In 2013, net charge-offs were $5.4 million, or 0.23% of average loans and included a $4.0 million charge-off recognized on one commercial mortgage loan. In 2012, net charge-offs were $1.6 million, or 0.07% of average loans.

The allowance for loan losses was $28.0 million, or 0.98% of total loans, at December 31, 2014, compared to $27.9 million, or 1.13% of total loans, at December 31, 2013. The decline in the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans reflects stable and favorable trends in asset quality and credit quality metrics. See additional discussion under the caption “Asset Quality” for further information on the Allowance for Loan Losses.

Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is an important source of revenue for Washington Trust.  The principal categories of noninterest income are shown in the following table:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014/2013
 
2013/2012
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Change
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
$
%
 
$
%
Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wealth management revenues

$33,378

 

$31,825

 

$29,641

 

$1,553

5
 %
 

$2,184

7
 %
Merchant processing fees
1,291

 
10,220

 
10,159

 
(8,929
)
(87
)
 
61

1

Net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others
6,802

 
13,085

 
14,092

 
(6,283
)
(48
)
 
(1,007
)
(7
)
Service charges on deposit accounts
3,395

 
3,256

 
3,193

 
139

4

 
63

2

Card interchange fees
3,057

 
2,788

 
2,480

 
269

10

 
308

12

Income from bank-owned life insurance
1,846

 
1,850

 
2,448

 
(4
)

 
(598
)
(24
)
Net realized gains on securities

 

 
1,223

 


 
(1,223
)
(100
)
Net gains on interest rate swap contracts
1,136

 
951

 
255

 
185

19

 
696

273

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries
(276
)
 
(107
)
 
196

 
(169
)
158

 
(303
)
(155
)
Net gain on sale of business line
6,265

 

 

 
6,265

100

 


Other income
2,121

 
1,701

 
1,748

 
420

25

 
(47
)
(3
)
Noninterest income, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses
59,015

 
65,569

 
65,435

 
(6,554
)
(10
)
 
134


Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 
(294
)
 
(28
)
 
294

(100
)
 
(266
)
950

Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (before taxes)

 
(3,195
)
 
(193
)
 
3,195

(100
)
 
(3,002
)
1,555

Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 
(3,489
)
 
(221
)
 
3,489

(100
)
 
(3,268
)
1,479

Total noninterest income

$59,015

 

$62,080

 

$65,214

 

($3,065
)
(5
)%
 

($3,134
)
(5
)%

Comparison of 2014 with 2013
Revenue from wealth management services is our largest source of noninterest income. A substantial portion of wealth management revenues is largely dependent on the value of wealth management assets under administration and is closely tied to the performance of the financial markets. This portion of wealth management revenues is referred to as “asset-based” and includes trust and investment management fees and mutual fund fees. Wealth management revenues also include “transaction-based” revenues, such as financial planning, commissions and other service fees that are not primarily derived from the value of assets.



-43-


The categories of wealth management revenues are shown in the following table:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014/2013
 
2013/2012
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Change
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
$
%
 
$
%
Wealth management revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust and investment management fees

$27,554

 

$25,224

 

$23,465

 

$2,330

9
 %
 

$1,759

7
%
Mutual fund fees
4,335

 
4,278

 
4,069

 
57

1

 
209

5

Asset-based revenues
31,889

 
29,502

 
27,534

 
2,387

8

 
1,968

7

Transaction-based revenues
1,489

 
2,323

 
2,107

 
(834
)
(36
)
 
216

10

Total wealth management revenues

$33,378

 

$31,825

 

$29,641

 

$1,553

5
 %
 

$2,184

7
%

The following table presents the changes in wealth management assets under administration for the years indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Balance at the beginning of year

$4,781,958

 

$4,199,640

 

$3,900,061

Net investment appreciation & income
258,120

 
632,681

 
315,799

Net client cash flows
29,888

 
(50,363
)
 
(16,220
)
Balance at the end of year

$5,069,966

 

$4,781,958

 

$4,199,640


Wealth management revenues for 2014 were $33.4 million, up by $1.6 million, or 5%, from 2013.  Transaction-based revenues decreased by $834 thousand, or 36%, in 2014, due to a decline in insurance commission income. This decrease was offset by an increase of $2.4 million, or 8%, in asset-based revenues in 2014. Wealth Management assets under administration amounted to $5.07 billion at December 31, 2014, up by $288.0 million, or 6%, from the end of 2013, due primarily to net investment appreciation and income.

As disclosed in the “Overview” section under the caption “Composition of Earnings,” the Corporation sold its merchant processing services business line on March 1, 2014, resulting in a net gain on sale of business line of $6.3 million. Prior to the consummation of this business line sale, merchant processing fee revenues of $1.3 million were recognized in the first quarter of 2014. See the discussion below regarding the corresponding merchant processing costs under the caption “Noninterest Expense.”

Card interchange fees (fee income related to debit card transactions) increased by $269 thousand, or 10%, from 2013, largely due to increased transaction volume.

Mortgage banking revenues are dependent on mortgage origination volume and are sensitive to interest rates and the condition of housing markets. Mortgage banking revenues totaled $6.8 million in 2014, down by $6.3 million, or 48%, from 2013, including the impact of a 2013 residential mortgage portfolio loan sale, in which loans totaling $48.7 million were sold from portfolio at a gain of $977 thousand. Excluding this 2013 portfolio sale, the decline in mortgage banking revenues was due to a lower level of sale activity. Mortgage refinancing activity decreased in response to a rise in rates in the latter portion of 2013. In addition, regulatory changes that became effective in 2014 regarding underwriting standards for residential mortgages adversely affected the secondary market. Residential mortgages sold to the secondary market, including brokered loans and excluding the 2013 portfolio loan sale, totaled $313.4 million and $465.2 million, respectively, in 2014 and 2013.

Other noninterest income increased by $420 thousand, or 25%, in 2014, due to the recognition of merchant referral fee revenue of $180 thousand as described in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the recognition of a gain of $131 thousand on the sale of a nonaccrual commercial mortgage loan described in the Asset Quality section under the caption “Nonaccrual Loans” and income of $160 thousand recognized as a result of a successful claim against a third-party.



-44-


There were no OTTI losses recognized on investment securities in 2014, compared to $3.5 million in 2013. See additional discussion of OTTI losses in the “Financial Condition” section under the caption “Securities” below.

Comparison of 2013 with 2012
Wealth management revenues for 2013 were $31.8 million, up by $2.2 million, or 7%, from 2012.  Asset-based wealth management revenues totaled $29.5 million for 2013, up by $1.8 million, or 7%, over 2012. Wealth management assets under administration amounted to $4.78 billion at December 31, 2013, up by $582.3 million, or 14%, from 2012 largely reflecting net investment appreciation and income. The average balance of assets under administration for 2013 was 9% higher than 2012. Transaction-based revenues were $2.3 million for 2013, up by $216 thousand, or 10%, from 2012, largely due to an increase in insurance commission income.

Card interchange fees for 2013 increased by $308 thousand, or 12%, from 2012, largely reflecting increased transaction volume.

Income from BOLI in 2013 amounted to $1.9 million, a decrease of $598 thousand, or 24%, from 2012. This decrease was due to a non-taxable gain of $528 thousand resulting from the receipt of tax-exempt life insurance proceeds in the third quarter of 2012.

Mortgage banking revenues totaled $13.1 million in 2013, down by $1.0 million, or 7%, from 2012, largely reflecting declines in refinancing and sales activity due to relatively higher market interest rates. Also included in mortgage banking revenues in 2013 was a gain of $977 thousand recognized on the sale of $48.7 million of residential mortgage portfolio loans that had a weighted average rate of 3.94% and a weighted average contractual maturity of 24 years. Included in this portfolio loans sale gain was $456 thousand attributable to mortgage servicing rights retained. The primary purpose of the portfolio loan sale was to reduce the interest rate exposure associated with holding longer term fixed rate assets in a rising rate environment. We do not have a practice of selling loans from portfolio and except for this sale, we have not sold any packages of loans from our portfolio in many years.

There were no net realized gains on securities in 2013, compared to $1.2 million for 2012. The gains in 2012 were primarily recognized on the sale of mortgage backed securities associated with balance sheet management transactions executed in 2012.

Net gains on interest rate swap contracts for the year ended December 31, 2013, totaled $951 thousand compared to $255 thousand in 2012. The increase was largely due to new customer-related interest rate swap contracts executed in 2013.

Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries (primarily generated by two real estate limited partnerships) amounted to $107 thousand in 2013 compared to equity in earnings of $196 thousand in 2012. Washington Trust has investments in two real estate limited partnerships that renovate, own and operate two low-income housing complexes. These investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and tax credits generated by the partnerships are recorded as a reduction of income tax expense.

For 2013 and 2012, total OTTI losses recognized on investment securities totaled $3.5 million and $221 thousand, respectively. See additional discussion in the “Financial Condition” section under the caption “Securities” below.



-45-


Noninterest Expense
The following table presents noninterest expense comparisons:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014/2013
 
2013/2012
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
Change
 
Change
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
Noninterest expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits

$58,530

 

$60,052

 

$59,786

 

($1,522
)
 
(3
)%
 

$266

 
 %
Net occupancy
6,312

 
5,769

 
6,039

 
543

 
9

 
(270
)
 
(4
)
Equipment
4,903

 
4,847

 
4,640

 
56

 
1

 
207

 
4

Merchant processing costs
1,050

 
8,682

 
8,593

 
(7,632
)
 
(88
)
 
89

 
1

Outsourced services
4,483

 
3,662

 
3,560

 
821

 
22

 
102

 
3

Legal, audit and professional fees
2,336

 
2,330

 
2,240

 
6

 

 
90

 
4

FDIC deposit insurance costs
1,762

 
1,761

 
1,730

 
1

 

 
31

 
2

Advertising and promotion
1,546

 
1,464

 
1,730

 
82

 
6

 
(266
)
 
(15
)
Amortization of intangibles
644

 
680

 
728

 
(36
)
 
(5
)
 
(48
)
 
(7
)
Foreclosed property costs
43

 
258

 
762

 
(215
)
 
(83
)
 
(504
)
 
(66
)
Debt prepayment penalties
6,294

 
1,125

 
3,908

 
5,169

 
459

 
(2,783
)
 
(71
)
Other
8,944

 
8,155

 
8,622

 
789

 
10

 
(467
)
 
(5
)
Total noninterest expense

$96,847

 

$98,785

 

$102,338

 

($1,938
)
 
(2
)%
 

($3,553
)
 
(3
)%

Comparison of 2014 with 2013
For 2014, salaries and employee benefit expense totaled $58.5 million, down by $1.5 million, or 3% from 2013. This decline reflected a reduction in defined benefit pension costs, which was principally due to a plan amendment adopted in the third quarter of 2013 and a higher discount rate in 2014 compared to 2013.

Net occupancy expense for 2014 increased by $543 thousand, or 9%, compared to 2013, largely due to increased rental expense and other occupancy costs associated with a de novo branch opened in 2014 and residential mortgage lending offices that opened in the latter portion of 2013.

As disclosed in the “Overview” section under the heading “Composition of Earnings,” the merchant processing services business line was sold in March 2014. Prior to the consummation of this business line sale, merchant processing costs of $1.1 million were recognized in the first quarter of 2014. See the discussion above regarding corresponding merchant processing fees under the caption “Noninterest Income.”

Outsourced services totaled $4.5 million in 2014, up by $821 thousand, or 22%, from 2013, reflecting an expansion of services utilized in our wealth management area and services utilized in support of deposit products.

Foreclosed property costs amounted to $43 thousand in 2014, down by $215 thousand, or 83%, from 2013, reflecting relatively faster disposition of foreclosed properties.

The prepayment of FHLBB advances in 2014 and 2013 resulted in debt prepayment penalty expense of $6.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. See additional discussion regarding FHLBB advances under the section “Sources of Funds.”

Other noninterest expenses amounted to $8.9 million in 2014, up by $789 thousand, or 10%, from 2013. The increase includes higher costs associated with business development efforts and other matters.

Comparison of 2013 with 2012
For 2013, salaries and employee benefit expense totaled $60.1 million, up modestly by $266 thousand from 2012. Included in salaries and employee benefit expense were severance related costs of $648 thousand and $75 thousand, respectively,


-46-


in 2013 and 2012. Excluding the impact of severance related costs, salaries and employee benefit expense declined by $307 thousand, or 1%. This decline includes a reduction in defined benefit pension costs.

Net occupancy expense for 2013 decreased by $270 thousand, or 4%, compared to 2012, largely reflecting declines in repairs and maintenance and depreciation expense.

Equipment expenses increased by $207 thousand, or 4%, in 2013, largely due to additional investments in technology.

Outsourced services totaled $3.7 million in 2013, up by $102 thousand, or 3%, from 2012, reflecting an increase in third party card processing services due to increased transaction volume.

Advertising and promotion costs amounted to $1.5 million in 2013, down by $266 thousand, or 15%, from 2012, reflecting management’s discretion over this category.

Amortization of intangibles amounted to $680 thousand in 2013 and $728 thousand in 2012. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on intangible assets.

Foreclosed property costs amounted to $258 thousand in 2013, down by $504 thousand, or 66%, from 2012, reflecting declines in foreclosure activity.

The prepayment of FHLBB advances associated with certain balance sheet management transactions executed in 2013 and 2012 resulted in debt prepayment penalty expense of $1.1 million in 2013 and $3.9 million in 2012. See additional discussion regarding FHLBB advances under the section “Sources of Funds.”

Other noninterest expenses amounted to $8.2 million in 2013, down by $467 thousand, or 5%, from 2012, largely due to decreases in telephone line costs resulting from changes in technology infrastructure implemented at the beginning of 2013, as well as a decline in credit and collection costs.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense for 2014, 2013 and 2012 totaled $19.0 million, $16.5 million and $15.8 million, respectively.  The effective tax rates for 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 31.8%, 31.4% and 31.1%, respectively.  The increase in the effective tax rate reflected a higher proportion of taxable income to pre-tax book income.  The effective tax rates differed from the federal rate of 35.0% due largely to the benefits of tax-exempt income, income from BOLI and federal tax credits.

The Corporation’s net deferred tax assets amounted to $15.0 million at December 31, 2014, up from $12.8 million at December 31, 2013, largely due to an increase in the deferred tax asset related to defined benefit pension obligations. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure regarding the Corporation’s defined benefit pension plans.

The Corporation has determined that a valuation allowance is not required for any of the deferred tax assets since it is more-likely-than-not that these assets will be realized primarily through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, carryback to taxable income in prior years or by offsetting projected future taxable income.  See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding income taxes.

Financial Condition
Summary
Total assets amounted to $3.59 billion at December 31, 2014, an increase of $398.0 million, or 12%, from the end of 2013, due to net loan growth. In 2014, total loans increased by $396.4 million, or 16%, with growth in both the residential real estate and commercial loan portfolios. Total loans amounted to $2.86 billion, or 80% of total assets, at December 31, 2014.

Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets amounted to 0.48% and 0.62%, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. While overall credit quality continues to be affected by relatively weak economic conditions, we have noted stable and favorable trends in many of our asset and credit quality indicators.


-47-



In 2014, total deposits increased by $249.5 million, or 10%, including a net increase of $201.1 million in out-of-market wholesale brokered time certificates of deposit. FHLBB advances increased by $118.2 million in 2014.

Shareholders’ equity totaled $346.3 million at December 31, 2014, up by $16.6 million from December 31, 2013.  Capital levels continue to exceed the the regulatory minimum levels to be considered well-capitalized, with a total risk-based capital ratio of 12.56% at December 31, 2014, compared to 13.29% at December 31, 2013.

Securities
Washington Trust’s securities portfolio is managed to generate interest income, to implement interest rate risk management strategies, and to provide a readily available source of liquidity for balance sheet management. Securities are designated as either available for sale, held to maturity or trading at the time of purchase. The Corporation does not currently maintain a portfolio of trading securities. Securities available for sale may be sold in response to changes in market conditions, prepayment risk, rate fluctuations, liquidity, or capital requirements. Securities available for sale are reported at fair value, with any unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of tax, until realized. Securities held to maturity are reported at amortized cost.

Determination of Fair Value
The Corporation uses an independent pricing service to obtain quoted prices. The prices provided by the independent pricing service are generally based on observable market data in active markets. The determination of whether markets are active or inactive is based upon the level of trading activity for a particular security class. The Corporation reviews the independent pricing service’s documentation to gain an understanding of the appropriateness of the pricing methodologies. The Corporation also reviews the prices provided by the independent pricing service for reasonableness based upon current trading levels for similar securities. If the prices appear unusual they are re-examined and the value is either confirmed or revised. In addition, the Corporation periodically performs independent price tests of securities to ensure proper valuation and to verify our understanding of how securities are priced. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Corporation did not make any adjustments to the prices provided by the pricing service.

Our fair value measurements utilize Level 2 inputs, representing quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets, and model-derived valuations in which all significant input assumptions are observable in active markets.

See Notes 4 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the determination of fair value of investment securities.

Securities Portfolio
The carrying amounts of securities held are as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
Amount
 
%

 
Amount
 
%

 
Amount
 
%

Securities Available for Sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

$31,172

 
9
%
 

$55,115

 
14
%
 

$31,670

 
8
%
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
245,366

 
68

 
238,355

 
61

 
231,233

 
62

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
49,176

 
14

 
62,859

 
16

 
72,620

 
19

Individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities
25,774

 
7

 
24,684

 
6

 
24,751

 
7

Pooled trust preferred debt securities

 

 
547

 

 
843

 

Corporate bonds
6,174

 
2

 
11,343

 
3

 
14,381

 
4

Total securities available for sale

$357,662

 
100
%
 

$392,903

 
100
%
 

$375,498

 
100
%


-48-


(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

Securities Held to Maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

$25,222

 
100
%
 

$29,905

 
100
%
 

$40,381

 
100
%
Total securities held to maturity

$25,222

 
100
%
 

$29,905

 
100
%
 

$40,381

 
100
%

As of December 31, 2014, the securities portfolio totaled $382.9 million, down by $39.9 million from December 31, 2013, reflecting maturities, calls and principal repayments of debt securities, partially offset by purchases. See additional disclosure regarding investment activities in the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

The largest component of the securities portfolio is mortgage-backed securities, all of which are issued by U.S. Government agencies or U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the net unrealized gain position on securities available for sale and held to maturity amounted to $7.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively, and included gross unrealized losses of $5.0 million and $6.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.  Nearly all of these gross unrealized losses were concentrated in variable rate trust preferred securities issued by financial services companies.

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
The carrying amount of obligations of states and political subdivisions included in our securities portfolio at December 31, 2014 totaled $49.2 million. The following table presents obligations of states and political subdivisions by geographic location:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
New Jersey

$28,625

 

$955

 

$—

 

$29,580

New York
8,073

 
277

 

 
8,350

Pennsylvania
3,962

 
109

 

 
4,071

Illinois
3,301

 
53

 

 
3,354

Other
3,686

 
135

 

 
3,821

Total

$47,647

 

$1,529

 

$—

 

$49,176


The following table presents obligations of states and political subdivisions by category:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
General obligations

$43,932

 

$1,421

 

$—

 

$45,353

Revenue obligations (a)
3,715

 
108

 

 
3,823

Total

$47,647

 

$1,529

 

$—

 

$49,176

(a)
Includes water and sewer districts, tax revenue obligations and other.

Washington Trust owns trust preferred security holdings of seven individual name issuers in the financial industry.  The following table presents information concerning these holdings, including credit ratings.  The Corporation’s Investment Policy contains rating standards that specifically reference ratings issued by Moody’s and S&P.



-49-


Individual Issuer Trust Preferred Securities
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
Credit Ratings
Named Issuer
 
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized Loss
 
December 31,
2014
 
Form 10-K
Filing Date
(parent holding company)
(a)

 
 
 
 
Moody’s
S&P
 
Moody’s
S&P
 
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
2

 

$9,767

 

$8,240

 

($1,527
)
 
 Baa2
 BBB-
 
 Baa2
 BBB-
 
Bank of America Corporation
3

 
5,769

 
4,700

 
(1,069
)
 
 Ba1
 BB
 
 Ba1
 BB
(b)
Wells Fargo & Company
2

 
5,143

 
4,410

 
(733
)
 
 A3/Baa1
 BBB+/BBB
 
 A3/Baa1
 BBB+/BBB
 
SunTrust Banks, Inc.
1

 
4,174

 
3,444

 
(730
)
 
 Baa3
 BB+
 
 Baa3
 BB+
(b)
Northern Trust Corporation
1

 
1,985

 
1,680

 
(305
)
 
 Baa1
 BBB+
 
 Baa1
 BBB+
 
State Street Corporation
1

 
1,976

 
1,700

 
(276
)
 
 A3
 BBB
 
 A3
 BBB
 
Huntington Bancshares Incorporated
1

 
1,939

 
1,600

 
(339
)
 
 Baa3
 BB
 
 Baa3
 BB
(b)
Totals
11

 

$30,753

 

$25,774

 

($4,979
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)
Number of separate issuances, including issuances of acquired institutions.
(b)
Rating is below investment grade.

The Corporation’s evaluation of the impairment status of individual name trust preferred securities includes various considerations in addition to the degree of impairment and the duration of impairment. We review the reported regulatory capital ratios of the issuer and, in all cases, the regulatory capital ratios were deemed to be in excess of the regulatory minimums. Credit ratings were also taken into consideration, including ratings in effect as of the reporting period date as well as credit rating changes between the reporting period date and the filing date of this report. We noted no additional downgrades to below investment grade between the reporting period date and the filing date of this report. Where available, credit ratings from multiple rating agencies are obtained and rating downgrades are specifically analyzed. Our review process for these credit-sensitive holdings also includes a periodic review of relevant financial information for each issuer, such as quarterly financial reports, press releases and analyst reports. This information is used to evaluate the current and prospective financial condition of the issuer in order to assess the issuer’s ability to meet its debt obligations. Through the filing date of this report, each of the individual name issuer securities was current with respect to interest payments. Based on our evaluation of the facts and circumstances relating to each issuer, management concluded that all principal and interest payments for these individual issuer trust preferred securities would be collected according to their contractual terms and it expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities. Furthermore, Washington Trust does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more-likely-than-not that Washington Trust will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis, which may be at maturity. Therefore, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014.

Further deterioration in credit quality of the underlying issuers of the securities, further deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, a continuation or worsening of the current economic environment, or additional declines in real estate values, among other things, may further affect the fair value of these securities and increase the potential that certain unrealized losses be designated as other-than-temporary in future periods, and the Corporation may incur write-downs.

Pooled Trust Preferred Obligations
Washington Trust had invested in two pooled trust preferred securities, Tropic CDO 1, tranche A4L (“Tropic”) and PreTSL XXV, tranche C1 (“PreTSL”).

On March 22, 2013, the trustee for the Tropic security issued a notice that liquidation of the CDO entity would take place at the direction of holders of the CDO tranches senior to the subordinate tranche interest held by Washington Trust. Accordingly, Washington Trust recognized an OTTI charge in the first quarter of 2013 on the entire $2.8 million carrying value of this security, based on the expectation that proceeds from the liquidation would be insufficient to satisfy the amount owed to the subordinate tranche. The liquidation was conducted in August 2013 and was insufficient to satisfy any amount owed on the subordinate tranche.


-50-



In December 2013, Washington Trust changed its intent to hold its investment in the PreTSL until recovery of its cost basis and subsequently sold this security in January 2014. As a result, Washington Trust recognized an OTTI loss of $717 thousand on the PreTSL in December 2013. The amortized cost and fair value of the PreTSL amounted to $547 thousand at December 31, 2013, which equaled the January 2014 sales price.

The following table summarizes other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities recognized in earnings in the periods indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Pooled trust preferred securities:
 
 
 
 
 
Tropic CDO 1, tranche A4L

$—

 

$2,772

 

$221

Preferred Term Securities [PreTSL] XXV, tranche C1

 
717

 

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings

$—

 

$3,489

 

$221


Investment in Bank-Owned Life Insurance
BOLI amounted to $63.5 million and $56.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  In the third quarter of 2014, Washington Trust purchased an additional $5.0 million of bank-owned life insurance policy contracts. BOLI provides a means to mitigate increasing employee benefit costs.  The Corporation expects to benefit from the BOLI contracts as a result of the tax-free growth in cash surrender value and death benefits that are expected to be generated over time.  The purchase of the life insurance policy results in an income-earning asset on the Consolidated Balance Sheet that provides monthly tax-free income to the Corporation.  The largest risk to the BOLI program is credit risk of the insurance carriers.  To mitigate this risk, annual financial condition reviews are completed on all carriers.  BOLI is invested in the “general account” of quality insurance companies.  All such general account carriers were rated “A” or better by A.M. Best and “A3” or better by Moody’s at December 31, 2014.  BOLI is included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at its cash surrender value.  Increases in BOLI’s cash surrender value are reported as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Loans
Total loans amounted to $2.86 billion at December 31, 2014.  In 2014, loans grew by $396.4 million, or 16%, with increases of $172.2 million in the commercial loan portfolio, $212.7 million in the residential real estate portfolio and $11.5 million in consumer loans.



-51-


The following table sets forth the composition of the Corporation’s loan portfolio for each of the past five years:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Amount
 
%

 
Amount
 
%

 
Amount
 
%

 
Amount
 
%

 
Amount
 
%

Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages  (1)

$843,978

 
30
%
 

$796,249

 
32
%
 

$710,813

 
31
%
 

$624,813

 
29
%
 

$518,623

 
26
%
Construction & development (2)
79,592

 
3

 
36,289

 
1

 
27,842

 
1

 
10,955

 
1

 
47,335

 
2

Commercial & industrial  (3)
611,918

 
21

 
530,797

 
22

 
513,764

 
23

 
488,860

 
22

 
461,107

 
23

Total commercial
1,535,488

 
54

 
1,363,335

 
55

 
1,252,419

 
55

 
1,124,628

 
52

 
1,027,065

 
51

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
948,731

 
33

 
749,163

 
30

 
692,798

 
30

 
678,582

 
32

 
634,739

 
31

Homeowner construction
36,684

 
1

 
23,511

 
1

 
24,883

 
1

 
21,832

 
1

 
10,281

 
1

Total residential real estate
985,415

 
34

 
772,674

 
31

 
717,681

 
31

 
700,414

 
33

 
645,020

 
32

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines
242,480

 
8

 
231,362

 
9

 
226,861

 
10

 
223,430

 
10

 
218,288

 
11

Home equity loans
46,967

 
2

 
40,212

 
2

 
39,329

 
2

 
43,121

 
2

 
50,624

 
3

Other  (4)
48,926

 
2

 
55,301

 
3

 
57,713

 
2

 
55,566

 
3

 
54,641

 
3

Total consumer loans
338,373

 
12

 
326,875

 
14

 
323,903

 
14

 
322,117

 
15

 
323,553

 
17

Total loans

$2,859,276

 
100
%
 

$2,462,884

 
100
%
 

$2,294,003

 
100
%
 

$2,147,159

 
100
%
 

$1,995,638

 
100
%
(1)
Loans primarily secured by income producing property.
(2)
Loans for construction of commercial properties, loans to developers for construction of residential properties and loans for land development.
(3)
Loans to businesses and individuals, a substantial portion of which are fully or partially collateralized by real estate.
(4)
Consumer installment loans and loans secured by general aviation aircraft and automobiles.

An analysis of the maturity and interest rate sensitivity of the Corporation’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2014 follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial
 
Residential Real Estate
 
 
 
Mortgages
Construction
C&I (1)
 
Mortgages
Homeowner Construction (2)
Consumer
Total
Amounts due in:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One year or less

$117,499


$18,471


$122,868

 

$27,691


$686


$9,625


$296,840

After one year to five years
418,063

33,976

321,380

 
119,347

4,803

36,249

933,818

After five years
308,416

27,145

167,670

 
801,693

31,195

292,499

1,628,618

Total

$843,978


$79,592


$611,918

 

$948,731


$36,684


$338,373


$2,859,276

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate terms on amounts due after one year:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Predetermined rates

$201,054


$295


$244,556

 

$375,006


$32,013


$73,693


$926,617

Floating or adjustable rates
525,425

60,826

244,494

 
546,034

3,985

255,055

1,635,819

(1)
Commercial & industrial loans.
(2)
Maturities of homeowner construction loans are included based on their contractual conventional mortgage repayment terms following the completion of construction.

Commercial Loans
Commercial loans fall into two major categories, commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. Commercial real estate loans consist of commercial mortgages secured by real property where the primary source of repayment is derived from rental income associated with the property or the proceeds of the sale, refinancing or permanent financing of the property. Commercial real estate loans also include construction loans made to businesses for land development


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or the on-site construction of industrial, commercial, or residential buildings. Commercial and industrial loans primarily provide working capital, equipment financing and financing for other business-related purposes. Commercial and industrial loans are frequently collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, and/or general business assets.  A significant portion of the Bank’s commercial and industrial loans is also collateralized by real estate.  Commercial and industrial loans also include tax exempt loans made to states and political subdivisions, as well as industrial development or revenue bonds issued through quasi-public corporations for the benefit of a private or non-profit entity where that entity rather than the governmental entity is obligated to pay the debt service.

Management evaluates the appropriateness of the Corporation’s underwriting standards in response to changes in national and regional economic conditions, including such matters as market interest rates, energy prices, trends in real estate values, and employment levels.  Based on management’s assessment of these matters, underwriting standards and credit monitoring activities are enhanced from time to time in response to changes in these conditions.  These assessments may result in clarification of debt service ratio calculations, modifications to loan to value standards for real estate collateral, formalized watch list criteria, and enhancements to monitoring of commercial construction loans.

Commercial Real Estate Loans
Commercial real estate loans amounted to $923.6 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $91.0 million, or 11%, from the $832.5 million balance at December 31, 2013.  Included in these amounts were construction and development loans of $79.6 million and $36.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The growth in commercial real estate loans was in large part due to enhanced business cultivation efforts with new and existing borrowers, with an emphasis on larger loan balances to borrowers or groups of related borrowers.

Commercial real estate loans are secured by a variety of property types, with approximately 84% of the total at December 31, 2014 composed of office buildings, retail facilities, commercial mixed use, multi-family dwellings, lodging and industrial & warehouse properties.

The following table presents a geographic summary of commercial real estate loans, including commercial construction, by property location.
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts

$861,422

 
93
%
 

$791,682

 
95
%
New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
53,625

 
6

 
32,126

 
4

New Hampshire
8,523

 
1

 
8,730

 
1

Total

$923,570

 
100
%
 

$832,538

 
100
%

Commercial and Industrial Loans
Commercial and industrial loans amounted to $611.9 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $81.1 million, or 15%, from December 31, 2013. This increase consisted of loans to new customers, additional extensions of credit to existing borrowers and additional advances on lines of credit with existing borrowers. A substantial portion of the growth in this portfolio was attributable to higher balance relationships. This portfolio includes loans to a variety of business types.  Approximately 79% of the total portfolio is composed of owner occupied and other real estate, health care and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, professional, scientific and technical, accommodation and food services, public administration, entertainment and recreation, construction businesses, and wholesale trade businesses.

Residential Real Estate Loans
Residential real estate loans amounted to $985.4 million at December 31, 2014, an increase of $212.7 million from December 31, 2013. Washington Trust originates residential real estate mortgages within our general market area of southern New England for portfolio and for sale in the secondary market. In recent years, the mortgage origination business has been expanded beyond our bank branch network, which is primarily located in Rhode Island, through the addition of residential mortgage lending offices in eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut. In 2014, approximately 64% of our mortgage origination volume was generated by our offices outside of Rhode Island. We also originate residential


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real estate mortgages for various investors in a broker capacity, including conventional mortgages and reverse mortgages.  Total residential real estate loan originations for retention in portfolio were $353.5 million and $303.4 million, respectively, for 2014 and 2013. Total residential real estate loan originations for sale to the secondary market, including loans originated in a broker capacity and excluding the September 2013 portfolio loan sale, were $346.9 million and $426.9 million, respectively, for 2014 and 2013.

Loans are sold with servicing retained or released.  In recent years, we began to retain servicing on a higher proportion of loans sold to the secondary market. In general, loans sold with the retention of servicing yield a larger gain on sale due to the capitalization of servicing rights, which are subsequently amortized over the estimated period of servicing. The net balance of capitalized servicing rights amounted to $3.0 million and $2.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The balance of residential mortgage loans serviced for others, which are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, amounts to $378.8 million and $310.7 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Prior to March 2009, Washington Trust had periodically purchased one- to four-family residential mortgages originated in other states as well as southern New England from other financial institutions.  All residential mortgage loans purchased from other financial institutions were individually underwritten using standards similar to those employed for Washington Trust’s self-originated loans.  Purchased residential mortgage balances totaled $32.8 million and $42.6 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The following is a geographic summary of residential mortgages by property location.
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amount
 
% of Total
 
Amount
 
% of Total
Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts

$965,452

 
98.1
%
 

$751,932

 
97.3
%
New Hampshire
10,204

 
1.0

 
7,900

 
1.0

New York, Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, District of Columbia
5,096

 
0.5

 
6,972

 
0.9

Ohio
1,812

 
0.2

 
2,509

 
0.3

Washington, Oregon
1,331

 
0.1

 
1,356

 
0.2

Georgia
1,062

 
0.1

 
1,083

 
0.1

Other
458

 

 
922

 
0.2

Total

$985,415

 
100.0
%
 

$772,674

 
100.0
%

Consumer Loans
Consumer loans amounted to $338.4 million at December 31, 2014, up $11.5 million from December 31, 2013.  Our consumer portfolio is predominantly home equity lines and home equity loans, representing 86% of the total consumer portfolio at December 31, 2014.  The Bank estimates that approximately 69% of the combined home equity line and home equity loan balances are first lien positions or subordinate to other Washington Trust mortgages. Consumer loans also include personal installment loans and loans to individuals secured by general aviation aircraft and automobiles.

Asset Quality
The Board of Directors of the Bank monitors credit risk management through two committees, the Finance Committee and the Audit Committee.  The Finance Committee has primary oversight responsibility for the credit granting function including approval authority for credit granting policies, review of management’s credit granting activities and approval of large exposure credit requests.  The Audit Committee oversees management’s systems and procedures to monitor the credit quality of the loan portfolio, conduct a loan review program, maintain the integrity of the loan rating system and determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The Audit Committee also approves the policy and methodology for establishing the allowance for loan losses. These committees report the results of their respective oversight functions to the Bank’s Board of Directors.  In addition, the Board reviews information concerning asset quality measurements and trends on a regular basis.


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Nonperforming Assets
Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, nonaccrual investment securities and property acquired through foreclosure or repossession.

The following table presents nonperforming assets and additional asset quality data for the dates indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2010

Nonaccrual loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgages

$5,315

 

$7,492

 

$10,681

 

$5,709

 

$6,624

Commercial construction and development

 

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
1,969

 
1,291

 
4,412

 
3,708

 
5,259

Residential real estate
7,124

 
8,315

 
6,158

 
10,614

 
6,414

Consumer
1,537

 
1,204

 
1,292

 
1,206

 
213

Total nonaccrual loans
15,945

 
18,302

 
22,543

 
21,237

 
18,510

Nonaccrual investment securities

 
547

 
843

 
887

 
806

Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession, net
1,176

 
932

 
2,047

 
2,647

 
3,644

Total nonperforming assets

$17,121

 

$19,781

 

$25,433

 

$24,771

 

$22,960

Nonperforming assets to total assets
0.48
%
 
0.62
%
 
0.83
%
 
0.81
%
 
0.79
%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans
0.56
%
 
0.74
%
 
0.98
%
 
0.99
%
 
0.93
%
Total past due loans to total loans
0.63
%
 
0.89
%
 
1.22
%
 
1.22
%
 
1.27
%
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due

$—

 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

 

$—


Nonperforming assets totaled $17.1 million, or 0.48% of total assets, at December 31, 2014 compared to $19.8 million, or 0.62% of total assets, at December 31, 2013. This decrease primarily reflects a $2.4 million decline in nonaccrual loans during 2014. Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession amounted to $1.2 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $932 thousand at the end of 2013.  The balance at December 31, 2014 consisted of four residential properties and two commercial properties. Prior to 2014, nonaccrual investment securities were comprised of two pooled trust preferred securities.  See additional information in the section “Financial Condition” under the heading “Securities.”

Nonaccrual Loans
Loans, with the exception of certain well-secured loans that are in the process of collection, are placed on nonaccrual status and interest recognition is suspended when such loans are 90 days or more past due with respect to principal and/or interest or sooner if considered appropriate by management.  Well-secured loans are permitted to remain on accrual status provided that full collection of principal and interest is assured and the loan is in the process of collection.  Loans are also placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, full collection of principal and interest is doubtful.  Interest previously accrued, but uncollected, is reversed against current period income.  Subsequent interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to the outstanding principal balance of the loan or recognized as interest income, depending on management’s assessment of the ultimate collectibility of the loan.  Loans are removed from nonaccrual status when they have been current as to principal and interest for a period of time, the borrower has demonstrated an ability to comply with repayment terms, and when, in management’s opinion, the loans are considered to be fully collectible. During 2014, the Corporation made no significant changes in its practices or policies concerning the placement of loans or investment securities into nonaccrual status. There were no significant commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on nonaccrual status at December 31, 2014.

Interest income that would have been recognized if loans on nonaccrual status had been current in accordance with their original terms was approximately $1.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.8 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Interest


-55-


income attributable to these loans included in the Consolidated Statements of Income amounted to approximately $455 thousand, $400 thousand and $679 thousand in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The following table presents additional detail on nonaccrual loans as of the dates indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Days Past Due
 
 
 
Days Past Due
 
 
 
Over 90
Under 90
Total
% (1)
 
Over 90
Under 90
Total
% (1)
Commercial mortgages

$5,315


$—


$5,315

0.63
%
 

$7,492


$—


$7,492

0.94
%
Commercial construction & development




 




Commercial & industrial
181

1,788

1,969

0.32

 
731

560

1,291

0.24

Residential real estate mortgages
3,284

3,840

7,124

0.72

 
5,633

2,682

8,315

1.08

Consumer
897

640

1,537

0.45

 
656

548

1,204

0.37

Total nonaccrual loans

$9,677


$6,268


$15,945

0.56
%
 

$14,512


$3,790


$18,302

0.74
%
(1)
Percentage of nonaccrual loans to the total loans outstanding within the respective category.

Approximately 78% of total nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2014 consisted of commercial mortgages and residential real estate mortgages.

Nonaccrual commercial mortgage loans were $5.3 million at December 31, 2014, down by $2.4 million in 2014. All of the nonaccrual commercial mortgage loans were located in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

As of December 31, 2014, the largest nonaccrual relationship in the commercial mortgage category was comprised of one troubled debt restructured loan with a carrying value of $4.9 million, which was classified into nonaccrual status in the third quarter of 2014 because the borrower failed to perform in accordance with the terms of the restructuring. This loan is secured by commercial property and is collateral dependent. Based on the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, an $854 thousand loss allocation was deemed necessary at December 31, 2014.

In addition, during 2014 certain nonaccrual commercial mortgage relationships were resolved. One had a carrying value of $4.7 million at December 31, 2013. In the first quarter of 2014, payoff proceeds of $2.6 million were received and final charge-offs of previously determined loss exposure of $853 thousand were recognized on two of the loans in this relationship. In the third quarter of 2014, a third loan in this relationship with a carrying value of $1.3 million was sold and a gain on sale of $131 thousand was recognized and classified as other income. In addition, another nonaccrual commercial mortgage loan that had a carrying value of $1.7 million at December 31, 2013 was paid off in the second quarter of 2014, resulting in a final charge-off of $32 thousand.

Nonaccrual residential real estate loans decreased by $1.2 million from the balance at the end of 2013. As of December 31, 2014, the $7.1 million balance of nonaccrual residential real estate loans included 31 loans with $6.7 million located in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.  The loss allocation on total nonaccrual residential real estate loans was $1.1 million at December 31, 2014.  Included in total nonaccrual residential real estate loans at December 31, 2014 were 11 loans purchased for portfolio and serviced by others amounting to $2.9 million.  Management monitors the collection efforts of its third party servicers as part of its assessment of the collectibility of nonperforming loans.



-56-


Past Due Loans
The following table presents past due loans by category as of the dates indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
Amount

 
% (1)
 
Amount

 
% (1)
Commercial mortgages

$5,315

 
0.63
%
 

$7,492

 
0.94
%
Construction & development

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
3,519

 
0.58

 
1,309

 
0.25

Residential real estate
7,048

 
0.72

 
10,958

 
1.42

Consumer
2,196

 
0.65

 
2,144

 
0.66

Total past due loans

$18,078

 
0.63
%
 

$21,903

 
0.89
%
(1)
Percentage of past due loans to the total loans outstanding within the respective category.

As of December 31, 2014, total past due loans amounted to $18.1 million, or 0.63% of total loans, compared to $21.9 million, or 0.89%, at December 31, 2013.

Included in past due loans as of December 31, 2014 were nonaccrual loans of $12.7 million.  All loans 90 days or more past due at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were classified as nonaccrual.

Troubled Debt Restructurings
Loans are considered restructured in a troubled debt restructuring when the Corporation has granted concessions to a borrower due to the borrower’s financial condition that it otherwise would not have considered.  These concessions include modifications of the terms of the debt such as reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, extension of maturity dates, or reduction of principal balance or accrued interest.  The decision to restructure a loan, versus aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan, may benefit the Corporation by increasing the ultimate probability of collection.

Restructured loans are classified as accruing or non-accruing based on management’s assessment of the collectibility of the loan.  Loans which are already on nonaccrual status at the time of the restructuring generally remain on nonaccrual status for approximately six months before management considers such loans for return to accruing status.  Accruing restructured loans are placed into nonaccrual status if and when the borrower fails to comply with the restructured terms and management deems it unlikely that the borrower will return to a status of compliance in the near term.

Troubled debt restructurings are reported as such for at least one year from the date of the restructuring.  In years after the restructuring, troubled debt restructured loans are removed from this classification if the restructuring did not involve a below-market rate concession and the loan is not deemed to be impaired based on the terms specified in the restructuring agreement. As of December 31, 2014, there were no significant commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans had been restructured.



-57-


The following table sets forth information on troubled debt restructured loans as of the dates indicated. The amounts below consist of unpaid principal balance, net of charge-offs and unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs. Accrued interest is not included in the carrying amounts set forth below. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2010

Accruing troubled debt restructured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgages

$9,676

 

$22,800

 

$9,569

 

$6,389

 

$11,736

Commercial & industrial
954

 
1,265

 
6,577

 
6,625

 
4,594

Residential real estate
1,252

 
1,442

 
1,123

 
1,481

 
2,863

Consumer
135

 
236

 
154

 
171

 
509

Accruing troubled debt restructured loans
12,017

 
25,743

 
17,423

 
14,666

 
19,702

Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial mortgages
4,898

 

 

 
91

 
1,302

Commercial & industrial
1,193

 
542

 
2,063

 
2,154

 
431

Residential real estate
248

 

 
688

 
2,615

 
948

Consumer

 
38

 
44

 
106

 
41

Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans
6,339

 
580

 
2,795

 
4,966

 
2,722

Total troubled debt restructured loans

$18,356

 

$26,323

 

$20,218

 

$19,632

 

$22,424


As of December 31, 2014, loans classified as troubled debt restructurings totaled $18.4 million, down by $8.0 million from the balance at December 31, 2013, due to the payoff of an accruing troubled debt restructured commercial mortgage loan that had a carrying amount of $8.1 million at December 31, 2013.

As of December 31, 2014, 78% of the troubled debt restructured loans consisted of two relationships. The largest troubled debt restructured relationship at December 31, 2014 consisted of an accruing commercial mortgage relationship with a carrying value of $9.4 million, secured by mixed use properties. The restructuring took place in the second quarter of 2013 and included a modification of certain payment terms and a below market rate concession for a temporary period. At December 31, 2014, the second largest troubled debt restructured relationship consisted of a commercial mortgage with a carrying value of $4.9 million, secured by commercial property. The restructuring took place in the third quarter of 2013 and included a modification of certain payment terms and a below market rate concession for a temporary period. In connection with this restructuring, a principal paydown of $1.2 million was provided by the borrower during the third quarter of 2013. This troubled debt restructuring loan was classified into nonaccrual status in the third quarter of 2014. See additional disclosure about this relationship above under the caption “Nonaccrual Loans.”

Potential Problem Loans
The Corporation classifies certain loans as “substandard,” “doubtful,” or “loss” based on criteria consistent with guidelines provided by banking regulators.  Potential problem loans consist of classified accruing commercial loans that were less than 90 days past due at December 31, 2014 and other loans for which known information about possible credit problems of the related borrowers causes management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in disclosure of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future.  These loans are not included in the amounts of nonaccrual or restructured loans presented above.  Management cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions or other factors may impact borrowers and the potential problem loans.  Accordingly, there can be no assurance that other loans will not become 90 days or more past due, be placed on nonaccrual, become restructured, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for loan losses. The Corporation has identified approximately $1.2 million in potential problem loans at December 31, 2014, compared to $931 thousand at December 31, 2013. Potential problem loans are assessed for loss exposure using the methods described in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption “Credit Quality Indicators.”


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Allowance for Loan Losses
Establishing an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment.  The Corporation uses a methodology to systematically measure the amount of estimated loan loss exposure inherent in the loan portfolio for purposes of establishing a sufficient allowance for loan losses.  See additional discussion regarding the allowance for loan losses under the caption “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” and in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.  The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and by recoveries of amounts previously charged off, and is reduced by charge-offs on loans. The status of nonaccrual loans, delinquent loans and performing loans were all taken into consideration in the assessment of the adequacy of the allowance for loans losses. In addition, the balance and trends of credit quality indicators, including the commercial loan categories of Pass, Special Mention and Classified, are integrated into the process used to determine the allocation of loss exposure. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption “Credit Quality Indicators” for additional information. Management believes that the level of allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2014 is adequate and consistent with asset quality and delinquency indicators. Management will continue to assess the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses in accordance with its established policies.

The Bank’s general practice is to identify problem credits early and recognize full or partial charge-offs as promptly as practicable when it is determined that the collection of loan principal is unlikely. The Bank recognizes full or partial charge-offs on collateral dependent impaired loans when the collateral is deemed to be insufficient to support the carrying value of the loan. The Bank does not recognize a recovery when an updated appraisal indicates a subsequent increase in value.

Appraisals are generally obtained with values determined on an “as is” basis from independent appraisal firms for real estate collateral dependent commercial loans in the process of collection or when warranted by other deterioration in the borrower’s credit status.  Updates to appraisals are generally obtained for troubled or nonaccrual loans or when management believes it is warranted.  The Corporation has continued to maintain appropriate professional standards regarding the professional qualifications of appraisers and has an internal review process to monitor the quality of appraisals.

For residential mortgages and real estate collateral dependent consumer loans that are in the process of collection, valuations are obtained from independent appraisal firms with values determined on an “as is” basis.

The estimation of loan loss exposure inherent in the loan portfolio includes, among other procedures, (1) identification of loss allocations for individual loans deemed to be impaired, (2) application of loss allocation factors for non-impaired loans based on credit grade, historical loss experience, estimated loss emergence period and delinquency status, with adjustments for various exposures not adequately presented in historical loss experience, and (3) an unallocated allowance maintained for measurement imprecision associated with impaired and nonaccrual loans. We periodically reassess and revise the loss allocation factors used in the assignment of loss exposure to appropriately reflect our analysis of migrational loss experience.  Revisions to loss allocation factors are not retroactively applied. We analyze historical loss experience in the various portfolios over periods deemed to be relevant to the inherent risk of loss in the respective portfolios and the related estimate of the loss emergence period as of the balance sheet date.



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The following is a summary of impaired loans by measurement type:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

Collateral dependent impaired loans  (1)

$19,761

 

$21,940

Impaired loans measured on discounted cash flow method (2)
2,258

 
15,553

Total impaired loans

$22,019

 

$37,493

(1)
Net of partial charge-offs of $530 thousand and $2.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
(2)
Net of partial charge-offs of $264 thousand and $141 thousand, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Impaired loans consist of nonaccrual commercial loans, troubled debt restructured loans and other loans classified as impaired that are individually evaluated for impairment. The loss allocation on impaired loans amounted to $1.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013.  Various loan loss allowance coverage ratios are affected by the timing and extent of charge-offs, particularly with respect to impaired collateral dependent loans.  For such loans the Bank generally recognizes a partial charge-off equal to the identified loss exposure; therefore, the remaining allocation of loss is minimal.

Other individual commercial loans not deemed to be impaired are evaluated using the internal rating system and the application of loss allocation factors.  The loan rating system and the related loss allocation factors take into consideration parameters including the borrower’s financial condition, the borrower’s performance with respect to loan terms, the adequacy of collateral and the adequacy of guarantees.  Portfolios of more homogeneous populations of loans including residential mortgages and consumer loans are analyzed as groups, with loss allocation factors assigned to each group based on delinquency status. Loss allocation factors are also adjusted for various exposures not adequately presented in historical loss experience. See additional disclosure under the caption “Credit Quality Indicators” in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table presents additional detail on the Corporation’s loan portfolio and associated allowance for loan losses as of the dates indicated.
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Loans
Related Allowance
Allowance / Loans
 
Loans
Related Allowance
Allowance / Loans
Impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment

$22,019


$1,583

7.19
%
 

$37,493


$1,481

3.95
%
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment
2,837,257

24,049

0.85

 
2,425,391

23,720

0.98

Unallocated

2,391


 

2,685


Total

$2,859,276


$28,023

0.98
%
 

$2,462,884


$27,886

1.13
%

For 2014 and 2013, the loan loss provision totaled $1.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively.  Net charge-offs were $1.7 million, or 0.07% of average loans in 2014, and $5.4 million, or 0.23%, of average loans, in 2013.  Net charge-offs in 2014 included an $853 thousand charge-off recognized in the first quarter on one commercial mortgage relationship. Net charge-offs in 2013 included a $4.0 million charge-off recognized in the second quarter on one commercial mortgage loan.

As of December 31, 2014, the allowance for loan losses was $28.0 million, or 0.98% of total loans, compared to $27.9 million, or 1.13% of total loans, at December 31, 2013.  The decline in the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans reflects stable and favorable trends in asset quality and credit quality metrics. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information under the caption “Credit Quality Indicators.”



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The following table reflects the activity in the allowance for loan losses during the years presented:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

 
2011

 
2010

Balance at beginning of period

$27,886

 

$30,873

 

$29,802

 

$28,583

 

$27,400

Charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
977

 
5,213

 
485

 
960

 
1,284

Construction and development

 

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
558

 
358

 
1,179

 
1,685

 
2,983

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
132

 
128

 
367

 
641

 
646

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

 

Consumer
282

 
323

 
304

 
548

 
489

Total charge-offs
1,949

 
6,022

 
2,335

 
3,834

 
5,402

Recoveries:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
24

 
380

 
442

 
7

 
132

Construction and development

 

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
86

 
153

 
103

 
311

 
196

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
51

 
3

 
110

 
4

 
233

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

 

Consumer
75

 
99

 
51

 
31

 
24

Total recoveries
236

 
635

 
706

 
353

 
585

Net charge-offs
1,713

 
5,387

 
1,629

 
3,481

 
4,817

Provision charged to earnings
1,850

 
2,400

 
2,700

 
4,700

 
6,000

Balance at end of period

$28,023

 

$27,886

 

$30,873

 

$29,802

 

$28,583

Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans
0.07
%
 
0.23
%
 
0.07
%
 
0.17
%
 
0.24
%



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The following table presents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses. The allocation below is neither indicative of the specific amounts or the loan categories in which future charge-offs may occur, nor is it an indicator of any future loss trends.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Amount
% (1)
 
Amount
% (1)
 
Amount
% (1)
 
Amount
% (1)
 
Amount
% (1)
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages

$8,202

30
%
 

$8,022

32
%
 

$9,817

31
%
 

$8,580

29
%
 

$7,678

26
%
Construction & development
1,300

3

 
383

1

 
224

1

 
95

1

 
723

2

Commercial & industrial
7,987

21

 
7,835

22

 
8,934

23

 
8,709

22

 
9,208

23

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
5,228

33

 
6,321

30

 
6,291

30

 
6,748

32

 
5,721

31

Homeowner construction
202

1

 
129

1

 
137

1

 
119

1

 
48

1

Consumer
2,713

12

 
2,511

14

 
2,684

14

 
2,452

15

 
2,202

17

Unallocated
2,391

 
 
2,685

 
 
2,786

 
 
3,099

 
 
3,003

 
Balance at end of period

$28,023

100
%
 

$27,886

100
%
 

$30,873

100
%
 

$29,802

100
%
 

$28,583

100
%
(1)
Percentage of allocated allowance for loan losses to the total loans outstanding within the respective category.

Prior to December 31, 2014, the unallocated allowance also included amounts for management’s qualitative and quantitative assessment of certain other loan portfolio risks not captured in other components of the allowance. The allocation of the allowance for loan losses presented above has been revised to conform to the 2014 presentation of the unallocated allowance. This reclassification to the appropriate loan portfolios resulted in reductions of $5.2 million, $5.5 million, $5.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively, in the unallocated allowance previously reported as of December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010.

Sources of Funds
Our sources of funds include deposits, brokered time certificates of deposit, FHLBB borrowings, other borrowings and proceeds from the sales, maturities and payments of loans and investment securities.  Washington Trust uses funds to originate and purchase loans, purchase investment securities, conduct operations, expand the branch network and pay dividends to shareholders.

Management’s preferred strategy for funding asset growth is to grow low-cost deposits, including demand deposit, NOW and savings accounts.  Asset growth in excess of low-cost deposits is typically funded through higher-cost deposits (including time certificates of deposit and money market accounts), brokered time certificates of deposit, FHLBB borrowings and securities portfolio cash flow.

Deposits
Washington Trust offers a wide variety of deposit products to consumer and business customers.  Deposits provide an important source of funding for the Bank as well as an ongoing stream of fee revenue.

Washington Trust is a participant in the Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) program, Demand Deposit Marketplace (“DDM”) program, and the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) program. Washington Trust uses these deposit sweep services to place customer funds into interest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts, and/or time certificates of deposits issued by other participating banks. Customer funds are placed at one or more participating banks to ensure that each deposit customer is eligible for the full amount of FDIC insurance. As a program participant, we receive reciprocal amounts of deposits from other participating banks. ICS, DDM and CDARS deposits are considered to be brokered deposits for bank regulatory purposes. We consider these reciprocal deposit balances to be in-market deposits as distinguished from traditional out-of-market brokered deposits.



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Total deposits amounted to $2.75 billion at December 31, 2014, up by $249.5 million, or 10%, from December 31, 2013. This included a net increase of $201.1 million of out-of-market brokered time certificates of deposit. Excluding out-of-market brokered time certificates of deposit, in-market deposits were up by $48.4 million, or 2%, in 2014, reflecting growth in money market accounts and demand deposits, partially offset by declines in in-market time deposits.

Demand deposits totaled $459.9 million at December 31, 2014, up by $19.1 million, or 4%, from the balance at December 31, 2013.  Also included in demand deposits at December 31, 2014 were DDM reciprocal demand deposits of $33.4 million, up from $11.3 million at the end of 2013.

NOW account balances increased by $16.6 million, or 5%, and totaled $326.4 million at December 31, 2014.

Savings deposits decreased by $5.6 million, or 2%, and amounted to $291.7 million at December 31, 2014.

Money market accounts totaled $802.8 million at December 31, 2014, up by $136.1 million, or 20%, from December 31, 2013. Included in money market deposits were ICS reciprocal money market deposits totaling $267.9 million at December 31, 2014, up from $202.4 million at December 31, 2013.

Time deposits amounted to $874.1 million at December 31, 2014, up by $83.3 million, or 11%, from December 31, 2013. Included in time deposits at December 31, 2014 were out-of-market wholesale brokered time certificates of deposit of $299.1 million, which were up by $201.1 million from the balance at December 31, 2013. Excluding out-of-market brokered time certificates of deposits, in-market time deposits totaled $575.0 million at December 31, 2014, down by $117.8 million from December 31, 2013. Included in in-market time deposits were CDARS reciprocal time deposits totaling $85.1 million at December 31, 2014, down from $157.0 million at December 31, 2013.

Borrowings
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
The Corporation utilizes advances from the FHLBB as well as other borrowings as part of its overall funding strategy.  FHLBB advances are utilized used to meet short-term liquidity needs, to purchase securities and to originate and purchase loans.  FHLBB advances amounted to $406.3 million at December 31, 2014, up by $118.2 million from the balance at the end of 2013, representing additional funding to support the strong loan growth in 2014.

As disclosed in the Results of Operations section under the caption “Net Interest Income,” FHLBB advance prepayment and modification transactions were conducted in both 2013 and 2014.

In February 2015, in connection with the Corporation’s ongoing interest rate risk management efforts, FHLBB advances totaling $69.2 million were modified to lower interest rates and extend the maturities of these advances. Original maturity dates ranging from 2016 to 2018 were modified to 2018 to 2022. The original weighted average interest rate was 4.06% and was revised to 3.50%. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Junior Subordinated Debentures
Junior subordinated debentures amounted to $22.7 million at December 31, 2014, unchanged from the balance at the end of 2013.

Redemption of Certain Trust Preferred Securities and Related Junior Subordinated Debentures
The Bancorp was the sponsor of the Washington Preferred Capital Trust, a statutory trust created for the sole purpose of the April 7, 2008 issuance of trust preferred securities, the proceeds of which were invested in junior subordinated debentures of the Bancorp. On June 17, 2013, the Bancorp redeemed in whole, at par, the outstanding trust preferred securities and related subordinated debentures totaling $10.0 million. The Bancorp also had a related interest rate swap contract designated as a cash flow hedge, which matured at redemption on June 17, 2013. Including the cost of the related interest rate swap contract, the rate on this debt was approximately 5.69% at the time of redemption. In connection with the redemption, unamortized debt issuance costs of $244 thousand were expensed and classified as interest expense in June 2013.



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Other Liabilities
Other liabilities increased by $13.7 million from December 31, 2013, due to a $14.0 million increase in defined benefit pension plan liabilities, recorded in connection with the annual measurement of defined benefit pension plan obligations. Approximately $9.2 million of the $14.0 million increase was due to a decline in the discount rate used to measure the present value of pension liabilities in 2014, while approximately $3.8 million was the result of the adoption of new mortality assumptions reflecting increased life expectancies, that were recently issued by the Society of Actuaries. See Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure regarding the Corporation’s defined benefit pension plans.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity Management
Liquidity is the ability of a financial institution to meet maturing liability obligations and customer loan demand.  Washington Trust’s primary source of liquidity is deposits, which funded approximately 74% of total average assets in 2014.  While the generally preferred funding strategy is to attract and retain low-cost deposits, the ability to do so is affected by competitive interest rates and terms in the marketplace.  Other sources of funding include discretionary use of purchased liabilities (e.g., FHLBB term advances and brokered time certificates of deposit), cash flows from the Corporation’s securities portfolios and loan repayments.  Securities designated as available for sale may also be sold in response to short-term or long-term liquidity needs although management has no intention to do so at this time.

Washington Trust has a detailed liquidity funding policy and a contingency funding plan that provide for the prompt and comprehensive response to unexpected demands for liquidity.  Management employs stress testing methodology to estimate needs for contingent funding that could result from unexpected outflows of funds in excess of “business as usual” cash flows.  In management’s estimation, risks are concentrated in two major categories: (1) runoff of in-market deposit balances; and (2) unexpected drawdown of loan commitments.  Of the two categories, potential runoff of deposit balances would have the most significant impact on contingent liquidity.  Our stress test scenarios, therefore, emphasize attempts to quantify deposits at risk over selected time horizons.  In addition to these unexpected outflow risks, several other “business as usual” factors enter into the calculation of the adequacy of contingent liquidity including (1) payment proceeds from loans and investment securities; (2) maturing debt obligations; and (3) maturing time deposits.  Washington Trust has established collateralized borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and also maintains additional collateralized borrowing capacity with the FHLBB in excess of levels used in the ordinary course of business.

The ALCO establishes and monitors internal liquidity measures to manage liquidity exposure.  Liquidity remained well within target ranges established by the ALCO during 2014.  Based on its assessment of the liquidity considerations described above, management believes the Corporation’s sources of funding meets anticipated funding needs.

In 2014, net cash provided by financing activities amounted to $349.7 million.  Total deposits, including out-of-market brokered time deposits, increased by $249.5 million and net cash flows from FHLBB advances increased by $118.2 million. In addition, cash dividends paid totaled $19.7 million in 2014. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $357.4 million in 2014.  The most significant elements of cash flow within investment activities were net outflows related to growth in the loan portfolio and purchases of securities, offset by net cash flows from maturities, calls and principal repayments of securities.  Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $2.7 million in 2014. Net income totaled $40.8 million in 2014 and the most significant adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities pertain to mortgage banking activities and the gain on sale of our merchant processing business line. See the Corporation’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for further information about sources and uses of cash.

Capital Resources
Total shareholders’ equity amounted to $346.3 million at December 31, 2014, compared to $329.6 million at December 31, 2013, including $40.8 million of earnings retention and a reduction of $20.6 million for dividend declarations. Also included in the net increase in shareholders’ equity was total other comprehensive loss, net of tax, of $7.3 million. This primarily consisted of an after-tax charge of $8.6 million in defined benefit plan obligations, offset, in part, by increases in the fair value of securities available for sale. See Note 15 for additional disclosure regarding the measurement of the Corporation’s defined benefit pension obligations in 2014.



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The Corporation’s 2006 Stock Repurchase Plan authorizes the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares.  As of December 31, 2014, a cumulative total of 185,400 shares have been repurchased. All of these shares of stock were repurchased in 2007 at a total cost of $4.8 million.

The ratio of total equity to total assets amounted to 9.65% at December 31, 2014.  This compares to a ratio of 10.34% at December 31, 2013.  Book value per share at December 31, 2014 and 2013 amounted to $20.68 and $19.84, respectively.

The Bancorp and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements.  As of December 31, 2014, the Bancorp and the Bank are categorized as “well-capitalized” under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. As disclosed in the “Sources of Funds” section under the caption “Borrowings,” the Bancorp redeemed junior subordinated debentures issued to Washington Preferred Capital Trust on June 17, 2013. This transaction reduced the regulatory capital levels of total capital and Tier 1 capital in the Bancorp and the Bank by approximately $10.0 million.

See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion of capital requirements.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The Corporation has entered into numerous contractual obligations and commitments.  The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations and other commitments at December 31, 2014:
(Dollars in thousands)
Payments Due by Period
 
Total
 
Less Than 
1 Year (1)
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
After
5 Years
Contractual Obligations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FHLBB advances (2)

$406,297

 

$201,569

 

$104,175

 

$92,046

 

$8,507

Junior subordinated debentures
22,681

 

 

 

 
22,681

Operating lease obligations
36,831

 
2,666

 
4,905

 
3,972

 
25,288

Software licensing arrangements
2,868

 
2,315

 
553

 

 

Other borrowings
133

 
48

 
85

 

 

Total contractual obligations

$468,810

 

$206,598

 

$109,718

 

$96,018

 

$56,476

(1)
Maturities or contractual obligations are considered by management in the administration of liquidity and are routinely refinanced in the ordinary course of business.
(2)
All FHLBB advances are shown in the period corresponding to their scheduled maturity. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.



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(Dollars in thousands)
Amount of Commitment Expiration – Per Period
 
Total
 
Less Than
1 Year
 
1-3 Years
 
3-5 Years
 
After
5 Years
Other Commitments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial loans

$325,402

 

$156,968

 

$58,151

 

$55,296

 

$54,987

Home equity lines
200,932

 

 

 

 
200,932

Other loans
48,551

 
41,975

 
2,434

 
4,142

 

Standby letters of credit
5,102

 
4,954

 
148

 

 

Forward loan commitments to:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Originate loans
40,015

 
40,015

 

 

 

Sell loans
84,808

 
84,808

 

 

 

Customer related derivative contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps with customers
165,795

 
9,145

 
44,004

 
54,217

 
58,429

Mirror swaps with counterparties
165,795

 
9,145

 
44,004

 
54,217

 
58,429

Interest rate risk management contract:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
22,681

 
22,681

 

 

 

Total commitments

$1,059,081

 

$369,691

 

$148,741

 

$167,872

 

$372,777


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of business, Washington Trust engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in the financial statements, or are recorded in amounts that differ from the notional amounts.  Such transactions are used to meet the financing needs of its customers and to manage the exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.  These financial transactions include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, interest rate swaps, and commitments to originate and commitments to sell fixed rate mortgage loans.  These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk.  The Corporation’s credit policies with respect to interest rate swap agreements with commercial borrowers, commitments to extend credit, and standby letters of credit are similar to those used for loans.  The interest rate swaps with other counterparties are generally subject to bilateral collateralization terms.

For additional information on derivative financial instruments and financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk see Notes 13 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details of recently issued accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.

Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the primary market risk category associated with the Corporation’s operations. Interest rate risk is the risk of loss to future earnings due to changes in interest rates.  The ALCO is responsible for establishing policy guidelines on liquidity and acceptable exposure to interest rate risk.  Periodically, the ALCO reports on the status of liquidity and interest rate risk matters to the Bank’s Board of Directors.  The objective of the ALCO is to manage assets and funding sources to produce results that are consistent with Washington Trust’s liquidity, capital adequacy, growth, risk and profitability goals.

The ALCO manages the Corporation’s interest rate risk using income simulation to measure interest rate risk inherent in the Corporation’s on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet financial instruments at a given point in time by showing the effect of interest rate shifts on net interest income over a 12-month horizon, the 13- to 24-month horizon and a 60-month horizon.  The simulations assume that the size and general composition of the Corporation’s balance sheet remain static over the simulation horizons, with the exception of certain deposit mix shifts from low-cost core savings to higher-cost


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time deposits in selected interest rate scenarios.  Additionally, the simulations take into account the specific repricing, maturity, call options, and prepayment characteristics of differing financial instruments that may vary under different interest rate scenarios.  The characteristics of financial instrument classes are reviewed periodically by the ALCO to ensure their accuracy and consistency.

The ALCO reviews simulation results to determine whether the Corporation’s exposure to a decline in net interest income remains within established tolerance levels over the simulation horizons and to develop appropriate strategies to manage this exposure.  As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, net interest income simulations indicated that exposure to changing interest rates over the simulation horizons remained within tolerance levels established by the Corporation.  The Corporation defines maximum unfavorable net interest income exposure to be a change of no more than 5% in net interest income over the first 12 months, no more than 10% over the second 12 months, and no more than 10% over the full 60-month simulation horizon.  All changes are measured in comparison to the projected net interest income that would result from an “unchanged” rate scenario where both interest rates and the composition of the Corporation’s balance sheet remain stable for a 60-month period.  In addition to measuring the change in net interest income as compared to an unchanged interest rate scenario, the ALCO also measures the trend of both net interest income and net interest margin over a 60-month horizon to ensure the stability and adequacy of this source of earnings in different interest rate scenarios.

The ALCO regularly reviews a wide variety of interest rate shift scenario results to evaluate interest risk exposure, including scenarios showing the effect of steepening or flattening changes in the yield curve of up to 500 basis points as well as parallel changes in interest rates of up to 400 basis points.  Because income simulations assume that the Corporation’s balance sheet will remain static over the simulation horizon, the results do not reflect adjustments in strategy that the ALCO could implement in response to rate shifts.

The following table sets forth the estimated change in net interest income from an unchanged interest rate scenario over the periods indicated for parallel changes in market interest rates using the Corporation’s on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  Interest rates are assumed to shift by a parallel 100, 200 or 300 basis points upward or 100 basis points downward over a 12-month period, except for core savings deposits, which are assumed to shift by lesser amounts due to their relative historical insensitivity to market interest rate movements.  Further, deposits are assumed to have certain minimum rate levels below which they will not fall.  It should be noted that the rate scenarios shown do not necessarily reflect the ALCO’s view of the “most likely” change in interest rates over the periods indicated.
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
Months 1 - 12
 
Months 13 - 24
 
Months 1 - 12
 
Months 13 - 24
100 basis point rate decrease
(0.93)%
 
(3.43)%
 
(1.66)%
 
(6.02)%
100 basis point rate increase
1.15
 
0.87
 
2.22
 
3.91
200 basis point rate increase
3.37
 
3.66
 
4.44
 
7.16
300 basis point rate increase
5.67
 
6.30
 
5.30
 
6.98

The ALCO estimates that the negative exposure of net interest income to falling rates as compared to an unchanged rate scenario results from a more rapid decline in earning asset yields compared to rates paid on deposits.  If market interest rates were to fall from their already low levels and remain lower for a sustained period, certain core savings and time deposit rates could decline more slowly and by a lesser amount than other market rates.  Asset yields would likely decline more rapidly than deposit costs as current asset holdings mature or reprice, since cash flow from mortgage-related prepayments and redemption of callable securities would increase as market rates fall.

The positive exposure of net interest income to rising rates as compared to an unchanged rate scenario results from a more rapid projected relative rate of increase in asset yields than funding costs over the near term.  For simulation purposes, deposit rate changes are anticipated to lag behind other market rates in both timing and magnitude.  The ALCO’s estimate of interest rate risk exposure to rising rate environments, including those involving changes to the shape of the yield curve, incorporates certain assumptions regarding the shift in deposit balances from low-cost core savings categories to


-67-


higher-cost deposit categories, which has characterized a shift in funding mix during the past rising interest rate cycles. The relative decrease in positive exposure of net interest income to rising rates from December 31, 2013 to December 31, 2014 was attributable to several factors, including an increase in the residential real estate mortgage portfolio, the largest portion of which was in adjustable rate mortgages with an initial interest rate reset date in year seven; and to a lesser extent to a reduction in longer term market interest rates.

While the ALCO reviews and updates simulation assumptions and also periodically back-tests the simulation results to ensure that the assumptions are reasonable and current, income simulation may not always prove to be an accurate indicator of interest rate risk or future net interest margin.  Over time, the repricing, maturity and prepayment characteristics of financial instruments and the composition of the Corporation’s balance sheet may change to a different degree than estimated.  Simulation modeling assumes a static balance sheet, with the exception of certain modeled deposit mix shifts from low-cost core savings deposits to higher-cost time deposits in rising rate scenarios as noted above.  Due to the current level of low market interest rates, the banking industry has experienced relatively strong growth in low-cost core savings deposits over the past several years.  The ALCO recognizes that a portion of these increased levels of low-cost balances could shift into higher yielding alternatives in the future, particularly if interest rates rise and as confidence in financial markets strengthens, and has modeled increased amounts of deposit shifts out of these low-cost categories into higher-cost alternatives in the rising rate simulation scenarios presented above.  Deposit balances may also be subject to possible outflow to non-bank alternatives in a rising rate environment, which may cause interest rate sensitivity to differ from the results as presented. Another significant simulation assumption is the sensitivity of core savings deposits to fluctuations in interest rates. Income simulation results assume that changes in both core savings deposit rates and balances are related to changes in short-term interest rates. The relationship between short-term interest rate changes and core deposit rate and balance changes may differ from the ALCO’s estimates used in income simulation. It should also be noted that the static balance sheet assumption does not necessarily reflect the Corporation’s expectation for future balance sheet growth, which is a function of the business environment and customer behavior. Lastly, mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans involve a level of risk that unforeseen changes in prepayment speeds may cause related cash flows to vary significantly in differing rate environments.  Such changes could affect the level of reinvestment risk associated with cash flow from these instruments, as well as their market value.  Changes in prepayment speeds could also increase or decrease the amortization of premium or accretion of discounts related to such instruments, thereby affecting interest income.

The Corporation also monitors the potential change in market value of its available for sale debt securities in changing interest rate environments.  The purpose is to determine market value exposure that may not be captured by income simulation, but which might result in changes to the Corporation’s capital position.  Results are calculated using industry-standard analytical techniques and securities data.  

The following table summarizes the potential change in market value of the Corporation’s available for sale debt securities of December 31, 2014 and 2013 resulting from immediate parallel rate shifts:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Security Type
Down 100 Basis Points
 
Up 200 Basis Points
U.S. government sponsored enterprise securities (callable)

$200

 

($2,260
)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
619

 
(1,409
)
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
3,932

 
(17,198
)
Trust preferred debt and other corporate debt securities
26

 
649

Total change in market value as of December 31, 2014

$4,777

 

($20,218
)
Total change in market value as of December 31, 2013

$6,863

 

($20,841
)

See Notes 13 and 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the nature and business purpose of derivative financial instruments and financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk.



-68-


ITEM 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Information regarding quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk appears under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” under the caption “Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk.”

ITEM 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The financial statements and supplementary data are contained herein.
Description
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


-69-




Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


The management of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Corporation. The Corporation’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

The Corporation’s management assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014.  In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (1992).  Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2014, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

The Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.  This report appears on the following page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.




/s/  Joseph J. MarcAurele
/s/  David V. Devault
Joseph J. MarcAurele
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
David V. Devault
Vice Chair, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer


-70-




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

[Graphic Omitted]


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc:

We have audited Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ (the “Corporation’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  The Corporation’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Corporation as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, and our report dated March 12, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.


/s/ KPMG LLP
Providence, Rhode Island
March 12, 2015


-71-




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

[Graphic Omitted]


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014.  These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 12, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ KPMG LLP
Providence, Rhode Island
March 12, 2015



-72-




Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)


December 31,
2014

 
2013

Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks

$76,386

 

$81,939

Short-term investments
3,964

 
3,378

Mortgage loans held for sale (including $30,321 in 2014 and $11,636 in 2013 measured at fair value)
45,693

 
11,636

Securities:
 
 
 
Available for sale, at fair value
357,662

 
392,903

Held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $26,008 in 2014 and $29,865 in 2013)
25,222

 
29,905

Total securities
382,884

 
422,808

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
37,730

 
37,730

Loans:
 
 
 
Commercial
1,535,488

 
1,363,335

Residential real estate
985,415

 
772,674

Consumer
338,373

 
326,875

Total loans
2,859,276

 
2,462,884

Less allowance for loan losses
28,023

 
27,886

Net loans
2,831,253

 
2,434,998

Premises and equipment, net
27,495

 
25,402

Investment in bank-owned life insurance
63,519

 
56,673

Goodwill
58,114

 
58,114

Identifiable intangible assets, net
4,849

 
5,493

Other assets
54,987

 
50,696

Total assets

$3,586,874

 

$3,188,867

Liabilities:
 
 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Demand deposits

$459,852

 

$440,785

NOW accounts
326,375

 
309,771

Money market accounts
802,764

 
666,646

Savings accounts
291,725

 
297,357

Time deposits
874,102

 
790,762

Total deposits
2,754,818

 
2,505,321

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
406,297

 
288,082

Junior subordinated debentures
22,681

 
22,681

Other liabilities
56,799

 
43,137

Total liabilities
3,240,595

 
2,859,221

Commitments and contingencies


 


Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock of $.0625 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 16,746,363 shares in 2014 and 16,613,561 shares in 2013
1,047

 
1,038

Paid-in capital
101,204

 
97,566

Retained earnings
252,837

 
232,595

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(8,809
)
 
(1,553
)
Total shareholders’ equity
346,279

 
329,646

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$3,586,874

 

$3,188,867




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-73-




Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)


Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fees on loans

$107,842

 

$102,481

 

$102,656

Interest on securities:
Taxable
10,437

 
11,008

 
15,359

 
Nontaxable
2,149

 
2,553

 
2,699

Dividends on corporate stock and Federal Home Loan Bank stock
561

 
148

 
256

Other interest income
128

 
158

 
91

Total interest and dividend income
121,117

 
116,348

 
121,061

Interest expense:
 
 
 
 
 

Deposits
12,937

 
12,420

 
13,590

Federal Home Loan Bank advances
7,698

 
10,643

 
14,957

Junior subordinated debentures
964

 
1,484

 
1,570

Other interest expense
13

 
16

 
248

Total interest expense
21,612

 
24,563

 
30,365

Net interest income
99,505

 
91,785

 
90,696

Provision for loan losses
1,850

 
2,400

 
2,700

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
97,655

 
89,385

 
87,996

Noninterest income:
 
 
 
 
 
Wealth management revenues
33,378

 
31,825

 
29,641

Merchant processing fees
1,291

 
10,220

 
10,159

Net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others
6,802

 
13,085

 
14,092

Service charges on deposit accounts
3,395

 
3,256

 
3,193

Card interchange fees
3,057

 
2,788

 
2,480

Income from bank-owned life insurance
1,846

 
1,850

 
2,448

Net realized gains on securities

 

 
1,223

Net gains on interest rate swap contracts
1,136

 
951

 
255

Equity in earnings (losses) of unconsolidated subsidiaries
(276
)
 
(107
)
 
196

Net gain on sale of business line
6,265

 

 

Other income
2,121

 
1,701

 
1,748

Noninterest income, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses
59,015

 
65,569

 
65,435

Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities

 
(294
)
 
(28
)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income (before tax)

 
(3,195
)
 
(193
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 
(3,489
)
 
(221
)
Total noninterest income
59,015

 
62,080

 
65,214

Noninterest expense:
 

 
 

 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
58,530

 
60,052

 
59,786

Net occupancy
6,312

 
5,769

 
6,039

Equipment
4,903

 
4,847

 
4,640

Merchant processing costs
1,050

 
8,682

 
8,593

Outsourced services
4,483

 
3,662

 
3,560

Legal, audit and professional fees
2,336

 
2,330

 
2,240

FDIC deposit insurance costs
1,762

 
1,761

 
1,730

Advertising and promotion
1,546

 
1,464

 
1,730

Amortization of intangibles
644

 
680

 
728

Foreclosed property costs
43

 
258

 
762

Debt prepayment penalties
6,294

 
1,125

 
3,908

Other expenses
8,944

 
8,155

 
8,622

Total noninterest expense
96,847

 
98,785

 
102,338

Income before income taxes
59,823

 
52,680

 
50,872

Income tax expense
18,999

 
16,527

 
15,798

Net income

$40,824

 

$36,153

 

$35,074

 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic
16,689

 
16,506

 
16,358

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted
16,872

 
16,664

 
16,401

Per share information:
Basic earnings per common share

$2.44

 

$2.18

 

$2.13

 
Diluted earnings per common share

$2.41

 

$2.16

 

$2.13

 
Cash dividends declared per share

$1.22

 

$1.03

 

$0.94


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-74-




Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in thousands)


Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Net income

$40,824

 

$36,153

 

$35,074

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value of securities available for sale
1,021

 
(6,808
)
 
(2,666
)
Net losses (gains) on securities classified into earnings

 
188

 
(768
)
Net change in fair value of securities available for sale
1,021

 
(6,620
)
 
(3,434
)
Reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment losses transferred into earnings

 
2,049

 
125

Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges
(38
)
 
(35
)
 
(333
)
Net cash flow hedge losses reclassified into earnings
369

 
423

 
454

Net change in fair value of cash flow hedges
331

 
388

 
121

Defined benefit plan obligation adjustment
(8,608
)
 
13,129

 
(5,416
)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(7,256
)
 
8,946

 
(8,604
)
Total comprehensive income

$33,568

 

$45,099

 

$26,470



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-75-




Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

(Dollars and shares in thousands)


 
Common
Shares
Outstanding
 
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Total
Balance at January 1, 2012
16,292

 

$1,018

 

$88,030

 

$194,198

 

($1,895
)
 

$281,351

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
35,074

 
 
 
35,074

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,604
)
 
(8,604
)
Cash dividends declared
 
 
 
 
 
 
(15,598
)
 
 
 
(15,598
)
Share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
1,962

 
 
 
 
 
1,962

Deferred compensation plan
10

 
1

 
145

 
 
 
 
 
146

Exercise of stock options, issuance of other compensation-related equity instruments and related tax benefit
78

 
5

 
1,316

 
 
 
 
 
1,321

Balance at December 31, 2012
16,380

 

$1,024

 

$91,453

 

$213,674

 

($10,499
)
 

$295,652

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
36,153

 
 
 
36,153

Total other comprehensive income, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8,946

 
8,946

Cash dividends declared
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17,232
)
 
 
 
(17,232
)
Share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
1,876

 
 
 
 
 
1,876

Deferred compensation plan
2

 
 
 
30

 
 
 
 
 
30

Exercise of stock options, issuance of other compensation-related equity instruments and related tax benefit
232

 
14

 
4,207

 
 
 
 
 
4,221

Balance at December 31, 2013
16,614

 

$1,038

 

$97,566

 

$232,595

 

($1,553
)
 

$329,646

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
40,824

 
 
 
40,824

Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7,256
)
 
(7,256
)
Cash dividends declared
 
 
 
 
 
 
(20,582
)
 
 
 
(20,582
)
Share-based compensation
 
 
 
 
1,880

 
 
 
 
 
1,880

Exercise of stock options, issuance of other compensation-related equity instruments and related tax benefit
132

 
9

 
1,758

 
 
 
 
 
1,767

Balance at December 31, 2014
16,746

 

$1,047

 

$101,204

 

$252,837

 

($8,809
)
 

$346,279




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-76-




Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)

Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income

$40,824

 

$36,153

 

$35,074

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
1,850

 
2,400

 
2,700

Depreciation of premises and equipment
3,133

 
3,283

 
3,213

Foreclosed and repossessed property valuation adjustments
78

 
79

 
350

Net gain on sale of premises

 

 
(358
)
Net amortization of premium and discount
999

 
1,401

 
2,127

Amortization of intangibles
644

 
680

 
728

Share–based compensation
1,880

 
1,876

 
1,962

Deferred income tax expense
1,847

 
2,267

 
1,328

Income from bank-owned life insurance
(1,846
)
 
(1,850
)
 
(2,448
)
Net gain on sale of business line
(6,265
)
 

 

Net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others
(6,802
)
 
(13,085
)
 
(14,092
)
Net realized gains on securities

 

 
(1,223
)
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings

 
3,489

 
221

Net gains on interest rate swap contracts
(1,136
)
 
(951
)
 
(255
)
Equity in (earnings) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries
276

 
107

 
(196
)
Proceeds from sales of loans
257,244

 
415,186

 
479,925

Loans originated for sale
(285,938
)
 
(369,045
)
 
(495,271
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
(7,192
)
 
2,589

 
(7,987
)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
3,097

 
(3,729
)
 
(331
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
2,693

 
80,850

 
5,467

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of:
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale
(53,051
)
 
(91,928
)
 

 
Other investment securities available for sale
(31,208
)
 
(25,404
)
 

Proceeds from sales of:
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale

 

 
40,222

 
Other investment securities available for sale
547

 

 
1,936

Maturities and principal
 payments of:
Mortgage-backed securities available for sale
76,703

 
77,644

 
111,906

 
Other investment securities available for sale
43,012

 
10,720

 
5,813

 
Mortgage-backed securities held to maturity
4,445

 
9,993

 
11,177

Remittance of Federal Home Loan Bank stock

 
2,688

 
1,590

Net proceeds from the sale of business line
7,205

 

 

Net increase in loans
(389,649
)
 
(208,125
)
 
(138,084
)
Proceeds from sale of portfolio loans
1,200

 
49,588

 

Purchases of loans, including purchased interest
(8,119
)
 
(10,645
)
 
(10,469
)
Proceeds from the sale of property acquired through foreclosure or repossession
1,769

 
2,588

 
3,366

Purchases of premises and equipment
(5,226
)
 
(1,491
)
 
(5,110
)
Net proceeds from the sale of premises

 

 
1,571

Purchases of bank-owned life insurance
(5,000
)
 

 

Proceeds from bank-owned life insurance

 

 
1,419

Repayment of investment in capital trust

 
310

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(357,372
)
 
(184,062
)
 
25,337


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-77-




Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows – (continued)
(Dollars in thousands)

Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in deposits
249,497

 
192,690

 
186,316

Net decrease in other borrowings
(45
)
 
(1,034
)
 
(18,546
)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances
602,499

 
204,000

 
627,179

Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances
(484,284
)
 
(277,090
)
 
(806,457
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises and issuance of other equity instruments
1,189

 
3,681

 
1,257

Tax benefit from stock option exercises and other equity instruments
578

 
570

 
210

Cash dividends paid
(19,722
)
 
(16,628
)
 
(15,133
)
Redemption of junior subordinated debentures

 
(10,310
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
349,712

 
95,879

 
(25,174
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(4,967
)
 
(7,333
)
 
5,630

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
85,317

 
92,650

 
87,020

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$80,350

 

$85,317

 

$92,650

 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Loans charged off

$1,949

 

$6,022

 

$2,335

Loans transferred to property acquired through foreclosure or repossession
1,961

 
1,471

 
3,167

OREO proceeds due from attorney

 

 
132

Supplemental Disclosures:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest payments

$21,862

 

$24,194

 

$29,657

Income tax payments
15,515

 
13,618

 
14,777



The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
-78-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. (the “Bancorp”) is a publicly-owned registered bank holding company and financial holding company.  The Bancorp owns all of the outstanding common stock of The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly (the “Bank”), a Rhode Island chartered commercial bank founded in 1800.  Through its subsidiaries, the Bancorp offers a complete product line of financial services including commercial, residential and consumer lending, retail and commercial deposit products, and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Bancorp and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Corporation” or “Washington Trust”).  All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Corporation conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and to general practices of the banking industry.  In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to change are the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the review of goodwill for impairment and the assessment of investment securities for impairment.

Short-term Investments
Short-term investments consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased and are considered to be cash equivalents.  The Corporation’s short-term investments may be comprised of overnight federal funds sold, securities purchased under resale agreements, money market mutual funds and U.S. Treasury bills.

Securities
Investments in debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost.  Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase.

Investments not classified as held to maturity are classified as available for sale.  Securities available for sale consist of debt and equity securities that are available for sale to respond to changes in market interest rates, liquidity needs, changes in funding sources and other similar factors.  These assets are specifically identified and are carried at fair value.  Changes in fair value of available for sale securities, net of applicable income taxes, are reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.  Washington Trust does not have a trading portfolio.

Premiums and discounts are amortized and accreted over the term of the securities on a method that approximates the level yield method.  The amortization and accretion is included in interest income on securities.  Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned.  Realized gains or losses from sales of securities are determined using the specific identification method.

The fair values of securities may be based on either quoted market prices or third party pricing services. When the fair value of an investment security is less than its amortized cost basis, the Corporation assesses whether the decline in value is other-than-temporary.  The Corporation considers whether evidence indicating the cost of the investment is recoverable outweighs evidence to the contrary.  Evidence considered in this assessment includes the reasons for impairment, the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in the value subsequent to the reporting date, forecasted performance of the issuer, changes in the dividend or interest payment practices of the issuer, changes in the credit rating of the issuer or the specific security, and the general market condition in the geographic area or industry in which the issuer operates.

In determining whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred for debt securities, the Corporation compares the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security with the amortized cost of the security. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost of the security, then the entire amortized cost of the security will not be recovered; that is, a credit loss exists, and an other-than-temporary impairment shall be considered to have occurred. The credit loss component of an other-than-temporary impairment write-down for debt securities is


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

recorded in earnings while the remaining portion of the impairment loss is recognized, net of tax, in other comprehensive income provided that the Corporation does not intend to sell the underlying debt security and it is more-likely-than-not that the Corporation would not have to sell the debt security prior to recovery of the unrealized loss, which may be to maturity. If the Corporation intended to sell any securities with an unrealized loss or it is more-likely-than-not that the Corporation would be required to sell the investment securities, before recovery of their amortized cost basis, then the entire unrealized loss would be recorded in earnings.

See Note 4 for further discussion on the Corporation’s investment securities portfolio.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (“FHLBB”).  The FHLBB is a cooperative that provides services, including funding in the form of advances, to its member banking institutions.  As a requirement of membership, the Bank must own a minimum amount of FHLBB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLBB.  No market exists for shares of the FHLBB and therefore, they are carried at par value.  FHLBB stock may be redeemed at par value five years following termination of FHLBB membership, subject to limitations which may be imposed by the FHLBB or its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Board, to maintain capital adequacy of the FHLBB.  While the Corporation currently has no intentions to terminate its FHLBB membership, the ability to redeem its investment in FHLBB stock would be subject to the conditions imposed by the FHLBB.  Based on the capital adequacy and the liquidity position of the FHLBB, management believes there is no impairment related to the carrying amount of the Corporation’s FHLBB stock as of December 31, 2014.  Deterioration of the FHLBB’s capital levels may require the Corporation to deem its restricted investment in FHLBB stock to be other-than-temporarily impaired. If evidence of impairment exists in the future, the FHLBB stock would reflect fair value using either observable or unobservable inputs.  The Corporation will continue to monitor its investment in FHLBB stock.

Mortgage Banking Activities
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale - Residential mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are classified as held for sale. The Corporation has elected the fair value option pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 825, “Financial Instruments” for certain closed loans intended for sale. ASC 825 allows for the irrevocable option to elect fair value accounting for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis that may otherwise not be required to be measured at fair value under other accounting standards. Washington Trust elected the fair value option for certain residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale pursuant to forward sale commitments in order to better match changes in fair values of the loans with changes in the fair value of the derivative forward loan sale contracts used to economically hedge them. Changes in the fair value of loans held for sale are recorded in earnings and are offset by changes in fair value relating to forward sale commitments and interest rate lock commitments. For residential mortgage loans intended for sale that are not accounted for under the fair value option, lower of cost or market (“LOCOM”) accounting is applied. Such loans are carried at lower of aggregate cost, net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs, or fair value. Gains and losses on residential loan sales are recorded in net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others.

Commissions received on mortgage loans brokered to various investors are included in net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others are recorded as revenue when received.

Loan Servicing Rights - Rights to service mortgage loans for others are recognized as an asset, including rights acquired through both purchases and originations.  Upon the sale of mortgage loans, a mortgage servicing asset is established, which represents the current estimated fair value based on the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds, and default rates and losses. Capitalized loan servicing rights are included in other assets and are amortized as an offset to other income over the period of estimated net servicing income.  They are periodically evaluated for impairment based on their fair value.  Impairment is measured on an aggregated basis by stratifying the rights based on homogeneous characteristics such as note rate and loan type. The fair value is estimated based on the present value of expected cash flows, incorporating assumptions for discount rate, prepayment speed and servicing cost.  Any impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance and as a reduction to other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

Loans
Portfolio Loans - Loans held in the portfolio are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs.  Interest income is accrued on a level yield basis based on principal amounts outstanding.  Deferred loan origination fees and costs are amortized as an adjustment to yield over the life of the related loans.

Nonaccrual Loans - Loans, with the exception of certain well-secured loans that are in the process of collection, are placed on nonaccrual status and interest recognition is suspended when such loans are 90 days or more overdue with respect to principal and/or interest or sooner if considered appropriate by management. Well-secured loans are permitted to remain on accrual status provided that full collection of principal and interest is assured and the loan is in the process of collection. Loans are also placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, full collection of principal and interest is doubtful. Interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period income when the loan is placed on nonaccrual status.  Subsequent interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to the outstanding principal balance of the loan or recognized as interest income depending on management’s assessment of the ultimate collectibility of the loan. Loans are removed from nonaccrual status when they have been current as to principal and interest for a period of time, the borrower has demonstrated an ability to comply with repayment terms, and when, in management’s opinion, the loans are considered to be fully collectible.

Troubled Debt Restructured Loans - Loans are considered to be troubled debt restructurings when the Corporation has granted concessions to a borrower due to the borrower’s financial condition that it otherwise would not have considered. These concessions generally include modifications of the terms of the debt such as deferral of payments, extension of maturity, reduction of principal balance, reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, or a combination of these concessions. Debt may be bifurcated with separate terms for each tranche of the restructured debt. Restructuring of a loan in lieu of aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan may benefit the Corporation by increasing the ultimate probability of collection.

Restructured loans are classified as accruing or non-accruing based on management’s assessment of the collectibility of the loan.  Loans which are already on nonaccrual status at the time of the restructuring generally remain on nonaccrual status for approximately six months before management considers such loans for return to accruing status.  Accruing troubled debt restructured loans are placed into nonaccrual status if and when the borrower fails to comply with the restructured terms and management deems it unlikely that the borrower will return to a status of compliance in the near term.  

Troubled debt restructurings are reported as such for at least one year from the date of the restructuring.  In years after the restructuring, troubled debt restructured loans are removed from this classification if the restructuring did not involve a below-market rate concession and the loan is not deemed to be impaired based on the terms specified in the restructuring agreement.

Impaired Loans - Impaired loans are loans for which it is probable that the Corporation will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements and loans restructured in a troubled debt restructuring.  Impaired loans do not include large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, which consist of most residential mortgage loans and consumer loans.  Impairment is measured on a discounted cash flow method based upon the loan’s contractual effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or if the loan is collateral dependent, at the fair value. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is dependent on the sale of the collateral, management adjusts the fair value for estimated costs to sell. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is dependent on the operation of the collateral, such as accruing troubled debt restructured loans, estimated costs to sell are not incorporated into the measurement.

Interest income on nonaccrual impaired loans is recognized as described above under the caption “Nonaccrual Loans.”  Impaired accruing loans consist of those troubled debt restructurings for which management has concluded that the collectibility of the loan is not in doubt.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of the probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.  The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and by recoveries of amounts previously charged off, and is reduced by charge-offs on loans (or portions thereof) deemed to be uncollectible.  Loan charge-offs are recognized when management believes the collectibility of the principal balance outstanding is unlikely.  Full or partial charge-offs on collateral dependent impaired loans are generally recognized when the collateral is deemed to be insufficient to support the carrying value of the loan.

A methodology is used to systematically measure the amount of estimated loan loss exposure inherent in the loan portfolio for the purposes of establishing a sufficient allowance for loan losses.  The methodology includes three elements: (1) identification of loss allocations for certain specific loans deemed to be impaired, (2) application of loss allocation factors for non-impaired loans based on credit grade, historical loss experience, estimated loss emergence period and delinquency status, with adjustments for various exposures not adequately presented in historical loss experience, and (3) an unallocated allowance maintained for measurement imprecision associated with impaired and nonaccrual loans.

The level of the allowance is based on management’s ongoing review of the growth and composition of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, estimated loss emergence period, current economic conditions, analysis of current levels and asset quality and credit quality trends, the performance of individual loans in relation to contract terms and other pertinent factors.

The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is regularly evaluated by management.  While management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in assumptions and economic conditions.  In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for loan losses.  Such agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

The allowance is an estimate, and ultimate losses may vary from management’s estimate.  Changes in the estimate are recorded in the results of operations in the period in which they become known, along with provisions for estimated losses incurred during that period.

Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for financial reporting purposes is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of assets.  Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized while the costs of current maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses.  The estimated useful lives of premises and improvements range from 5 to 40 years. For furniture, fixtures and equipment, the estimated useful lives range from 3 to 20 years.

Goodwill and Other Identifiable Intangible Assets
The Corporation allocated the cost of an acquired entity to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.  Other intangible assets identified in acquisitions consist of advisory contracts.  The value attributed to the advisory contracts was based on the time period over which they are expected to generate economic benefits.

The excess of the purchase price for acquisitions over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including other intangible assets, was recorded as goodwill.  Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, defined as the segment level, at least annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment loss has occurred.  In assessing impairment, the Corporation has the option to perform a qualitative analysis 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 the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of such events or circumstances, we determine that the fair value of a reporting unit is not less than its carrying amount, then we would not be required to perform a two-step impairment test. The Corporation has not opted to perform this qualitative analysis. Goodwill was tested for impairment using the two-step quantitative impairment analysis described below.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

Step 1 of the quantitative impairment analysis requires a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value to identify potential impairment. Step 2 of the analysis is necessary only if a reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Step 2 is a more detailed analysis, which involves measuring the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit, as determined in Step 1, over the aggregate fair value of the individual assets, liabilities, and identifiable intangibles as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. Goodwill impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes the selection of appropriate discount rates, the identification of relevant market comparables and the development of cash flow projections. The selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques may result in a higher or lower fair value. Judgment is applied in determining the weightings that are most representative of fair value.

Other intangible assets with definite lives are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.  If applicable, the Corporation tests each of the intangibles by comparing the carrying value of the intangible asset to the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of the asset exceeded its undiscounted cash flows, then an impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its fair value.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Other than Goodwill
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the remaining useful life may warrant revision or that the carrying amount of the long-lived asset may not be fully recoverable.  If impairment is determined to exist, any related impairment loss is calculated based on fair value.  Impairment losses on assets to be disposed of, if any, are based on the estimated proceeds to be received, less costs of disposal.

Property Acquired through Foreclosure or Repossession
Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession is stated at the lower of cost or fair value minus estimated costs to sell at the date of acquisition or classification to this status.  Fair value of such assets is determined based on independent appraisals and other relevant factors.  Any write-down to fair value at the time of foreclosure or repossession is charged to the allowance for loan losses.  A valuation allowance is maintained for declines in market value and for estimated selling expenses.  Increases to the valuation allowance, expenses associated with ownership of these properties, and gains and losses from their sale are included in foreclosed property costs.

Loans that are substantively repossessed include only those loans for which the Corporation has taken possession of the collateral, but has not completed legal foreclosure proceedings.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance
The investment in BOLI represents the cash surrender value of life insurance policies on the lives of certain employees who have provided positive consent allowing the Bank to be the beneficiary of such policies.  Increases in the cash value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received, are recorded in noninterest income, and are not subject to income taxes.  The financial strength of the insurance carrier is reviewed prior to the purchase of BOLI and annually thereafter.

Investment in Real Estate Limited Partnership
Washington Trust has a 99.9% ownership interest in two real estate limited partnerships that renovate, own and operate two low-income housing complexes.  Washington Trust neither actively participates nor has a controlling interest in these limited partnerships and accounts for its investments under the equity method of accounting.  The carrying value of the investments is recorded in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Net losses generated by the partnership are recorded as a reduction to Washington Trust’s investment and as a reduction of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Tax credits generated by the partnership are recorded as a reduction in the income tax provision in the year they are allowed for tax reporting purposes.

The results of operations of the real estate limited partnerships are periodically reviewed to determine if the partnership generates sufficient operating cash flow to fund its current obligations.  In addition, the current value of the underlying properties is compared to the outstanding debt obligations.  If it is determined that the investment is permanently impaired, the carrying value will be written down to the estimated realizable value.


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)


Transfers and Servicing of Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities
The accounting for transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities is based on consistent application of a financial components approach that focuses on control.  This approach distinguishes transfers of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings.  After a transfer of financial assets, the Corporation recognizes all financial and servicing assets it controls and liabilities it has incurred and derecognizes financial assets it no longer controls and liabilities that have been extinguished.  This financial components approach focuses on the assets and liabilities that exist after the transfer.  Many of these assets and liabilities are components of financial assets that existed prior to the transfer.  If a transfer does not meet the criteria for a sale, the transfer is accounted for as a secured borrowing with a pledge of collateral.

Fee Revenue
Wealth management revenues include asset-based revenues (trust and investment advisory fees and mutual fund fees) that are primarily accrued as earned based upon a percentage of asset values under administration.  Also included in wealth management revenues are transaction-based revenues (financial planning fees, commissions and other service fees), which are recognized as revenue to the extent that services have been completed.  Fee revenue from deposit service charges is generally recognized when earned.  Fee revenue for merchant processing services is recognized as earned.

Pension Costs
Pension benefits are accounted for using the net periodic benefit cost method, which recognizes the compensation cost of an employee’s pension benefit over that employee’s approximate service period.  Pension benefit cost calculations incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return, and compensation increases.  Washington Trust reviews its assumptions on an annual basis and makes modifications to the assumptions based on current rates and trends when it is appropriate to so do.  The effect of modifications to those assumptions is recorded in other comprehensive income and amortized to net periodic cost over future periods.  Washington Trust believes that the assumptions utilized in recording its obligations under its plans are reasonable based on its experience and market conditions.

The funded status of defined benefit pension plans, measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the projected benefit obligation, is recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The changes in the funded status of the defined benefit plans, including actuarial gains and losses and prior service costs and credits, are recognized in comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur.

Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation plans provide for awards of share options and other equity incentives including nonvested share units and share awards and nonvested performance shares.

Compensation expense for share options, nonvested share units and share awards is recognized over the service period based on the fair value at the date of grant. The Corporation estimates grant date fair value for share options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Nonvested performance share compensation expense is based on the most recent performance assumption available and is adjusted as assumptions change.

Excess tax benefits (expenses) related to stock option exercises and issuance of other compensation-related equity instruments are reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as financing activity.

Income Taxes
Income tax expense is determined based on the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  The Corporation recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more‑likely‑than‑not of being sustained.  Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized.  Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs.


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)


The Corporation records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.  Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Earnings Per Share (“EPS”)
The Corporation utilizes the two-class method earnings allocation formula to determine earnings per share of each class of stock according to dividends and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net earnings allocated to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic earnings per common share computation plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents.

Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income is defined as all changes in equity, except for those resulting from transactions with shareholders.  Net income is a component of comprehensive income. All other components are referred to in the aggregate as other comprehensive income.

Cash Flows
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments.  Generally, federal funds are sold on an overnight basis.

Guarantees
Standby letters of credit are considered a guarantee of the Corporation.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  Under the standby letters of credit, the Corporation is required to make payments to the beneficiary of the letters of credit upon request by the beneficiary contingent upon the customer’s failure to perform under the terms of the underlying contract with the beneficiary. 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and are measured at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and resulting designation.  

For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized in earnings together with the changes in the fair value of the related hedged item (generally fixed-rate financial instruments).  The net amount, if any, represents hedge ineffectiveness and is reflected in earnings.  

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings when the hedged transaction affects earnings.  The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges is recognized directly in earnings.  

For derivatives not designated as hedges, changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in earnings, in noninterest income.

The accrued net settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense based on the item being hedged.  Changes in fair value of derivatives including accrued net settlements that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income.

When hedge accounting is discontinued, the future changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as noninterest income.  When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability.  When a cash flow hedge is discontinued, but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transaction is still expected to occur, changes in value that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized or accreted into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

By using certain derivative financial instruments, the Corporation exposes itself to credit risk.  Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative contract.  When the fair value of a derivative contract is positive, the counterparty owes the Corporation, which creates credit risk for the Corporation.  When the fair value of a derivative contract is negative, the Corporation owes the counterparty and, therefore, it does not possess credit risk.  The credit risk in derivative instruments is minimized by entering into transactions with highly rated counterparties that management believes to be creditworthy.

Fair Value Measurements
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures”, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.  The required disclosures about fair value measurements have been included in Note 14.

(2) Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures - Topic 323
Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-01, “Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects” (“ASU 2014-01”), was issued in January 2014 and permits a reporting entity to make an accounting policy election to account for investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The amendments are expected to enable more entities to record the amortization of the investment in income tax expense together with the tax credits and other tax benefits generated from the partnership. ASU 2014-01 is effective retrospectively for public business entities for annual and interim reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted. The Corporation did not make this accounting policy election and will continue account for its investments in two real estate limited partnerships under the equity method of accounting.

Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors - Topic 310
Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-04, “Reclassifications of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure” (“ASU 2014-04”), was issued in January 2014 and clarifies when banks and similar institutions (creditors) should reclassify mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate properties from the loan portfolio to other real estate owned (“OREO”). ASU 2014-04 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within annual those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014. An entity can elect either a modified retrospective or prospective transition method, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Topic 606
Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”), was issued in May 2014 and provides a revenue recognition framework for any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of non-financial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other accounting standards. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period with early adoption not permitted. The standard permits the use of a full retrospective, modified retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The Corporation is currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2014-09 will have on the its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. The Corporation has not yet selected a transition method nor has it determined the effect of ASU 2014-09 on its ongoing financial reporting.

(3) Cash and Due from Banks
The Bank maintains certain average reserve balances to meet the requirements of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”).  Some or all of these reserve requirements may be satisfied with vault cash. Reserve balances amounted to $8.0 million and $6.7 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013 and were included in cash and due from banks in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, cash and due from banks includes interest-bearing deposits in other banks of $42.7 million and $51.8 million, respectively.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(4) Securities
The following tables present the amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of securities by major security type and class of security:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
Securities Available for Sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

$31,205

 

$21

 

($54
)
 

$31,172

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
235,343

 
10,023

 

 
245,366

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
47,647

 
1,529

 

 
49,176

Individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities
30,753

 

 
(4,979
)
 
25,774

Corporate bonds
6,120

 
57

 
(3
)
 
6,174

Total securities available for sale

$351,068

 

$11,630

 

($5,036
)
 

$357,662

Held to Maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

$25,222

 

$786

 

$—

 

$26,008

Total securities held to maturity
25,222

 
786

 

 
26,008

Total securities

$376,290

 

$12,416

 

($5,036
)
 

$383,670


(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
Amortized Cost
 
Unrealized Gains
 
Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
Securities Available for Sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

$54,474

 

$720

 

($79
)
 

$55,115

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S.  government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
230,387

 
8,369

 
(401
)
 
238,355

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
60,659

 
2,200

 

 
62,859

Individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities
30,715

 

 
(6,031
)
 
24,684

Pooled trust preferred debt securities
547

 

 

 
547

Corporate bonds
11,128

 
231

 
(16
)
 
11,343

Total securities available for sale

$387,910

 

$11,520

 

($6,527
)
 

$392,903

Held to Maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

$29,905

 

$14

 

($54
)
 

$29,865

Total securities held to maturity
29,905

 
14

 
(54
)
 
29,865

Total securities

$417,815

 

$11,534

 

($6,581
)
 

$422,768


At December 31, 2014 and 2013, securities available for sale and held to maturity with a fair value of $350.5 million and $397.5 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for FHLBB borrowings and letters of credit, potential borrowings with the FRB, certain public deposits and for other purposes.  See Note 11 for additional discussion of FHLBB borrowings.



-87-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The schedule of maturities of debt securities available for sale and held to maturity is presented below.  Mortgage-backed securities are included based on weighted average maturities, adjusted for anticipated prepayments.  All other debt securities are included based on contractual maturities.  Actual maturities may differ from amounts presented because certain issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.  Yields on tax exempt obligations are not computed on a tax equivalent basis.  
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
Within 1 Year
 
1-5 Years
 
5-10 Years
 
After 10 Years
 
Totals
Securities Available for Sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost

$—

 

$31,005

 

$200

 

$—

 

$31,205

Weighted average yield
%
 
1.72
%
 
2.34
%
 
%
 
1.72
%
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
41,645

 
107,553

 
58,867

 
27,278

 
235,343

Weighted average yield
3.76

 
3.35

 
2.75

 
1.71

 
3.08

Obligations of states and political subdivisions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
3,096

 
23,778

 
20,773

 

 
47,647

Weighted average yield
3.65

 
3.94

 
3.98

 

 
3.94

Individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost

 

 

 
30,753

 
30,753

Weighted average yield

 

 

 
1.10

 
1.10

Corporate bonds:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost
5,712

 
204

 
204

 

 
6,120

Weighted average yield
2.83

 
1.62

 
3.21

 

 
2.80

Total debt securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost

$50,453

 

$162,540

 

$80,044

 

$58,031

 

$351,068

Weighted average yield
3.64
%
 
3.12
%
 
3.07
%
 
1.39
%
 
2.90
%
Fair value

$52,375

 

$167,853

 

$83,219

 

$54,215

 

$357,662

Securities Held to Maturity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized cost

$3,540

 

$10,433

 

$7,443

 

$3,806

 

$25,222

Weighted average yield
3.05
%
 
2.96
%
 
2.72
%
 
0.93
%
 
2.60
%
Fair value

$3,649

 

$10,759

 

$7,675

 

$3,925

 

$26,008


Included in the above table were debt securities with an amortized cost balance of $102.3 million and a fair value of $98.6 million at December 31, 2014 that are callable at the discretion of the issuers.  Final maturities of the callable securities range from nine months to twenty-two years, with call features ranging from one month to two years.

Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Assessment
The Corporation assesses whether the decline in fair value of investment securities is other-than-temporary on a regular basis. Unrealized losses on debt securities may occur from current market conditions, increases in interest rates since the time of purchase, a structural change in an investment, volatility of earnings of a specific issuer, or deterioration in credit quality of the issuer.  Management evaluates impairments in value both qualitatively and quantitatively to assess whether they are other-than-temporary.



-88-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following tables summarizes temporarily impaired investment securities, segregated by length of time the securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
(Dollars in thousands)
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
December 31, 2014
#

 
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
 
#

 
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
 
#

 
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
3

 

$20,952


($54
)
 

 

$—


$—

 
3

 

$20,952


($54
)
Individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities

 


 
11

 
25,774

(4,979
)
 
11

 
25,774

(4,979
)
Corporate bonds

 


 
1

 
199

(3
)
 
1

 
199

(3
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
3

 

$20,952


($54
)
 
12

 

$25,973


($4,982
)
 
15

 

$46,925


($5,036
)

(Dollars in thousands)
Less than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
December 31, 2013
#

 
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
 
#

 
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
 
#

 
Fair
Value
Unrealized
Losses
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
1

 

$9,909


($79
)
 

 

$—


$—

 
1

 

$9,909


($79
)
Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
7

 
76,748

(455
)
 

 


 
7

 
76,748

(455
)
Individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities

 


 
11

 
24,684

(6,031
)
 
11

 
24,684

(6,031
)
Corporate bonds
2

 
407

(16
)
 

 


 
2

 
407

(16
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
10

 

$87,064


($550
)
 
11

 

$24,684


($6,031
)
 
21

 

$111,748


($6,581
)

Further deterioration in credit quality of the underlying issuers of the securities, further deterioration in the condition of the financial services industry, a continuation or worsening of the current economic environment, or additional declines in real estate values, among other things, may further affect the fair value of these securities and increase the potential that certain unrealized losses be designated as other-than-temporary in future periods, and the Corporation may incur additional write-downs.

Trust Preferred Debt Securities of Individual Name Issuers
Included in debt securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 were eleven trust preferred security holdings issued by seven individual companies in the the banking sector. Management believes the unrealized loss position in these holdings is attributable to the general widening of spreads for this category of debt securities issued by financial services companies since the time these securities were purchased. Based on the information available through the filing date of this report, all individual name trust preferred debt securities held in our portfolio continue to accrue and make payments as expected with no payment deferrals or defaults on the part of the issuers.  As of December 31, 2014, individual name issuers trust preferred debt securities with an amortized cost of $11.9 million and unrealized losses of $2.1 million were rated below investment grade by Standard & Poors, Inc. (“S&P”).  Management reviewed the collectibility of these securities taking into consideration such factors as the financial condition of the issuers, reported regulatory capital ratios of the issuers, credit ratings, including ratings in effect as of the reporting period date as well as credit rating changes between the reporting period date and the filing date of this report, and other information.  We noted no additional downgrades to below investment grade between the reporting period date and the filing date of this report.  Based on these analyses, management concluded that it expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis of these securities.  Furthermore, Washington Trust does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more-likely-than-not that Washington Trust will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their cost basis, which may be maturity.  Therefore, management does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2014.


-89-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)


Credit-Related Impairment Losses Recognized on Debt Securities
Washington Trust had invested in two pooled trust preferred holdings in the form of collateralized debt obligations (“CDO”).  The pooled trust preferred holdings consisted of trust preferred obligations of banking industry companies and, to a lesser extent, insurance industry companies.

On March 22, 2013, the trustee for one of the pooled trust preferred securities issued a notice that liquidation of the CDO entity would take place at the direction of holders of the CDO tranches senior to the subordinate tranche interest held by Washington Trust. Accordingly, we recognized an other-than-temporary impairment charge in the first quarter of 2013 on the entire $2.8 million carrying value of the security, based on the expectation that proceeds from liquidation would be insufficient to satisfy the amount owed to the subordinate tranche. The liquidation was conducted in August 2013 and was insufficient to satisfy any amount owed to the subordinate tranche.

In December 2013, Washington Trust changed its intent to hold its other CDO investment until recovery of its cost basis and subsequently sold this security in January 2014. As a result, Washington Trust recognized an other-than-temporary impairment loss of $717 thousand on this CDO in December 2013. The amortized cost and fair value of this CDO amounted to $547 thousand at December 31, 2013, which equaled the January 2014 sales price.

The following table presents a rollforward of the cumulative credit-related impairment losses on debt securities:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
 
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Balance at beginning of period
 

$—

 

$3,325

 

$3,104

Credit-related impairment loss on debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized
 

 

 

Additional increases to the amount of credit-related impairment loss on debt securities for which an other-than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
 

 
3,489

 
221

Reductions for securities for which a liquidation notice was received during the period
 

 
(4,868
)
 

Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in other comprehensive income was recognized in earnings because the entity intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost
 

 
(1,946
)
 

Balance at end of period
 

$—

 

$—

 

$3,325


The January 1, 2014 beginning balance of the cumulative credit-related impairment losses was corrected from the $6.8 million reported in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 to reflect the impact of the notice of liquidation of a pooled trust preferred security that occurred during the first quarter of 2013 and management’s change in intent to no longer hold its other pooled trust preferred security, which was made in December 2013.



-90-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

Sales of Securities
The following is a summary of amounts relating to sales of securities:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Proceeds from sales

$547

 

$—

 

$42,158

 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross realized gains

$—

 

$—

 

$1,224

Gross realized losses

 

 
(1
)
Net realized gains on securities

$—

 

$—

 

$1,223


(5) Loans
The following is a summary of loans:
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amount

 
%

 
Amount

 
%

Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages (1)

$843,978

 
30
%
 

$796,249

 
32
%
Construction & development (2)
79,592

 
3

 
36,289

 
1

Commercial & industrial (3)
611,918

 
21

 
530,797

 
22

Total commercial
1,535,488

 
54

 
1,363,335

 
55

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
948,731

 
33

 
749,163

 
30

Homeowner construction
36,684

 
1

 
23,511

 
1

Total residential real estate
985,415

 
34

 
772,674

 
31

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines
242,480

 
8

 
231,362

 
9

Home equity loans
46,967

 
2

 
40,212

 
2

Other (4)
48,926

 
2

 
55,301

 
3

Total consumer
338,373

 
12

 
326,875

 
14

Total loans (5)

$2,859,276

 
100
%
 

$2,462,884

 
100
%
(1)
Loans primarily secured by income producing property.
(2)
Loans for construction of commercial properties, loans to developers for construction of residential properties and loans for land development.
(3)
Loans to businesses and individuals, a substantial portion of which are fully or partially collateralized by real estate.
(4)
Consumer installment loans and loans secured by general aviation aircraft and automobiles.
(5)
Includes net unamortized loan origination costs of $2.1 million and $879 thousand, respectively, and net unamortized premiums on purchased loans of $94 thousand and $99 thousand, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were $1.21 billion and $1.14 billion, respectively, of loans pledged as collateral to the FHLBB under a blanket pledge agreement and to the FRB for the discount window. See Note 11 for additional disclosure regarding borrowings.

Concentrations of Credit Risk
A significant portion of our loan portfolio is concentrated among borrowers in southern New England and a substantial portion of the portfolio is collateralized by real estate in this area.  The ability of single family residential and consumer borrowers to honor their repayment commitments is generally dependent on the level of overall economic activity within


-91-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

the market area and real estate values.  The ability of commercial borrowers to honor their repayment commitments is dependent on the general economy as well as the health of the real estate economic sector in the Corporation’s market area.

Nonaccrual Loans
Loans, with the exception of certain well-secured loans that are in the process of collection, are placed on nonaccrual status and interest recognition is suspended when such loans are 90 days or more overdue with respect to principal and/or interest, or sooner if considered appropriate by management. Well-secured loans are permitted to remain on accrual status provided that full collection of principal and interest is assured and the loan is in the process of collection. Loans are also placed on nonaccrual status when, in the opinion of management, full collection of principal and interest is doubtful. Interest previously accrued but not collected on such loans is reversed against current period income. Subsequent interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied to the outstanding principal balance of the loan or recognized as interest income depending on management’s assessment of the ultimate collectibility of the loan. Loans are removed from nonaccrual status when they have been current as to principal and interest for a period of time, the borrower has demonstrated an ability to comply with repayment terms, and when, in management’s opinion, the loans are considered to be fully collectible.

The following is a summary of nonaccrual loans, segregated by class of loans:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

Commercial:
 
 
 
Mortgages

$5,315

 

$7,492

Construction & development

 

Commercial & industrial
1,969

 
1,291

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
Mortgages
7,124

 
8,315

Homeowner construction

 

Consumer:
 
 
 
Home equity lines
1,217

 
469

Home equity loans
317

 
687

Other
3

 
48

Total nonaccrual loans

$15,945

 

$18,302

Accruing loans 90 days or more past due

$—

 

$—


As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, nonaccrual loans of $3.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively, were current as to the payment of principal and interest.

At December 31, 2014, there were no significant commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were on nonaccrual status.

Interest income that would have been recognized had nonaccrual loans been current in accordance with their original terms was approximately $1.3 million, $1.8 million and $1.8 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Interest income included in the Consolidated Statements of Income on nonaccrual loans amounted to approximately $455 thousand, $400 thousand and $679 thousand, respectively, in 2014, 2013 and 2012.



-92-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

Past Due Loans
Past due status is based on the contractual payment terms of the loan. The following tables present an aging analysis of past due loans, segregated by class of loans:
(Dollars in thousands)
Days Past Due
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
30-59
 
60-89
 
Over 90
 
Total Past Due
 
Current
 
Total Loans
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages

$—

 

$—

 

$5,315

 

$5,315

 

$838,663

 

$843,978

Construction & development

 

 

 

 
79,592

 
79,592

Commercial & industrial
2,136

 
1,202

 
181

 
3,519

 
608,399

 
611,918

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Mortgages
2,943

 
821

 
3,284

 
7,048

 
941,683

 
948,731

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

 
36,684

 
36,684

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Home equity lines
570

 
100

 
841

 
1,511

 
240,969

 
242,480

Home equity loans
349

 
240

 
56

 
645

 
46,322

 
46,967

Other
35

 
5

 

 
40

 
48,886

 
48,926

Total loans

$6,033

 

$2,368

 

$9,677

 

$18,078

 

$2,841,198

 

$2,859,276



(Dollars in thousands)
Days Past Due
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
30-59
 
60-89
 
Over 90
 
Total Past Due
 
Current
 
Total Loans
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages

$—

 

$—

 

$7,492

 

$7,492

 

$788,757

 

$796,249

Construction & development

 

 

 

 
36,289

 
36,289

Commercial & industrial
276

 
302

 
731

 
1,309

 
529,488

 
530,797

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

Mortgages
4,040

 
1,285

 
5,633

 
10,958

 
738,205

 
749,163

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

 
23,511

 
23,511

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines
831

 
100

 
269

 
1,200

 
230,162

 
231,362

Home equity loans
448

 
66

 
349

 
863

 
39,349

 
40,212

Other
43

 

 
38

 
81

 
55,220

 
55,301

Total loans

$5,638

 

$1,753

 

$14,512

 

$21,903

 

$2,440,981

 

$2,462,884


Included in past due loans as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, were nonaccrual loans of $12.7 million and $15.6 million, respectively. All loans 90 days or more past due at December 31, 2014 and 2013 were classified as nonaccrual.

Impaired Loans
Impaired loans are loans for which it is probable that the Corporation will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements and loans restructured in a troubled debt restructuring.  Impaired loans do not include large groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment, which consist of most residential mortgage loans and consumer loans.



-93-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following is a summary of impaired loans:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal
 
Related Allowance
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
No Related Allowance Recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages

$432

 

$998

 

$432

 

$998

 

$—

 

$—

Construction & development

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
1,047

 
1,055

 
1,076

 
1,050

 

 

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
1,477

 
1,167

 
1,768

 
1,259

 

 

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines

 

 

 

 

 

Home equity loans

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Subtotal
2,956

 
3,220

 
3,276

 
3,307

 

 

With Related Allowance Recorded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
14,585

 
29,335

 
14,564

 
31,731

 
927

 
552

Construction & development

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
1,878

 
1,506

 
2,437

 
1,945

 
177

 
463

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
2,226

 
3,122

 
2,338

 
3,507

 
326

 
463

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines
250

 
173

 
250

 
174

 
141

 
1

Home equity loans
45

 
55

 
62

 
54

 
12

 

Other
112

 
127

 
114

 
130

 

 
2

Subtotal
19,096

 
34,318

 
19,765

 
37,541

 
1,583

 
1,481

Total impaired loans

$22,052

 

$37,538

 

$23,041

 

$40,848

 

$1,583

 

$1,481

Total:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial

$17,942

 

$32,894

 

$18,509

 

$35,724

 

$1,104

 

$1,015

Residential real estate
3,703

 
4,289

 
4,106

 
4,766

 
326

 
463

Consumer
407

 
355

 
426

 
358

 
153

 
3

Total impaired loans

$22,052

 

$37,538

 

$23,041

 

$40,848

 

$1,583

 

$1,481

(1)
The recorded investment in impaired loans consists of unpaid principal balance, net of charge-offs, interest payments received applied to principal and unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs.  For impaired accruing loans (troubled debt restructurings for which management has concluded that the collectibility of the loan is not in doubt), the recorded investment also includes accrued interest.



-94-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the average recorded investment balance of impaired loans and interest income recognized on impaired loans segregated by loan class:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
Years ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages

$22,971

 

$27,496

 

$10,785

 

$658

 

$630

 

$273

Construction & development

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
2,499

 
6,029

 
10,661

 
126

 
190

 
297

Residential real estate:


 


 


 


 


 


Mortgages
4,006

 
4,024

 
4,651

 
101

 
125

 
88

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer:


 


 


 


 


 


Home equity lines
97

 
200

 
172

 
2

 
7

 
3

Home equity loans
100

 
72

 
131

 
4

 
6

 
7

Other
119

 
146

 
151

 
8

 
9

 
11

Totals

$29,792

 

$37,967

 

$26,551

 

$899

 

$967

 

$679


Troubled Debt Restructurings
Loans are considered restructured in a troubled debt restructuring when the Corporation has granted concessions to a borrower due to the borrower’s financial condition that it otherwise would not have considered. These concessions may include modifications of the terms of the debt such as deferral of payments, extension of maturity, reduction of principal balance, reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, or a combination of these concessions. Debt may be bifurcated with separate terms for each tranche of the restructured debt. Restructuring a loan in lieu of aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan may benefit the Corporation by increasing the ultimate probability of collection.

Restructured loans are classified as accruing or non-accruing based on management’s assessment of the collectibility of the loan. Loans which are already on nonaccrual status at the time of the restructuring generally remain on nonaccrual status for approximately six months before management considers such loans for return to accruing status. Accruing restructured loans are placed into nonaccrual status if and when the borrower fails to comply with the restructured terms and management deems it unlikely that the borrower will return to a status of compliance in the near term.

Troubled debt restructurings are reported as such for at least one year from the date of the restructuring. In years after the restructuring, troubled debt restructured loans are removed from this classification if the restructuring did not involve a below-market rate concession and the loan is not deemed to be impaired based on the terms specified in the restructuring agreement.

Troubled debt restructurings are classified as impaired loans. The Corporation identifies loss allocations for impaired loans on an individual loan basis. The recorded investment in troubled debt restructurings was $18.4 million and $26.4 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. These amounts included accrued interest of $33 thousand and $44 thousand, respectively. The allowance for loan losses included specific reserves for these troubled debt restructurings of $1.2 million and $556 thousand, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. As of December 31, 2014, there were no significant commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loans were restructured.


-95-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents loans modified as a troubled debt restructuring:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Outstanding Recorded Investment (1)
 
# of Loans
 
Pre-Modifications
 
Post-Modifications
Years ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages

 
6

 

$—

 

$15,974

 

$—

 

$14,785

Construction & development

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
12

 
7

 
1,191

 
1,198

 
1,191

 
1,198

Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
4

 
1

 
992

 
570

 
992

 
570

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines

 
1

 

 
92

 

 
92

Home equity loans

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

Totals
16

 
15

 

$2,183

 

$17,834

 

$2,183

 

$16,645

(1)
The recorded investment in troubled debt restructurings consists of unpaid principal balance, net of charge-offs and unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs, at the time of the restructuring. For accruing troubled debt restructured loans, the recorded investment also includes accrued interest.

The following table provides information on how loans were modified as a troubled debt restructuring:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

Below-market interest rate concession

$77

 

$15,836

Payment deferral
791

 
570

Maturity / amortization concession
964

 
21

Interest only payments

 
424

Combination (1)
351

 
983

Total

$2,183

 

$17,834

(1)
Loans included in this classification were modified with a combination of any two of the concessions listed in this table.



-96-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring within the previous twelve months for which there was a payment default:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
# of Loans
 
Recorded Investment (1)
Years ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages

 
1

 

$—

 

$232

Construction & development

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
7

 
2

 
669

 
839

Residential real estate:


 


 


 
 
Mortgages

 

 

 

Homeowner construction

 

 

 

Consumer:


 


 


 
 
Home equity lines

 

 

 

Home equity loans

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

Totals
7

 
3

 

$669

 

$1,071

(1)
The recorded investment in troubled debt restructurings consists of unpaid principal balance, net of charge-offs and unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs. For accruing troubled debt restructured loans, the recorded investment also includes accrued interest.

Credit Quality Indicators
Commercial
The Corporation utilizes an internal rating system to assign a risk rating to each of its commercial loans. Loans are rated on a scale of 1 to 10. This scale can be assigned to three broad categories including “pass” for ratings 1 through 6, “special mention” for 7-rated loans, and “classified” for loans rated 8, 9 or 10. The loan rating system takes into consideration parameters including the borrower’s financial condition, the borrower’s performance with respect to loan terms, the adequacy of collateral, the adequacy of guarantees and other credit quality characteristics. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted average risk rating of the Corporation’s commercial loan portfolio was 4.67 and 4.64, respectively. For non-impaired loans, the Corporation assigns a loss allocation factor to each loan, based on its risk rating for purposes of establishing an appropriate allowance for loan losses. See Note 6 for additional information.

A description of the commercial loan categories are as follows:

Pass - Loans with acceptable credit quality, defined as ranging from superior or very strong to a status of lesser stature. Superior or very strong credit quality is characterized by a high degree of cash collateralization or strong balance sheet liquidity. Lesser stature loans have an acceptable level of credit quality but exhibit some weakness in various credit metrics such as collateral adequacy, cash flow, secondary sources of repayment, or performance inconsistency or may be in an industry or of a loan type known to have a higher degree of risk.

Special Mention - Loans with potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Bank’s position as creditor at some future date. Special Mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Examples of these conditions include but are not limited to outdated or poor quality financial data, strains on liquidity and leverage, losses or negative trends in operating results, marginal cash flow, weaknesses in occupancy rates or trends in the case of commercial real estate and frequent delinquencies.

Classified - Loans identified as “substandard”, “doubtful” or “loss” based on criteria consistent with guidelines provided by banking regulators. A “substandard” loan has defined weaknesses which make payment default or principal exposure


-97-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

likely, but not yet certain. Such loans are apt to be dependent upon collateral liquidation, a secondary source of repayment or an event outside of the normal course of business. The loans are closely watched and are either already on nonaccrual status or may be placed in nonaccrual status when management determines there is uncertainty of collectibility. A “doubtful” loan is placed on non-accrual status and has a high probability of loss, but the extent of the loss is difficult to quantify due to dependency upon collateral having a value that is difficult to determine or upon some near-term event which lacks certainty. A loan in the “loss” category is considered generally uncollectible or the timing or amount of payments cannot be determined. “Loss” is not intended to imply that the loan has no recovery value but rather it is not practical or desirable to continue to carry the asset.

The Corporation’s procedures call for loan ratings and classifications to be revised whenever information becomes available that indicates a change is warranted. The criticized loan portfolio, which consists of commercial loans that are risk rated special mention or worse, are reviewed by management on a quarterly basis, focusing on the current status and strategies to improve the credit. An annual loan review program is conducted by a third party to provide an independent evaluation of the creditworthiness of the commercial loan portfolio, the quality of the underwriting and credit risk management practices and the appropriateness of the risk rating classifications. This review is supplemented with selected targeted internal reviews of the commercial loan portfolio.

The following table presents the commercial loan portfolio, segregated by category of credit quality indicator:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pass
 
Special Mention
 
Classified
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Mortgages

$819,857

 

$756,838

 

$18,372

 

$23,185

 

$5,749

 

$16,226

Construction & development
79,592

 
36,289

 

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
592,206

 
507,962

 
16,311

 
19,887

 
3,401

 
2,948

Total commercial loans

$1,491,655

 

$1,301,089

 

$34,683

 

$43,072

 

$9,150

 

$19,174


Residential and Consumer
The residential and consumer portfolios are monitored on an ongoing basis by the Corporation using delinquency information and loan type as credit quality indicators. These credit quality indicators are assessed on an aggregate basis in these relatively homogeneous portfolios. For non-impaired loans, the Corporation assigns loss allocation factors to each respective loan type and delinquency status. See Note 6 for additional information.

Various other techniques are utilized to monitor indicators of credit deterioration in the portfolios of residential real estate mortgages and home equity lines and loans. Among these techniques is the periodic tracking of loans with an updated FICO score and an estimated loan to value (“LTV”) ratio. LTV is determined via statistical modeling analyses. The indicated LTV levels are estimated based on such factors as the location, the original LTV, and the date of origination of the loan and do not reflect actual appraisal amounts. The results of these analyses and other loan review procedures are taken into consideration in the determination of loss allocation factors for residential mortgage and home equity consumer credits. See Note 6 for additional information.



-98-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the residential and consumer loan portfolios, segregated by category of credit quality indicator:
(Dollars in thousands)
Current and Under 90 Days
Past Due
 
Over 90 Days
Past Due
December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Residential real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accruing mortgages

$941,607

 

$740,848

 

$—

 

$—

Nonaccrual mortgages
3,840

 
2,682

 
3,284

 
5,633

Homeowner construction
36,684

 
23,511

 

 

Total residential loans

$982,131

 

$767,041

 

$3,284

 

$5,633

Consumer:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity lines

$241,639

 

$231,093

 

$841

 

$269

Home equity loans
46,911

 
39,864

 
56

 
348

Other
48,926

 
55,262

 

 
39

Total consumer loans

$337,476

 

$326,219

 

$897

 

$656


Loan Servicing Activities
The following table presents an analysis of loan servicing rights:
(Dollars in thousands)
Loan Servicing
Rights
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2011

$937

 

($172
)
 

$765

Loan servicing rights capitalized
569

 

 
569

Amortization
(231
)
 

 
(231
)
Decrease in impairment reserve

 
7

 
7

Balance at December 31, 2012
1,275

 
(165
)
 
1,110

Loan servicing rights capitalized
1,897

 

 
1,897

Amortization
(405
)
 

 
(405
)
Decrease in impairment reserve

 
96

 
96

Balance at December 31, 2013
2,767

 
(69
)
 
2,698

Loan servicing rights capitalized
869

 

 
869

Amortization
(647
)
 

 
(647
)
Decrease in impairment reserve

 
67

 
67

Balance at December 31, 2014

$2,989

 

($2
)
 

$2,987




-99-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents estimated aggregate amortization expense related to loan servicing assets:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Years ending December 31:
 
2015
 

$457

 
 
2016
 
385

 
 
2017
 
325

 
 
2018
 
274

 
 
2019
 
231

 
 
Thereafter
 
1,317

Total estimated amortization expense
 

$2,989


Mortgage loans and other loans sold to others are serviced on a fee basis under various agreements.  Loans serviced for others are not included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The following table presents the balance of loans serviced for others, by type of loan:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

Residential mortgages

$378,798

 

$310,699

Commercial loans
90,484

 
69,526

Total

$469,282

 

$380,225


(6) Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is management’s best estimate of inherent risk of loss in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and by recoveries of amounts previously charged off, and is reduced by charge-offs on loans. The Corporation uses a methodology to systematically measure the amount of estimated loan loss exposure inherent in the loan portfolio for purposes of establishing a sufficient allowance for loan losses. The methodology includes three elements: (1) identification of loss allocations for individual loans deemed to be impaired, (2) application of loss allocation factors for non-impaired loans based on credit grade, historical loss experience, estimated loss emergence period and delinquency status, with adjustments for various exposures not adequately presented in historical loss experience, and (3) an unallocated allowance maintained for measurement imprecision associated with impaired and nonaccrual loans. Prior to December 31, 2014, the unallocated allowance also included amounts for management’s qualitative and quantitative assessment of certain other loan portfolio risks not captured in other components of the allowance. The presentation of the allowance for loan losses and related activity by portfolio segment, set forth below, has been revised to conform to the 2014 presentation of the unallocated allowance. This reclassification to the appropriate loan portfolios resulted in reductions of $5.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively, in the unallocated allowance previously reported as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Loss allocations for loans deemed to be impaired are measured on a discounted cash flow method based upon the loan’s contractual effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or, if the loan is collateral dependent, at the fair value of the collateral. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is dependent on the sale of the collateral, management adjusts the fair value for estimated costs to sell. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is dependent on the operation of the collateral, such as accruing troubled debt restructured loans, estimated costs to sell are not incorporated into the measurement. Management may also adjust appraised values to reflect estimated market value declines or apply other discounts to appraised values for unobservable factors resulting from its knowledge of circumstances associated with the property.

Individual commercial loans not deemed to be impaired are evaluated using an internal rating system and the application of loss allocation factors.  The loan rating system is described under the caption “Credit Quality Indicators” in Note 5.  The loan rating system and the related loss allocation factors take into consideration parameters including the borrower’s


-100-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

financial condition, the borrower’s performance with respect to loan terms, the adequacy of collateral and the adequacy of guarantees.  We periodically reassess and revise the loss allocation factors used in the assignment of loss exposure to appropriately reflect our analysis of migrational loss experience.  Revisions to loss allocation factors are not retroactively applied.  We analyze historical loss experience over periods deemed to be relevant to the inherent risk of loss in the commercial loan portfolio and the related estimate of the loss emergence period as of the balance sheet date.  We also adjust loss factor allocations for various exposures we believe are not adequately presented in historical loss experience, including our assessments of credit risk associated with certain industries, an ongoing trend toward larger credit relationships, recent changes in portfolio composition, conditions that may affect the ability of borrowers to meet debt service requirements, trends in rental rates on commercial real estate and conditions that may affect the collateral position, such as environmental matters.

Portfolios of more homogeneous populations of loans, including the various categories of residential mortgages and consumer loans are analyzed as groups, with loss allocation factors assigned to each group based on account delinquency status. We periodically reassess and revise the loss allocation factors. Revisions to loss allocation factors are not retroactively applied.  We analyze historical loss experience over periods deemed to be relevant to the inherent risk of loss in residential mortgage and consumer loan portfolios and the related estimate of the loss emergence period as of the balance sheet date.  We also adjust loss factor allocations for various exposures we believe are not adequately presented in historical loss experience including trends in real estate values, consideration of general economic conditions, increases in delinquency levels and regulatory changes affecting the foreclosure process.  These matters are also evaluated taking into account the geographic location of the underlying loans.

Because the methodology is based upon historical experience and trends, current economic data as well as management’s judgment, factors may arise that result in different estimations. Significant factors that could give rise to changes in these estimates may include, but are not limited to, changes in economic conditions in our market area, concentration of risk and declines in local property values. Adversely different conditions or assumptions could lead to increases in the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2014:
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
Construction
C&I (1)
Total Commercial
Residential
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Beginning Balance

$8,022


$383


$7,835


$16,240


$6,450


$2,511


$2,685


$27,886

Charge-offs
(977
)

(558
)
(1,535
)
(132
)
(282
)

(1,949
)
Recoveries
24


86

110

51

75


236

Provision
1,133

917

624

2,674

(939
)
409

(294
)
1,850

Ending Balance

$8,202


$1,300


$7,987


$17,489


$5,430


$2,713


$2,391


$28,023

(1)
Commercial & industrial loans.



-101-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
Construction
C&I (1)
Total Commercial
Residential
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Beginning Balance

$9,817


$224


$8,934


$18,975


$6,428


$2,684


$2,786


$30,873

Charge-offs
(5,213
)

(358
)
(5,571
)
(128
)
(323
)

(6,022
)
Recoveries
380


153

533

3

99


635

Provision
3,038

159

(894
)
2,303

147

51

(101
)
2,400

Ending Balance

$8,022


$383


$7,835


$16,240


$6,450


$2,511


$2,685


$27,886

(1)
Commercial & industrial loans.

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2012:
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
Construction
C&I (1)
Total Commercial
Residential
Consumer
Unallocated
Total
Beginning Balance

$8,580


$95


$8,709


$17,384


$6,867


$2,452


$3,099


$29,802

Charge-offs
(485
)

(1,179
)
(1,664
)
(367
)
(304
)

(2,335
)
Recoveries
442


103

545

110

51


706

Provision
1,280

129

1,301

2,710

(182
)
485

(313
)
2,700

Ending Balance

$9,817


$224


$8,934


$18,975


$6,428


$2,684


$2,786


$30,873

(1)
Commercial & industrial loans.



-102-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the Corporation’s loan portfolio and associated allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and by impairment methodology:
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
Related
Allowance
 
 
 
Related
Allowance
 
Loans
 
 
Loans
 
Loans Individually Evaluated For Impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages

$14,991

 

$927

 

$30,292

 

$552

Construction & development

 

 

 

Commercial & industrial
2,921

 
177

 
2,556

 
463

Residential Real Estate
3,698

 
326

 
4,290

 
463

Consumer
409

 
153

 
355

 
3

Subtotal
22,019

 
1,583

 
37,493

 
1,481

Loans Collectively Evaluated For Impairment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgages
828,987

 
7,275

 
765,957

 
7,470

Construction & development
79,592

 
1,300

 
36,289

 
383

Commercial & industrial
608,997

 
7,810

 
528,241

 
7,372

Residential Real Estate
981,717

 
5,104

 
768,384

 
5,987

Consumer
337,964

 
2,560

 
326,520

 
2,508

Subtotal
2,837,257

 
24,049

 
2,425,391

 
23,720

Unallocated

 
2,391

 

 
2,685

Total

$2,859,276

 

$28,023

 

$2,462,884

 

$27,886


(7) Premises and Equipment
The following presents a summary of premises and equipment:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

Land and improvements

$6,020

 

$6,020

Premises and improvements
34,608

 
32,429

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
25,041

 
24,250

 
65,669

 
62,699

Less accumulated depreciation
38,174

 
37,297

Total premises and equipment, net

$27,495

 

$25,402


Depreciation of premises and equipment amounted to $3.1 million , $3.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012.



-103-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(8) Goodwill and Other Intangibles
The carrying value of goodwill was $58.1 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the following table presents goodwill at the reporting unit (or business segment) level:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Commercial Banking Segment

$22,591

Wealth Management Service Segment
35,523

Total

$58,114


Intangible assets consist of wealth management advisory contracts. The following table presents the components of intangible assets:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

Gross carrying amount

$13,657

 

$13,657

Accumulated amortization
8,808

 
8,164

Net amount

$4,849

 

$5,493


The intangible asset value attributable to wealth management advisory contracts acquired was based on the time period over which the advisory contracts are expected to generate economic benefits.  The asset is being amortized over a 20‑year life using a declining balance method, based on expected attrition for the current customer base derived from historical runoff data.  The amortization schedule is based on the anticipated future customer runoff rate.

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, amounted to $644 thousand, $680 thousand and $728 thousand, respectively.

The following table presents estimated annual amortization expense for advisory contracts:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Years ending December 31,
2015

$603

 
2016
562

 
2017
538

 
2018
502

 
2019
467

 
Thereafter
2,177




-104-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(9) Income Tax Expense
The following table presents the components of income tax expense:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Current tax expense:
 
 
 
 
 
Federal

$16,286

 

$13,518

 

$13,937

State
866

 
742

 
533

Total current tax expense
17,152

 
14,260

 
14,470

Deferred tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
1,820

 
2,300

 
1,310

State
27

 
(33
)
 
18

Total deferred tax expense
1,847

 
2,267

 
1,328

Total income tax expense

$18,999

 

$16,527

 

$15,798


Total income tax expense varies from the amount determined by applying the Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes.  The following table presents the reasons for the differences:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Tax expense at Federal statutory rate

$20,938

 

$18,438

 

$17,805

(Decrease) increase in taxes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-exempt income
(1,540
)
 
(1,408
)
 
(1,220
)
Dividends received deduction
(29
)
 

 
(12
)
BOLI
(646
)
 
(648
)
 
(857
)
Federal tax credits
(364
)
 
(364
)
 
(364
)
State income tax expense, net of federal income tax benefit
581

 
461

 
358

Other
59

 
48

 
88

Total income tax expense

$18,999

 

$16,527

 

$15,798




-105-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the approximate tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to gross deferred tax assets and gross deferred tax liabilities:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

Gross deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses

$10,116

 

$10,033

Defined benefit pension obligations
6,719

 
3,544

Deferred compensation
2,761

 
2,545

Deferred loan origination fees
1,822

 
1,593

Stock based compensation
1,676

 
1,686

Other
3,026

 
3,591

Gross deferred tax assets
26,120

 
22,992

Gross deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
Net unrealized gains on securities available for sale
(2,373
)
 
(1,791
)
Amortization of intangibles
(1,750
)
 
(1,977
)
Deferred loan origination costs
(4,694
)
 
(3,697
)
Loan servicing rights
(1,078
)
 
(971
)
Other
(1,206
)
 
(1,805
)
Gross deferred tax liabilities
(11,101
)
 
(10,241
)
Net deferred tax asset

$15,019

 

$12,751


The Corporation has determined that a valuation allowance is not required for any of the deferred tax assets since it is more-likely-than-not that these assets will be realized primarily through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, carryback to taxable income in prior years or by offsetting projected future taxable income.

The Corporation had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The Corporation files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions.  The Corporation is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011.

(10) Time Certificates of Deposit
The following table presents scheduled maturities of time certificates of deposit:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Scheduled Maturity
 
Weighted Average Rate
Years ending December 31:
2015

$361,245

 
0.89
%
 
2016
158,344

 
1.10

 
2017
148,700

 
1.12

 
2018
81,100

 
1.38

 
2019
124,550

 
1.75

 
2020 and thereafter
163

 
2.91

Balance at December 31, 2014
 

$874,102

 
1.14
%



-106-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the amount of certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 thousand or more at December 31, 2014, maturing during the periods indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2015

$113,684

April 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015
29,420

July 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015
37,941

January 1, 2016 and beyond
100,039

Balance at December 31, 2014

$281,084


(11) Borrowings
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
Advances payable to FHLBB amounted to $406.3 million and $288.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The following table presents maturities and weighted average interest rates on FHLBB advances outstanding as of December 31, 2014:
(Dollars in thousands)
Scheduled
Maturity
 
Weighted
Average Rate
2015

$201,569

 
0.40
%
2016
63,130

 
2.31

2017
41,045

 
3.16

2018
64,803

 
3.85

2019
27,243

 
4.31

2020 and thereafter
8,507

 
5.08

Total

$406,297

 
1.89
%

In February 2015, FHLBB advances totaling $69.2 million were modified to lower interest rates and the maturities of these advances were extended. Original maturity dates ranging from 2016 to 2018 were modified to 2018 to 2022. The original weighted average interest rate was 4.06% and was revised to 3.50%. The table below presents the original terms as of December 31, 2014 as well as revised terms associated with these FHLBB advances:
(Dollars in thousands)
Original Terms
 
Revised Terms
 
Scheduled
Maturity
 
Weighted
Average Rate
 
Scheduled
Maturity
 
Weighted
Average Rate
2016

$30,418

 
3.44
%
 

$—

 
%
2017
10,000

 
3.87

 

 

2018
28,803

 
4.79

 
5,000

 
2.43

2019

 

 
15,418

 
2.87

2020

 

 
10,000

 
3.13

2021

 

 
10,000

 
3.52

2022

 

 
28,803

 
4.14

Total

$69,221

 
4.06
%
 

$69,221

 
3.50
%

As of December 31, 2014, the Bank also has access to an unused line of credit with the FHLBB amounting to $40.0 million, compared to $8.0 million as of December 31, 2013. In addition, the FHLBB has issued standby letters of credit


-107-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

to depositor customers of the Bank to collateralize public deposits. The Bank’s FHLBB borrowings, line of credit and letters of credit are collateralized by a blanket pledge agreement on the Bank’s FHLBB stock, certain qualified investment securities and loans, as well as amounts maintained on deposit at the FHLBB. The Bank’s unused remaining available borrowing capacity at the FHLBB was approximately $569.4 million and $564.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Advances payable to FHLBB include short-term advances with original maturity due dates of one year or less. The following table presents certain information concerning short-term FHLBB advances:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
As of and for the years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Average amount outstanding during the period

$70,693

 

$13,901

 

$61,936

Amount outstanding at end of period

$200,000

 

$—

 

$40,500

Highest month end balance during period

$200,000

 

$60,000

 

$102,929

Weighted-average interest rate at end of period
0.37
%
 
%
 
0.28
%
Weighted-average interest rate during the period
0.35
%
 
0.30
%
 
0.27
%

Junior Subordinated Debentures
Junior subordinated debentures amounted to $22.7 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The Bancorp has sponsored the creation of WT Capital Trust I (“Trust I”) and WT Capital Trust II (“Trust II”), Delaware statutory trusts created for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and investing the proceeds in junior subordinated debentures of the Bancorp.  The Bancorp is the owner of all of the common securities of the trusts.  In accordance with GAAP, the trusts are treated as unconsolidated subsidiaries.  The common stock investment in the statutory trusts is included in “Other Assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

On August 29, 2005, Trust I issued $8.3 million of capital securities (“Trust I Capital Securities”) in a private placement of trust preferred securities.  The Trust I Capital Securities mature in September 2035, are redeemable at the Bancorp’s option beginning after five years, and require quarterly distributions by Trust I to the holder of the Trust I Capital Securities, at a rate of 5.97% until September 15, 2010, and thereafter at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.45%.  The Bancorp has guaranteed the Trust I Capital Securities and, to the extent not paid by Trust I, accrued and unpaid distributions on the Trust I Capital Securities, as well as the redemption price payable to the Trust I Capital Securities holders.  The proceeds of the Trust I Capital Securities, along with proceeds from the issuance of common securities by Trust I to the Bancorp, were used to purchase $8.3 million of the Bancorp’s junior subordinated deferrable interest notes (the “Trust I Debentures”) and constitute the primary asset of Trust I.  Like the Trust I Capital Securities, the Trust I Debentures bear interest at a rate of 5.97% until September 15, 2010, and thereafter at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.45%.  The Trust I Debentures mature on September 15, 2035, but may be redeemed at par at the Bancorp’s option, subject to the approval of the applicable banking regulator to the extent required under applicable guidelines or policies, at any time on or after September 15, 2010, or upon the occurrence of certain special qualifying events.

On August 29, 2005, Trust II issued $14.4 million of capital securities (“Trust II Capital Securities”) in a private placement of trust preferred securities.  The Trust II Capital Securities mature in November 2035, are redeemable at the Bancorp’s option beginning after five years, and require quarterly distributions by Trust II to the holder of the Trust II Capital Securities, at a rate of 5.96% until November 23, 2010, and thereafter at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.45%.  The Bancorp has guaranteed the Trust II Capital Securities and, to the extent not paid by Trust II, accrued and unpaid distributions on the Trust II Capital Securities, as well as the redemption price payable to the Trust II Capital Securities holders.  The proceeds of the Trust II Capital Securities, along with proceeds from the issuance of common securities by Trust II to the Bancorp, were used to purchase $14.4 million of the Bancorp’s junior subordinated deferrable interest notes (the “Trust II Debentures”) and constitute the primary asset of Trust II.  Like the Trust II Capital Securities, the Trust II Debentures bear interest at a rate of 5.96% until November 23, 2010, and thereafter at a rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.45%.  The Trust II Debentures mature on November 23, 2035, but may be redeemed at par at the Bancorp’s option, subject to the approval of the applicable banking regulator to the extent required under applicable


-108-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

guidelines or policies, at any time on or after November 23, 2010, or upon the occurrence of certain special qualifying events.

(12) Shareholders’ Equity
2006 Stock Repurchase Plan
In December 2006, the Bancorp’s Board of Directors approved the 2006 Stock Repurchase Plan authorizing the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares, or approximately 3%, of the Corporation’s common stock in open market transactions.  This authority may be exercised from time to time and in such amounts as market conditions warrant, and subject to regulatory considerations.  The repurchased shares would be held as treasury stock to be used for general corporate purposes.  As of December 31, 2014, a cumulative total of 185,400 shares have been repurchased, all of which were repurchased in 2007 at a total cost of $4.8 million.

Shareholder Rights Plan
In August 2006, the Bancorp’s Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in the Shareholders Rights Agreement, dated August 17, 2006 (the “2006 Rights Agreement”).  Pursuant to the terms of the 2006 Rights Agreement, the Bancorp declared a dividend distribution of one common share purchase right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of common stock to shareholders of record on August 31, 2006.  Such Rights also apply to new issuances of shares after that date.  Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Corporation one share of its common stock at a price of $100 per share, subject to adjustment.

The Rights are not exercisable or separable from the common stock until the earlier of 10 days after a person or group (an “Acquiring Person”) acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding common shares or announces a tender offer to do so.  The Rights, which expire on August 31, 2016, may be redeemed by the Bancorp at any time prior to the acquisition by an Acquiring Person of beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the common stock at a price of $.01 per Right.  In the event that any party becomes an Acquiring Person, each holder of a Right, other than Rights owned by the Acquiring Person, will have the right to receive upon exercise that number of common shares having a market value of two times the purchase price of the Right.  In the event that, at any time after any party becomes an Acquiring Person, the Corporation is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction or 50% or more of its assets or earning power are sold, each holder of a Right will have the right to purchase that number of shares of the acquiring company having a market value of two times the purchase price of the Right.

Dividends
The primary source of liquidity for the Bancorp is dividends received from the Bank.  The Bancorp and the Bank are regulated enterprises and their abilities to pay dividends are subject to regulatory review and restriction.  Certain regulatory and statutory restrictions exist regarding dividends, loans, and advances from the Bank to the Bancorp.  Generally, the Bank has the ability to pay dividends to the Bancorp subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements.  The FDIC and the FRB have the authority to use their enforcement powers to prohibit a bank or bank holding company, respectively, from paying dividends if, in their opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.  Under the most restrictive of these requirements, the Bank could have declared aggregate additional dividends of $172.9 million as of December 31, 2014.

Dividend Reinvestment
Under the Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, 607,500 shares of the Corporation’s common stock were originally reserved to be issued for dividends reinvested and cash payments to the plan.

Reserved Shares
As of December 31, 2014, a total of 2,671,274 common stock shares were reserved for issuance under the 1997 Plan, 2003 Plan, 2013 Plan, the Amended and Restated Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, the 2006 Stock Repurchase Plan and the Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

Regulatory Capital Requirements
The Bancorp and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the FRB and the FDIC, respectively.  These requirements were established to more accurately assess the credit risk inherent in the assets and off‑balance sheet activities of financial institutions.  Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain


-109-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the consolidated financial statements.  Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.  The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Corporation to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined in the regulations), and of Tier 1 capital to average assets (as defined in the regulations).  Management believes that, as of December 31, 2014, the Corporation meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

Capital levels at December 31, 2014 exceeded the regulatory minimum levels to be considered well-capitalized. There are no conditions or events since that date that management believes have changed the Corporation and the Bank’s categorization.

The following table presents the Corporation’s and the Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios, as well as the corresponding minimum and well capitalized regulatory amounts and ratios:
(Dollars in thousands)
Actual
 
For Capital Adequacy
Purposes
 
To Be “Well Capitalized”
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation

$343,934

 
12.56
%
 

$219,149

 
8.00
%
 

$273,936

 
10.00
%
Bank
339,268

 
12.39

 
219,075

 
8.00

 
273,844

 
10.00

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
315,575

 
11.52

 
109,574

 
4.00

 
164,361

 
6.00

Bank
310,909

 
11.35

 
109,537

 
4.00

 
164,306

 
6.00

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets): (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
315,575

 
9.14

 
138,090

 
4.00

 
172,612

 
5.00

Bank
310,909

 
9.01

 
137,964

 
4.00

 
172,454

 
5.00

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
319,486

 
13.29

 
192,306

 
8.00

 
240,382

 
10.00

Bank
314,458

 
13.09

 
192,147

 
8.00

 
240,184

 
10.00

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
291,292

 
12.12

 
96,153

 
4.00

 
144,229

 
6.00

Bank
286,264

 
11.92

 
96,074

 
4.00

 
144,111

 
6.00

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets): (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation
291,292

 
9.41

 
123,785

 
4.00

 
154,732

 
5.00

Bank
286,264

 
9.26

 
123,633

 
4.00

 
154,541

 
5.00

(1)
Leverage ratio



-110-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(13) Derivative Financial Instruments
The Corporation’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Corporation’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally to manage the Corporation’s interest rate risk. Additionally, the Corporation enters into interest rate derivatives to accommodate the business requirements of its customers. All derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and are measured at fair value.  The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and resulting designation.

Interest Rate Risk Management Agreements
Interest rate swaps are used from time to time as part of the Corporation’s interest rate risk management strategy.  Swaps are agreements in which the Corporation and another party agree to exchange interest payments (e.g., fixed-rate for variable-rate payments) computed on a notional principal amount.  The credit risk associated with swap transactions is the risk of default by the counterparty.  To minimize this risk, the Corporation enters into interest rate agreements only with highly rated counterparties that management believes to be creditworthy.  The notional amounts of these agreements do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of the potential loss exposure.

Cash Flow Hedging Instruments
As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Bancorp had two interest rate swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges to hedge the interest rate risk associated with $22.7 million of variable rate junior subordinated debentures.  The effective portion of the changes in fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings when gains or losses are realized.  The ineffective portion of changes in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings as interest expense.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Bancorp pledged collateral to derivative counterparties in the form of cash totaling $939 thousand and $1.6 million, respectively.  The Bancorp may need to post additional collateral in the future in proportion to potential increases in unrealized loss positions.

Customer Related Derivative Contracts
The Corporation has entered into interest rate swap contracts to help commercial loan borrowers manage their interest rate risk.  The interest rate swap contracts with commercial loan borrowers allows them to convert floating-rate loan payments to fixed-rate loan payments.  When we enter into an interest rate swap contract with a commercial loan borrower, we simultaneously enter into a “mirror” swap contract with a third party.  The third party exchanges the client’s fixed‑rate loan payments for floating-rate loan payments.  We retain the risk that is associated with the potential failure of counterparties and the risk inherent in originating loans.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, Washington Trust had interest rate swap contracts with commercial loan borrowers with notional amounts of $165.8 million and $105.6 million, respectively, and equal amounts of “mirror” swap contracts with third-party financial institutions.  These derivatives are not designated as hedges and therefore, changes in fair value are recognized in earnings.

Loan Commitments
Interest rate lock commitments are extended to borrowers that relate to the origination of residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale.  To mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in these rate locks, as well as closed residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale, forward commitments are established to sell individual residential real estate mortgage loans.  Both interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell residential real estate mortgage loans are derivative financial instruments, but do not meet criteria for hedge accounting, and as such are treated as derivatives not designated as hedging instruments. These derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value and changes in fair value of these commitments are reflected in earnings in the period of change. The Corporation elected to carry certain closed residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale at fair value, as changes in fair value in these loans held for sale generally offset changes in interest rate lock and forward sale commitments.



-111-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the fair values of derivative instruments in the Corporation’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(Dollars in thousands)
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
 
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
Fair Value
December 31,
Balance Sheet Location
 
2014
 
2013
 
Balance Sheet Location
 
2014
 
2013
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate risk management contract:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
Other assets
 

$—

 

$—

 
Other liabilities
 

$497

 

$1,012

Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward loan commitments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
Other assets
 
1,212

 
392

 
Other liabilities
 
20

 

Commitments to sell mortgage loans
Other assets
 
13

 
10

 
Other liabilities
 
2,028

 
583

Customer related derivative contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps with customers
Other assets
 
4,554

 
2,403

 
Other liabilities
 
23

 
297

Mirror swaps with counterparties
Other assets
 
28

 
330

 
Other liabilities
 
4,748

 
2,406

Total
 
 

$5,807

 

$3,135

 
 
 

$7,316

 

$4,298


The following tables present the effect of derivative instruments in the Corporations’ Consolidated Statements of Income and Changes in Shareholders’ Equity:
(Dollars in thousands)
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
 
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income (Ineffective Portion)
Years ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Derivatives Designated as Cash Flow Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate risk management contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts

$331

 

$388

 

$121

 
Interest Expense
 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

Total

$331

 

$388

 

$121

 
 
 

$—

 

$—

 

$—


(Dollars in thousands)
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
Years ended December 31,
Statement of Income Location
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward loan commitments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
Net gains on loan sales & commissions on loans originated for others

$800

 

($2,121
)
 

$649

Commitments to sell mortgage loans
Net gains on loan sales & commissions on loans originated for others
(1,442
)
 
3,618

 
(1,611
)
Customer related derivative contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps with customers
Net gains on interest rate swaps
4,989

 
396

 
1,147

Mirror swaps with counterparties
Net gains on interest rate swaps
(3,853
)
 
555

 
(892
)
Total
 

$494

 

$2,448

 

($707
)



-112-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)


(14) Fair Value Measurements
The Corporation uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, securities available for sale, certain residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as collateral dependent impaired loans, property acquired through foreclosure, or repossession, certain residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale and mortgage servicing rights.  These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement.  Fair value measurements are determined based on the assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.  In addition, GAAP specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the types of valuation information (“inputs”) are observable or unobservable.  Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Corporation’s market assumptions.  These two types of inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable in the markets and which reflect the Corporation’s market assumptions.

Fair Value Option Election
GAAP allows for the irrevocable option to elect fair value accounting for the initial and subsequent measurement for certain financial assets and liabilities on a contract-by-contract basis. The Corporation elected the fair value option for certain residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale to better match changes in fair value of the loans with changes in the fair value of the derivative loan sale contracts use to economically hedge them.

The aggregate principal amount of the residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale recorded at fair value was $29.5 million and $11.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The aggregate fair value of these loans as of the same dates was $30.3 million and $11.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the aggregate fair value of residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale exceeded the aggregate principal amount by $779 thousand and $181 thousand, respectively.

There were no residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale 90 days or more past due as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The following table presents the changes in fair value related to mortgage loans held for sale, interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell residential real estate mortgage loans. Changes in fair values are reported as a component of net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Mortgage loans held for sale

$598

 

($1,505
)
 

$970

Interest rate lock commitments
800

 
(2,121
)
 
649

Commitments to sell
(1,442
)
 
3,618

 
(1,611
)
Total changes in fair value

($44
)
 

($8
)
 

$8




-113-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Securities
Securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  When available, the Corporation uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of securities; such items are classified as Level 1. There were no Level 1 securities held at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Level 2 securities include debt securities with quoted prices, which are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, whose value is determined using matrix pricing with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.  This category generally includes obligations of U.S. government‑sponsored enterprises, mortgage‑backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government‑sponsored enterprises, obligations of states and political subdivisions, trust preferred debt securities and corporate bonds.

Securities not actively traded whose fair value is determined through the use of cash flows utilizing inputs that are unobservable are classified as Level 3. There were no Level 3 securities held at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale
The fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are generally estimated based on secondary market rates offered for loans with similar characteristics. When secondary market information exists, these loans are classified as Level 2. In certain cases when quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis and these assets are classified as Level 3. Any changes in the valuation of mortgage loans held for sale is based upon the change in market interest rates between the loan closing date and the measurement date and an immaterial portion attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk. There were no Level 3 mortgage loans held for sale at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Derivatives
Interest rate swap contracts are traded in over-the-counter markets where quoted market prices are not readily available.  Fair value measurements are determined using independent pricing models that utilize primarily market observable inputs, such as swap rates of different maturities and LIBOR rates and, accordingly, are classified as Level 2. For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to its interest rate swap contracts, the Corporation evaluates the credit risk of its counterparties as well as that of the Corporation.  Accordingly, Washington Trust considers factors such as the likelihood of default by the Corporation and its counterparties, its net exposures and remaining contractual life, among other factors, in determining if any fair value adjustments related to credit risk are required.  Counterparty exposure is evaluated by netting positions that are subject to master netting agreements, as well as considering the amount of collateral securing the position. Additionally, in accordance with fair value measurement guidance in ASU 2011-04, Washington Trust has made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.

Level 2 fair value measurements of forward loan commitments (interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell residential real estate mortgages) are estimated using the anticipated market price based on pricing indications provided from syndicate banks. In certain cases when quoted market prices are not available, fair value is determined by utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis and these assets are classified as Level 3. There were no Level 3 forward loan commitments held at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Collateral Dependent Impaired Loans
Collateral dependent loans that are deemed to be impaired are valued based upon the fair value of the underlying collateral. Such collateral primarily consists of real estate and, to a lesser extent, other business assets. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is dependent on the sale of the collateral, management adjusts the fair value for estimated costs to sell. For collateral dependent loans for which repayment is dependent on the operation of the collateral, such as accruing troubled debt restructured loans, estimated costs to sell are not incorporated into the measurement. Management may also adjust appraised values to reflect estimated market value declines or apply other discounts to appraised values resulting from its knowledge of the property. Internal valuations are utilized to determine the fair value of other business assets. Collateral dependent impaired loans are categorized as Level 3.


-114-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)


Property Acquired Through Foreclosure or Repossession
Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets is adjusted to fair value less costs to sell upon transfer out of loans through a charge to allowance for loan losses.  Subsequently, it is carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.  Such subsequent valuation charges are charged through earnings. Fair value is generally based upon appraised values of the collateral.  Management may adjust appraised values to reflect estimated market value declines or apply other discounts to appraised values for unobservable factors resulting from its knowledge of the property, and such property is categorized as Level 3.

Items Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities reported at fair value on a recurring basis:
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

$31,172

 

$—

 

$31,172

 

$—

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
245,366

 

 
245,366

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
49,176

 

 
49,176

 

Individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities
25,774

 

 
25,774

 

Corporate bonds
6,174

 

 
6,174

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
30,321

 

 
30,321

 

Derivative assets (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts with customers
4,582

 

 
4,582

 

Forward loan commitments
1,225

 

 
1,225

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis

$393,790

 

$—

 

$393,790

 

$—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mirror swap contracts with counterparties

$4,771

 

$—

 

$4,771

 

$—

Interest rate risk management swap contracts
497

 

 
497

 

Forward loan commitments
2,048

 

 
2,048

 

Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis

$7,316

 

$—

 

$7,316

 

$—

(1)
Derivative assets are included in other assets and derivative liabilities are reported in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.



-115-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Dollars in thousands)
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

$55,115

 

$—

 

$55,115

 

$—

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises
238,355

 

 
238,355

 

Obligations of states and political subdivisions
62,859

 

 
62,859

 

Individual name issuer trust preferred debt securities
24,684

 

 
24,684

 

Pooled trust preferred debt securities
547

 

 
547

 

Corporate bonds
11,343

 

 
11,343

 

Mortgage loans held for sale
11,636

 

 
11,636

 

Derivative assets (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts with customers
2,733

 

 
2,733

 

Forward loan commitments
402

 

 
402

 

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis

$407,674

 

$—

 

$407,674

 

$—

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mirror swap contracts with counterparties

$2,703

 

$—

 

$2,703

 

$—

Interest rate risk management swap contracts
1,012

 

 
1,012

 

Forward loan commitments
583

 

 
583

 

Total liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis

$4,298

 

$—

 

$4,298

 

$—

(1)
Derivatives assets are included in other assets and derivative liabilities are reported in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

It is the Corporation’s policy to review and reflect transfers between Levels as of the financial statement reporting date.  There were no transfers in and/or out of Levels during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 other than the one transfer between Level 2 and Level 3 during the year ended December 31, 2013 and as noted in the following table.



-116-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The Corporation had no Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis during 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
 
Securities Available for Sale (1)
 
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale (2)
 
Derivative Assets/(Liabilities) (3)
Year ended December 31, 2013
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period

$10,514

 

$843

 

$9,813

 

($142
)
Gains and losses (realized and unrealized):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings (4)
(3,497
)
 
(3,489
)
 
(150
)
 
142

Included in other comprehensive income
3,326

 
3,326

 

 

Purchases

 

 

 

Issuances
12,692

 

 
12,692

 

Sales
(22,355
)
 

 
(22,355
)
 

Settlements
(133
)
 
(133
)
 

 

Transfers into Level 3

 

 

 

Transfers out of Level 3
(547
)
 
(547
)
 

 

Balance at end of period

$—

 

$—

 

$—

 

$—

(1)
Level 3 securities available for sale were comprised of pooled trust preferred debt securities in the form of collateralized debt obligations. The Corporation utilized a broker quote to value its remaining pooled trust preferred debt security at December 31, 2013, therefore this security was transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 2.
(2)
Level 3 mortgage loans held for sale consisted of certain mortgage loans whose fair value was determined utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis.
(3)
Level 3 derivative assets / liabilities consisted of forward loan commitments (interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell residential real estate mortgages) whose fair value was determined utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis.
(4)
Losses included in earnings for Level 3 securities available for sale were included in net impairment losses recognized in earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Losses included in earnings for Level 3 mortgage loans held for sale and derivative assets and liabilities were included in net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Items Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP.  These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.  The valuation methodologies used to measure these fair value adjustments are described above.

The following tables summarizes such assets, which were written down to fair value during the during the year ended December 31, 2014:
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans

$5,728

 

$—

 

$—

 

$5,728

Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession
348

 

 

 
348

Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

$6,076

 

$—

 

$—

 

$6,076


The allowance for loan losses on the collateral dependent impaired loans amounted to $1.3 million at December 31, 2014.


-117-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following tables summarizes such assets, which were written down to fair value during the during the year ended December 31, 2013:
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans

$11,177

 

$—

 

$—

 

$11,177

Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession
435

 

 

 
435

Total assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

$11,612

 

$—

 

$—

 

$11,612


The allowance for loan losses on the collateral dependent impaired loans amounted to $453 thousand at December 31, 2013.

The following tables present additional qualitative information about assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for which the Corporation has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
Range of Inputs Utilized (Weighted Average)
December 31, 2014
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans

$5,728

 
Appraisals of collateral
 
Discount for costs to sell
0% - 10% (2%)
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal adjustments (1)
0% - 40% (3%)
Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession
348

 
Appraisals of collateral
 
Discount for costs to sell
6% - 10% (8%)
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal adjustments (1)
5% - 23% (14%)


(Dollars in thousands)
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input
Range of Inputs Utilized (Weighted Average)
December 31, 2013
 
 
Collateral dependent impaired loans

$11,177

 
Appraisals of collateral
 
Discount for costs to sell
1% - 45% (11%)
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal adjustments (1)
0% - 50% (2%)
Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession
435

 
Appraisals of collateral
 
Discount for costs to sell
2% - 10% (9%)
 
 
 
 
 
Appraisal adjustments (1)
0% - 22% (13%)
(1)
Management may adjust appraisal values to reflect market value declines or other discounts resulting from its knowledge of the property.

Valuation of Other Financial Instruments
The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis are discussed above. The methodologies for other financial instruments are discussed below.

Loans
Fair values are estimated for categories of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type and are then further segmented into fixed-rate and adjustable-rate interest terms to determine their fair value. The fair value of fixed-rate commercial and consumer loans is calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity of the loan using interest rates offered at the measurement date that reflect the credit and interest rate risk inherent in the loan. The estimate of maturity is based on the Corporation’s historical repayment experience. For residential mortgages, fair value is estimated by using market prices for sales of similar loans on the secondary market. The fair


-118-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

value of floating rate commercial and consumer loans approximates carrying value. Fair value for impaired loans is estimated using a discounted cash flow method based upon the loan’s contractual effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or if the loan is collateral dependent, at the fair value of the collateral. Loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Time Deposits
The discounted values of cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities were used to estimate the fair value of time deposits. Time deposits are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances
Rates currently available to the Corporation for advances with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing advances. FHLB advances are categorized as Level 2.

Junior Subordinated Debentures
The fair value of the junior subordinated debentures is estimated using rates currently available to the Corporation for debentures with similar terms and maturities. Junior subordinated debentures are categorized as Level 2.

The following tables present the carrying amount, estimated fair value and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Corporation’s financial instruments . The tables exclude financial instruments for which the carrying value approximates fair value. Financial assets for which the fair value approximates carrying value include cash and cash equivalents, FHLBB stock, accrued interest receivable and bank-owned life insurance. Financial liabilities for which the fair value approximates carrying value include non-maturity deposits and accrued interest payable.
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying Amount
 
Total
 Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity

$25,222

 

$26,008

 

$—

 

$26,008

 

$—

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
2,831,253

 
2,866,907

 

 

 
2,866,907

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits

$874,102

 

$872,570

 

$—

 

$872,570

 

$—

FHLBB advances
406,297

 
418,005

 

 
418,005

 

Junior subordinated debentures
22,681

 
17,201

 

 
17,201

 




-119-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying Amount
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities held to maturity

$29,905

 

$29,865

 

$—

 

$29,865

 

$—

Loans, net of allowance for loan losses
2,434,998

 
2,479,527

 

 

 
2,479,527

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits

$790,762

 

$797,748

 

$—

 

$797,748

 

$—

FHLBB advances
288,082

 
308,317

 

 
308,317

 

Junior subordinated debentures
22,681

 
16,282

 

 
16,282

 


(15) Employee Benefits
Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The Corporation maintains a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan for the benefit of certain eligible employees who were hired prior to October 1, 2007. The Corporation also has non-qualified retirement plans to provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain employees, as defined in the plans.

The defined benefit pension plan is funded on a current basis, in compliance with the requirements of ERISA.

The non-qualified retirement plans provide for the designation of assets in rabbi trusts.  Securities available for sale and other short-term investments designated for this purpose, with the carrying value of $10.4 million and $7.5 million are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Pension benefit costs and benefit obligations incorporate various actuarial and other assumptions, including discount rates, mortality, assumed rates of return on plan assets and compensation increases. Washington Trust evaluates these assumptions annually.  The discount rate is used to calculate the present value of the expected future cash flows for benefit obligations under our pension plans.

As a result of the annual measurement of defined benefit pension liabilities at December 31, 2014, the projected benefit obligations increased by $14.0 million. Approximately $9.2 million of the increase was due to a decline in the discount rate in 2014, while approximately $3.8 million was the result of the adoption of new mortality assumptions reflecting increased life expectancies, that were recently issued by the Society of Actuaries. The impact of the increase in projected benefit obligations was included in actuarial loss and recognized in other comprehensive income.

In September 2013, the Corporation amended its defined benefit pension plans primarily to freeze benefit accruals after a 10-year transition period ending in December 2023. As a result, the plans were remeasured in September 2013 and a curtailment was recognized, which reduced the projected benefit obligations by $4.4 million at that time. The impact of this was recognized in other comprehensive income.



-120-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the plans’ projected benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and (unfunded) funded status:
(Dollars in thousands)
Qualified
Pension Plan
 
Non-Qualified
Retirement Plans
At December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Change in Benefit Obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Benefit obligation at beginning of period

$61,162

 

$70,615

 

$10,784

 

$12,569

Service cost
2,152

 
2,720

 
46

 
181

Interest cost
2,891

 
2,883

 
478

 
462

Actuarial loss (gain)
11,081

 
(8,809
)
 
2,546

 
(1,332
)
Benefits paid
(3,981
)
 
(2,004
)
 
(757
)
 
(736
)
Administrative expenses
(156
)
 
(182
)
 

 

Curtailments

 
(4,061
)
 

 
(360
)
Benefit obligation at end of period
73,149

 
61,162

 
13,097

 
10,784

Change in Plan Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period
62,060

 
51,078

 

 

Actual return on plan assets
3,690

 
8,168

 

 

Employer contributions
6,000

 
5,000

 
757

 
736

Benefits paid
(3,981
)
 
(2,004
)
 
(757
)
 
(736
)
Administrative expenses
(156
)
 
(182
)
 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of period
67,613

 
62,060

 

 

(Unfunded) funded status at end of period

($5,536
)
 

$898

 

($13,097
)
 

($10,784
)

The unfunded status of the qualified pension plan has been recognized in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2014, while the funded status was recognized in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013. The unfunded status of the non-qualified retirement plans has been recognized in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013.

The following table presents components of accumulated other comprehensive income related to the qualified pension plan and non-qualified retirement plans, on a pre-tax basis:
(Dollars in thousands)
Qualified
Pension Plan
 
Non-Qualified
Retirement Plans
 
 
At December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net actuarial loss

$15,504

 

$4,510

 

$4,548

 

$2,071

Prior service credit
(107
)
 
(130
)
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Total pre-tax amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income

$15,397

 

$4,380

 

$4,545

 

$2,068


The accumulated benefit obligation for the qualified pension plan was $64.0 million and $53.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The accumulated benefit obligation for the non-qualified retirement plans amounted to $12.1 million and $10.4 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.



-121-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents components of net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income, on a pre-tax basis:
(Dollars in thousands)
Qualified
Pension Plan
 
Non-Qualified
Retirement Plans
Years ended December 31,
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost

$2,152

 

$2,720

 

$2,574

 

$46

 

$181

 

$150

Interest cost
2,891

 
2,883

 
2,823

 
478

 
462

 
503

Expected return on plan assets
(4,063
)
 
(3,725
)
 
(2,985
)
 

 

 

Amortization of prior service (credit) cost
(23
)
 
(30
)
 
(33
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
461

 
1,321

 
982

 
70

 
175

 
119

Curtailments

 
(61
)
 

 

 
(1
)
 

Net periodic benefit cost
1,418

 
3,108

 
3,361

 
593

 
816

 
771

Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (on a pre-tax basis):
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net loss (gain)
10,993

 
(14,572
)
 
7,216

 
2,476

 
(1,506
)
 
1,195

Prior service cost (credit)
23

 
30

 
33

 
1

 
1

 
1

Curtailments

 
(4,000
)
 

 

 
(359
)
 

Recognized in other comprehensive income
11,016

 
(18,542
)
 
7,249

 
2,477

 
(1,864
)
 
1,196

Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income

$12,434

 

($15,434
)
 

$10,610

 

$3,070

 

($1,048
)
 

$1,967


The estimated prior service (credit) cost and net loss for the qualified pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during the year 2015 are ($23) thousand and $1.2 million, respectively.  The estimated prior service credit and net loss for the non-qualified retirement plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit cost during the year 2015 are ($1) thousand and $244 thousand, respectively.

Assumptions
The following table presents the measurement date and weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
 
Qualified Pension Plan
 
Non-Qualified Retirement Plans
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Measurement date
Dec 31, 2014
 
Dec 31, 2013
 
Dec 31, 2014
 
Dec 31, 2013
Discount rate
4.125%
 
4.875%
 
3.900%
 
4.600%
Rate of compensation increase
3.750
 
3.750
 
3.750
 
3.750



-122-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the measurement date and weighted-average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
 
Qualified Pension Plan
 
Non-Qualified Retirement Plans
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
Measurement date
Dec 31, 2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
 
Dec 31, 2011
 
Dec 31, 2013
 
Dec 31, 2012
 
Dec 31, 2011
Discount rate
4.875%
 
4.125%
 
5.000%
 
4.600%
 
3.800%
 
4.625%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
7.250
 
7.250
 
7.750
 
 
 
Rate of compensation increase
3.750
 
3.750
 
3.750
 
3.750
 
3.750
 
3.750

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is based on what the Corporation believes is realistically achievable based on the types of assets held by the plan and the plan’s investment practices.  The assumption is updated annually, taking into account the asset allocation, historical asset return trends on the types of assets held and the current and expected economic conditions. Future decreases in the long-term rate of return assumption on plan assets would increase pension costs and, in general, may increase the requirement to make funding contributions to the plans.

The discount rate assumption for defined benefit pension plans is reset on the measurement date.  A discount rate was selected for each plan by matching expected future benefit payments stream to a yield curve based on a selection of high‑quality fixed-income debt securities. Future decreases in discount rates would increase the present value of pension obligations and increase our pension costs.

Plan Assets
The following tables present the fair values of the qualified pension plan’s assets:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Assets at
Fair Value
December 31, 2014
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$637

 

$—

 

$—

 

$637

Obligations of U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

 
4,197

 

 
4,197

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 
2,953

 

 
2,953

Corporate bonds

 
13,162

 

 
13,162

Common stocks
31,172

 

 

 
31,172

Mutual funds
15,492

 

 

 
15,492

Total plan assets

$47,301

 

$20,312

 

$—

 

$67,613



-123-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)


(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
Assets at
Fair Value
December 31, 2013
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$2,236

 

$—

 

$—

 

$2,236

Obligations of U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises

 
2,025

 

 
2,025

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

 
2,218

 

 
2,218

Corporate bonds

 
11,069

 

 
11,069

Common stocks
24,406

 

 

 
24,406

Mutual funds
20,106

 

 

 
20,106

Total plan assets

$46,748

 

$15,312

 

$—

 

$62,060


The qualified pension plan uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to the securities held in its investment portfolio.

When available, the qualified pension plan uses quoted market prices to determine the fair value of securities; such items are classified as Level 1.  This category includes cash equivalents, common stock and mutual funds which are exchange‑traded.

Level 2 securities in the qualified pension plan include debt securities with quoted prices, which are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments, whose values are determined using matrix pricing with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.  This category includes corporate bonds, municipal bonds, obligations of U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and mortgage backed securities issued by U.S. government agencies and U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.

In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities may be classified as Level 3.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the qualified pension plan did not have any securities in the Level 3 category.

The following table present the asset allocations of the qualified pension plan, by asset category:
December 31,
2014

 
2013

Asset Category:
 
 
 
Equity securities
61.6
%
 
63.8
%
Fixed securities
37.8

 
32.6

Cash and cash equivalents
0.6

 
3.6

Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

The assets of the qualified defined benefit pension plan trust (the “Pension Trust”) are managed to balance the needs of cash flow requirements and long-term rate of return.  Cash inflow is typically comprised of invested income from portfolio holdings and Bank contributions, while cash outflow is for the purpose of paying plan benefits and certain plan expenses.  As early as possible each year, the trustee is advised of the projected schedule of employer contributions and estimations of benefit payments.  As a general rule, the trustee shall invest the funds so as to produce sufficient income to cover benefit payments and maintain a funded status that exceeds the regulatory requirements for tax-qualified defined benefit plans.



-124-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The investment philosophy used for the Pension Trust emphasizes consistency of results over an extended market cycle, while reducing the impact of the volatility of the security markets upon investment results.  The assets of the Pension Trust should be protected by substantial diversification of investments, providing exposure to a wide range of quality investment opportunities in various asset classes, with a high degree of liquidity.

The investment objective with respect to the Pension Trust assets is to provide capital appreciation with a current income component.  At any time, the portfolio will typically be invested in the following ranges:  50% to 70% in equities; 30% to 50% in fixed income; and 0% to 10% in cash and cash equivalents.  The trustee investment manager will have authorization to invest within these ranges, making decisions based upon market conditions.

Fixed income bond investments should be limited to those in the top four categories used by the major credit rating agencies.  High yield bond funds may be used to provide exposure to this asset class as a diversification tool provided they do not exceed 10% of the portfolio.  In order to reduce the volatility of the annual rate of return of the bond portfolio, attention will be given to the maturity structure of the portfolio in the light of money market conditions and interest rate forecasts.  The assets of the Pension Trust will typically have a laddered maturity structure, avoiding large concentrations in any single year.  Common stock and equity holdings provide opportunities for dividend and capital appreciation returns.  Holdings will be appropriately diversified by maintaining broad exposure to large-, mid- and small-cap stocks as well as international equities.  Concentration in small-cap, mid-cap and international equities is limited to no more than 20%, 20% and 30% of the equity portfolio, respectively.  Investment selection and mix of equity holdings should be influenced by forecasts of economic activity, corporate profits and allocation among different segments of the economy while ensuring efficient diversification.  The fair value of equity securities of any one issuer will not be permitted to exceed 10% of the total fair value of equity holdings of the Pension Trust.  Investments in publicly traded real estate investment trust securities and low-risk derivatives securities such as callable securities, floating rate notes, mortgage backed securities and treasury inflation protected securities, are permitted.

Cash Flows
Contributions
The Internal Revenue Code permits flexibility in plan contributions so that normally a range of contributions is possible.  The Corporation’s current funding policy has been generally to contribute the minimum required contribution and additional amounts up to the maximum deductible contribution.  The Corporation expects to contribute $3.0 million to the qualified pension plan in 2015.  In addition, the Corporation expects to contribute $791 thousand in benefit payments to the non-qualified retirement plans in 2015.

Estimated Future Benefit Payments
The following table presents the benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, expected to be paid:
(Dollars in thousands)
Qualified
Pension Plan
 
Non-Qualified
Plans
2015

$4,355

 

$791

2016
3,611

 
792

2017
3,222

 
785

2018
3,146

 
779

2019
2,956

 
786

Years 2020 - 2023
21,798

 
3,990


401(k) Plan
The Corporation’s 401(k) Plan provides a specified match of employee contributions for substantially all employees.  In addition, substantially all employees hired after September 30, 2007, who are ineligible for participation in the qualified defined benefit pension plan, receive a non-elective employer contribution of 4%.  Total employer matching contributions under this plan amounted to $1.8 million, $1.6 million and $1.4 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.



-125-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

Other Incentive Plans
The Corporation maintains several non-qualified incentive compensation plans.  Substantially all employees participate in one of the incentive compensation plans.  Incentive plans provide for annual or more frequent payments based on individual, business line and/or corporate performance targets (measured in terms of the Corporation’s net income, earnings per share and return on equity).  Total incentive based compensation amounted to $13.8 million, $13.4 million and $13.5 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  In general, the terms of incentive plans are subject to annual renewal and may be terminated at any time by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Deferred Compensation Plan
The Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan provides supplemental retirement and tax benefits to directors and certain officers.  The plan is funded primarily through pre-tax contributions made by the participants.  The assets and liabilities of the Deferred Compensation Plan are recorded at fair value in the Corporation’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The participants in the plan bear the risk of market fluctuations of the underlying assets.  The accrued liability related to this plan amounted to $7.7 million and $7.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included in other liabilities on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The corresponding invested assets are reported in other assets.

(16) Share-Based Compensation Arrangements
Washington Trust’s share-based compensation plans are described below.

The 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (“2013 Plan”) was approved by shareholders on April 23, 2013. Under the 2013 Plan, the maximum number of shares of the Bancorp’s common stock to be issued is 1,748,250. The 2013 Plan permits the granting of stock options and other equity incentives to officers, employees, directors and other key persons.

The 2003 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2003 Plan”) was amended and restated and approved by shareholders in April 2009.  The 2003 Plan amendments included increasing the maximum number of shares of Bancorp’s common stock to be issued under the 2003 Plan from 600,000 shares to 1,200,000 shares and increasing the number of shares that can be issued in the form of awards other than share options or stock appreciation rights from 200,000 to 400,000.  The 2003 Plan permits the granting of stock options and other equity incentives to officers, employees, directors and other key persons.

The 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (the “1997 Plan”), was approved by shareholders in April 1997 and provided for the granting of stock options and other equity incentives to key employees, directors, advisors and consultants.  The 1997 Plan permitted share options and other equity incentives to be granted at any time until April 29, 2007.

The exercise price of each stock option may not be less than the fair market value of the Bancorp’s common stock on the date of grant, and options shall have a term of no more than ten years. Stock options are designated as either non-qualified or incentive stock options. In general, the stock option price is payable in cash, by the delivery of shares of common stock already owned by the grantee, or a combination thereof.  With respect only to non-qualified stock option grants issued under the 2013 Plan, the exercise may also be accomplished by withholding the exercise price from the number of shares that would otherwise be delivered upon a cash exercise of the option. The fair value of stock options on the date of grant is estimated using the Black-Scholes Option-Pricing Model.

Awards of nonvested share units, nonvested shares and nonvested performance shares are valued at the fair market value of the Bancorp’s common stock as of the award date.  Performance share awards are granted in order to provide certain officers of the Corporation the opportunity to earn shares of common stock the number of which is determined pursuant to, and subject to the attainment of, performance goals during a specified measurement period.  The number of shares earned will range from zero to 200% of the target number of shares dependent upon the Corporation’s core return on equity and core earnings per share growth ranking compared to an industry peer group.

Vesting of stock options and share awards may accelerate or may be subject to proportional vesting if there is a change in control, disability, retirement or death (as defined in the Plans).



-126-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements for stock options, nonvested share awards and nonvested performance shares:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Share-based compensation expense

$1,880

 

$1,876

 

$1,962

Related income tax benefit

$676

 

$673

 

$700


Compensation expense for stock options and nonvested shares is recognized over the service period based on the fair value at the date of grant.  Nonvested performance share compensation expense is based on the most recent performance assumption available and is adjusted as assumptions change.  If the goals are not met, no compensation cost will be recognized and any recognized compensation costs will be reversed.

Stock Options
Washington Trust uses historical data to estimate stock option exercise and employee departure behavior used in the option-pricing model. The expected term of options granted was derived from the output of the option valuation model and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding.  Expected volatility was based on historical volatility of Washington Trust shares.  The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the stock option was based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the date of grant.

The following presents the assumptions used in determining the grant date fair value of the stock option awards granted to certain key employees:
 
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Options granted
25,850
 
54,600
 
106,775
Cliff vesting period (years)
3

 
3

 
3 - 5

Expected term (years)
8

 
8

 
9

Expected dividend yield
3.83
%
 
3.77
%
 
3.45
%
Weighted average expected volatility
41.84
%
 
42.85
%
 
42.97
%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate
2.27
%
 
2.46
%
 
1.53
%
Weighted average grant-date fair value
$9.92
 
$10.35
 
$7.46



-127-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents a summary of the status of Washington Trust’s stock options outstanding as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014:
 
Number of Stock Options
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value (000’s)
Beginning of period
428,388

 

$24.50

 
 
 
 
Granted
25,850

 
32.74

 
 
 
 
Exercised
(89,511
)
 
24.66

 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired
(7,250
)
 
27.20

 
 
 
 
End of period
357,477

 

$24.99

 
5.80
 

$5,428

At end of period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Options exercisable
192,627

 

$22.60

 
3.70
 

$3,386

Options expected to vest in future periods
164,850

 

$27.79

 
8.25
 

$2,042


The total intrinsic value is the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of an option on the exercise date.

The following table presents additional information concerning options outstanding and options exercisable at December 31, 2014:
 
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
Exercise Price Ranges
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted Average
Remaining Life (Years)
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
$16.39 to $19.66
56,032

 
4.97
 

$17.61

 
56,032

 

$17.61

$19.67 to $22.94
40,778

 
6.28
 
21.71

 
40,778

 
21.71

$22.95 to $26.22
133,478

 
5.95
 
23.62

 
46,078

 
24.06

$26.23 to $29.49
49,739

 
0.75
 
27.61

 
49,739

 
27.61

$29.50 to $32.77
77,450

 
9.12
 
32.76

 

 

 
357,477

 
5.80
 

$24.99

 
192,627

 

$22.60


The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.0 million, $1.7 million and $812 thousand, respectively.

Nonvested Shares
During 2014, the Corporation granted to directors and certain key employees 11,630 nonvested share units, with three-year cliff vesting. During 2013, the Corporation granted to directors and certain key employees 24,400 nonvested share units, with three- to five-years cliff vesting. During 2012, the Corporation granted to certain key employees 29,725 nonvested share units with three-year cliff vesting.



-128-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

The following table presents a summary of the status of Washington Trust’s nonvested shares as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014:
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning of period
90,525

 

$24.34

Granted
11,630

 
34.45

Vested
(31,350
)
 
21.37

Forfeited
(375
)
 
23.27

End of period
70,430

 

$27.34


Nonvested Performance Shares
During 2014, performance share awards were granted to certain executive officers providing the opportunity to earn shares of common stock of the Corporation.  The performance shares awarded were valued at $34.66 and will be earned over a three-year performance period. The current assumption based on the most recent peer group information results in the shares earned at 140% of the target, or 21,140 shares.

During 2013, performance share awards were granted to certain executive officers providing the opportunity to earn shares of common stock of the Corporation.  The performance shares awarded were valued at $26.05 and will be earned over a three-year performance period. The current assumption based on the most recent peer group information results in the shares earned at 144% of the target, or 43,416 shares.

During 2012, a performance share award was granted to an executive officer providing the opportunity to earn shares of common stock of the Corporation.  The performance shares awarded were valued at $23.65 and will be earned over a three-year performance period. The current assumption based on the most recent peer group information results in the shares earned at 140% of the target, or 35,140 shares.

The following table presents a summary of the status of Washington Trust’s performance share awards as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014:
 
Number of Shares
 
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Beginning of period
124,117

 

$23.87

Granted
21,140

 
34.66

Vested
(39,218
)
 
21.62

Forfeited
(6,343
)
 
24.01

End of period
99,696

 

$27.12


As of December 31, 2014, there was $2.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share‑based compensation arrangements (including share options, nonvested share awards and performance share awards) granted under the Plans.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.87 years.

(17) Business Segments
Washington Trust segregates financial information in assessing its results among its Commercial Banking and Wealth Management Services operating segments.  The amounts in the Corporate unit include activity not related to the segments. The methodologies and organizational hierarchies that define the business segments are periodically reviewed and revised.  Results may be restated, when necessary, to reflect changes in organizational structure or allocation methodology. Any changes in estimates and allocations that may affect the reported results of any business segment will not affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of Washington Trust as a whole.


-129-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)


Management uses certain methodologies to allocate income and expenses to the business lines.  A funds transfer pricing methodology is used to assign interest income and interest expense to each interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability on a matched maturity funding basis.  Certain indirect expenses are allocated to segments.  These include support unit expenses such as technology and processing operations and other support functions.

Commercial Banking
The Commercial Banking segment includes commercial, residential and consumer lending activities; equity in losses of unconsolidated investments in real estate limited partnerships, mortgage banking, secondary market and loan servicing activities; deposit generation; merchant credit card services; cash management activities; and direct banking activities, which include the operation of ATMs, telephone and Internet banking services and customer support and sales.

Wealth Management Services
Wealth Management Services includes investment management; financial planning; personal trust services, including services as trustee, administrator, custodian and guardian; and estate settlement. Institutional trust services are also provided, including fiduciary services.

Corporate
Corporate includes the Treasury Unit, which is responsible for managing the wholesale investment portfolio and wholesale funding needs.  It also includes income from bank-owned life insurance, net gain on sale of business line as well as administrative and executive expenses not allocated to the operating segments and the residual impact of methodology allocations such as funds transfer pricing offsets.

The following tables present the statement of operations and total assets for Washington Trust’s reportable segments:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2014
Commercial
Banking
 
Wealth
Management
Services
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total
Net interest income (expense)

$80,500

 

($24
)
 

$19,029

 

$99,505

Provision for loan losses
1,850

 

 

 
1,850

Net interest income (expense) after provision for loan losses
78,650

 
(24
)
 
19,029

 
97,655

Noninterest income
17,575

 
33,378

 
8,062

 
59,015

Noninterest expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
2,447

 
1,127

 
203

 
3,777

Other noninterest expenses
52,639

 
22,386

 
18,045

 
93,070

Total noninterest expenses
55,086

 
23,513

 
18,248

 
96,847

Income before income taxes
41,139

 
9,841

 
8,843

 
59,823

Income tax expense
13,497

 
3,724

 
1,778

 
18,999

Net income

$27,642

 

$6,117

 

$7,065

 

$40,824

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets at period end

$2,986,453

 

$52,720

 

$547,701

 

$3,586,874

Expenditures for long-lived assets
3,474

 
1,578

 
174

 
5,226




-130-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2013
Commercial
Banking
 
Wealth
Management
Services
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total
Net interest income

$79,633

 

$7

 

$12,145

 

$91,785

Provision for loan losses
2,400

 

 

 
2,400

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
77,233

 
7

 
12,145

 
89,385

Noninterest income (expense)
30,769

 
31,825

 
(514
)
 
62,080

Noninterest expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
2,473

 
1,277

 
213

 
3,963

Other noninterest expenses
61,976

 
20,494

 
12,352

 
94,822

Total noninterest expenses
64,449

 
21,771

 
12,565

 
98,785

Income (loss) before income taxes
43,553

 
10,061

 
(934
)
 
52,680

Income tax expense (benefit)
14,598

 
3,724

 
(1,795
)
 
16,527

Net income

$28,955

 

$6,337

 

$861

 

$36,153

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets at period end

$2,517,059

 

$50,297

 

$621,511

 

$3,188,867

Expenditures for long-lived assets
1,286

 
112

 
93

 
1,491



(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2012
Commercial
Banking
 
Wealth
Management
Services
 
Corporate
 
Consolidated
Total
Net interest income

$79,505

 

$17

 

$11,174

 

$90,696

Provision for loan losses
2,700

 

 

 
2,700

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
76,805

 
17

 
11,174

 
87,996

Noninterest income
31,727

 
29,640

 
3,847

 
65,214

Noninterest expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
2,384

 
1,272

 
285

 
3,941

Other noninterest expenses
62,963

 
19,584

 
15,850

 
98,397

Total noninterest expenses
65,347

 
20,856

 
16,135

 
102,338

Income (loss) before income taxes
43,185

 
8,801

 
(1,114
)
 
50,872

Income tax expense (benefit)
14,670

 
3,296

 
(2,168
)
 
15,798

Net income

$28,515

 

$5,505

 

$1,054

 

$35,074

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets at period end

$2,436,280

 

$51,730

 

$583,874

 

$3,071,884

Expenditures for long-lived assets
4,082

 
877

 
151

 
5,110




-131-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(18) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following tables present the activity in other comprehensive income (loss):
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2014
Pre-tax Amounts
 
Income Taxes
 
Net of Tax
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value of securities available for sale

$1,601

 

$580

 

$1,021

Net (gains) losses on securities classified into earnings (1)

 

 

Net change in fair value of securities available for sale
1,601

 
580

 
1,021

Reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment losses transferred into earnings (2)

 

 

Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
(56
)
 
(18
)
 
(38
)
Net cash flow hedge losses reclassified into earnings (3)
577

 
208

 
369

Net change in the fair value of cash flow hedges
521

 
190

 
331

Defined benefit plan obligation adjustment (4)
(13,493
)
 
(4,885
)
 
(8,608
)
Total other comprehensive loss

($11,371
)
 

($4,115
)
 

($7,256
)
(1) Reported as net realized gains on securities and total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) Reported as the portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3) Included in interest expense on junior subordinated debentures in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(4) Included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2013
Pre-tax Amounts
 
Income Taxes
 
Net of Tax
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value of securities available for sale

($10,586
)
 

($3,778
)
 

($6,808
)
Net losses on securities classified into earnings (1)
294

 
106

 
188

Net change in fair value of securities available for sale
(10,292
)
 
(3,672
)
 
(6,620
)
Reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment losses transferred into earnings (2)
3,195

 
1,146

 
2,049

Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
(58
)
 
(23
)
 
(35
)
Net cash flow hedge losses reclassified into earnings (3)
657

 
234

 
423

Net change in the fair value of cash flow hedges
599

 
211

 
388

Defined benefit plan obligation adjustment (4)
20,406

 
7,277

 
13,129

Total other comprehensive income

$13,908

 

$4,962

 

$8,946

(1) Reported as net realized gains on securities and total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) Reported as the portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3) Included in interest expense on junior subordinated debentures in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(4) Included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.



-132-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2012
Pre-tax Amounts
 
Income Taxes
 
Net of Tax
Securities available for sale:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value of securities available for sale

($4,125
)
 

($1,459
)
 

($2,666
)
Net gains on securities classified into earnings (1)
(1,195
)
 
(427
)
 
(768
)
Net change in fair value of securities available for sale
(5,320
)
 
(1,886
)
 
(3,434
)
Reclassification adjustment for other-than-temporary impairment losses transferred into earnings (2)
193

 
68

 
125

Cash flow hedges:
 
 
 
 
 
Changes in fair value of cash flow hedges
(521
)
 
(188
)
 
(333
)
Net cash flow hedge losses reclassified into earnings (3)
706

 
252

 
454

Net change in the fair value of cash flow hedges
185

 
64

 
121

Defined benefit plan obligation adjustment (4)
(8,445
)
 
(3,029
)
 
(5,416
)
Total other comprehensive loss

($13,387
)
 

($4,783
)
 

($8,604
)
(1) Reported as net realized gains on securities and total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) Reported as the portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3) Included in interest expense on junior subordinated debentures in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
(4) Included in salaries and employee benefits expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax:

(Dollars in thousands)
Net Unrealized Gains on Available For Sale Securities
 
Noncredit -related Impairment
 
Net Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Pension Benefit Adjustment
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013

$3,089

 

$112

 

($618
)
 

($4,136
)
 

($1,553
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
1,021

 

 
(38
)
 

 
983

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 
369

 
(8,608
)
 
(8,239
)
Net other comprehensive income (loss)
1,021

 

 
331

 
(8,608
)
 
(7,256
)
Balance at December 31, 2014

$4,110

 

$112

 

($287
)
 

($12,744
)
 

($8,809
)


(Dollars in thousands)
Net Unrealized Gains on Available For Sale Securities
 
Noncredit -related Impairment
 
Net Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Pension Benefit Adjustment
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012

$9,709

 

($1,937
)
 

($1,006
)
 

($17,265
)
 

($10,499
)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(6,808
)
 

 
(35
)
 

 
(6,843
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
188

 
2,049

 
423

 
13,129

 
15,789

Net other comprehensive income (loss)
(6,620
)
 
2,049

 
388

 
13,129

 
8,946

Balance at December 31, 2013

$3,089

 

$112

 

($618
)
 

($4,136
)
 

($1,553
)



-133-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)


(Dollars in thousands)
Net Unrealized Gains on Available For Sale Securities
 
Noncredit -related Impairment
 
Net Unrealized Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Pension Benefit Adjustment
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2011

$13,143

 

($2,062
)
 

($1,127
)
 

($11,849
)
 

($1,895
)
Period change, net of tax
(3,434
)
 
125

 
121

 
(5,416
)
 
(8,604
)
Balance at December 31, 2012

$9,709

 

($1,937
)
 

($1,006
)
 

($17,265
)
 

($10,499
)

(19) Earnings per Common Share
Washington Trust utilizes the two-class method earnings allocation formula to determine earnings per share of each class of stock according to dividends and participation rights in undistributed earnings.  Share based payments that entitle holders to receive non-forfeitable dividends before vesting are considered participating securities and included in earnings allocation for computing basic earnings per share under this method.  Undistributed income is allocated to common shareholders and participating securities under the two-class method based upon the proportion of each to the total weighted average shares available.

The following table presents the calculation of earnings per common share:
(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
 
 
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Earnings per common share - basic:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income

$40,824

 

$36,153

 

$35,074

Less dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities
(152
)
 
(156
)
 
(161
)
Net income applicable to common shareholders
40,672

 
35,997

 
34,913

Weighted average common shares
16,689

 
16,506

 
16,358

Earnings per common share - basic

$2.44

 

$2.18

 

$2.13

Earnings per common share - diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income

$40,824

 

$36,153

 

$35,074

Less dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities
(151
)
 
(155
)
 
(160
)
Net income applicable to common shareholders
40,673

 
35,998

 
34,914

Weighted average common shares
16,689

 
16,506

 
16,358

Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
183

 
158

 
43

Weighted average diluted common shares
16,872

 
16,664

 
16,401

Earnings per common share - diluted

$2.41

 

$2.16

 

$2.13


Weighted average common stock equivalents, not included in common stock equivalents above because they were anti‑dilutive, totaled 59,234, 23,286 and 357,179 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

(20) Commitments and Contingencies
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Risk
The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to manage the Corporation’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit, interest rate swap agreements and interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell residential real estate mortgage loans.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Corporation’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Corporation has in particular classes of financial instruments.  The Corporation’s credit policies with respect to interest rate swap agreements


-134-




Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

with commercial borrowers, commitments to extend credit, and financial guarantees are similar to those used for loans.  The interest rate swaps with other counterparties are generally subject to bilateral collateralization terms.

The following table presents the contractual and notional amounts of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk:
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
 
December 31,
2014

 
2013

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:
 
 
 
Commitments to extend credit:
 
 
 
Commercial loans

$325,402

 

$259,061

Home equity lines
200,932

 
198,432

Other loans
48,551

 
35,175

Standby letters of credit
5,102

 
1,363

Financial instruments whose notional amounts exceed the amount of credit risk:
 
 
 
Forward loan commitments:
 
 
 
Interest rate lock commitments
40,015

 
17,910

Commitments to sell mortgage loans
84,808

 
29,364

Customer related derivative contracts:
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps with customers
165,795

 
105,582

Mirror swaps with counterparties
165,795

 
105,582

Interest rate risk management contract:
 
 
 
Interest rate swap
22,681

 
22,681


Commitments to Extend Credit
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there are no violations of any condition established in the contract.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  Each borrower’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower.

Standby Letters of Credit
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support the financing needs of the Bank’s commercial customers. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The collateral supporting those commitments is essentially the same as for other commitments. Most standby letters of credit extend for one year. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the maximum potential amount of undiscounted future payments, not reduced by amounts that may be recovered, totaled $5.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, there were no liabilities to beneficiaries resulting from standby letters of credit.  Fee income on standby letters of credit were insignificant for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

At December 31, 2014 and 2013, a substantial portion of the standby letters of credit were supported by pledged collateral.  The collateral obtained is determined based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.  Should the Corporation be required to make payments to the beneficiary, repayment from the customer to the Corporation is required.

Forward Loan Commitments
Interest rate lock commitments are extended to borrowers and relate to the origination of residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale. To mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in these rate locks, as well as closed residential real estate mortgage loans held for sale, forward commitments are established to sell individual residential real estate mortgage


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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

loans. Both interest rate lock commitments and commitments to sell residential real estate mortgage loans are derivative financial instruments.

Leases
At December 31, 2014, the Corporation was committed to rent premises used in banking operations under non-cancelable operating leases.  Rental expense under the operating leases amounted to $3.1 million, $2.8 million and $2.8 million for December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The following table presents the minimum annual lease payments under the terms of these leases, exclusive of renewal provisions:

(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
Years ending December 31:
2015

$2,666

 
2016
2,521

 
2017
2,384

 
2018
2,118

 
2019
1,854

 
2020 and thereafter
25,288

Total minimum lease payments
 

$36,831


Lease expiration dates range from two month to 26 years, with renewal options on certain leases of three months to 25 years.

Other Contingencies
Litigation
The Corporation is involved in various claims and legal proceedings arising out of the ordinary course of business.  Management is of the opinion, based on its review with counsel of the development of such matters to date, that the ultimate disposition of such matters will not materially affect the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Corporation.

Other
When selling a residential real estate mortgage loan or acting as originating agent on behalf of a third party, Washington Trust generally makes various representations and warranties. The specific representations and warranties depend on the nature of the transaction and the requirements of the buyer.  Contractual liability may arise when the representations and warranties are breached.  In the event of a breach of these representations and warranties, Washington Trust may be required to either repurchase the residential real estate mortgage loan (generally at unpaid principal balance plus accrued interest) with the identified defects or indemnify (“make-whole”) the investor for its losses.

In the case of a repurchase, the Corporation will bear any subsequent credit loss on the residential real estate mortgage loan. Washington Trust has experienced an insignificant number of repurchase demands over a period of many years.  As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the carrying value of loans repurchased due to representation and warranty claims was $342 thousand and $682 thousand, respectively. In 2014 and 2013, rebates for loans sold that were paid off within a contractually agreed upon of period of time were insignificant. Washington Trust has recorded a reserve for its exposure to losses for premium recapture and the obligation to repurchase previously sold residential real estate mortgage loans.  The reserve balance amounted to $280 thousand and $275 thousand at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 and is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Any change in the estimate is recorded in net gains on loan sales and commissions on loans originated for others in the Consolidated Statements of Income.



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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

(21) Parent Company Financial Statements
The following tables present parent company only financial statements of the Bancorp, reflecting the investment in the Bank on the equity basis of accounting.  The Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the parent company only are identical to the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity and are therefore not presented.
Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except par value)
 
December 31,
 
2014

 
2013

Assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash on deposit with bank subsidiary
 

$2,998

 

$2,126

Interest-bearing balances due from banks
 
939

 
1,569

Investment in subsidiaries at equity value
 
365,766

 
349,342

Dividends receivable from subsidiaries
 
5,101

 
4,606

Other assets
 
311

 
494

Total assets
 

$375,115

 

$358,137

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Junior subordinated debentures
 

$22,681

 

$22,681

Dividends payable
 
5,617

 
4,756

Other liabilities
 
538

 
1,054

Total liabilities
 
28,836

 
28,491

Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
Common stock of $.0625 par value; authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 16,746,363 shares in 2014 and 16,613,561 shares in 2013
 
1,047

 
1,038

Paid-in capital
 
101,204

 
97,566

Retained earnings
 
252,837

 
232,595

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(8,809
)
 
(1,553
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
346,279

 
329,646

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 

$375,115

 

$358,137


Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Income:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends from subsidiaries

$20,116

 

$24,481

 

$16,188

Other income
13

 
20

 
3

Total income
20,129

 
24,501

 
16,191

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest on junior subordinated debentures
964

 
1,484

 
1,570

Legal and professional fees
96

 
145

 
127

Other
253

 
279

 
279

Total expenses
1,313

 
1,908

 
1,976

Income before income taxes
18,816

 
22,593

 
14,215

Income tax benefit
454

 
661

 
682

Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
19,270

 
23,254

 
14,897

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
21,554

 
12,899

 
20,177

Net income

$40,824

 

$36,153

 

$35,074




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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – (continued)

Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Years ended December 31,
2014

 
2013

 
2012

Cash flow from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income

$40,824

 

$36,153

 

$35,074

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiary
(21,554
)
 
(12,899
)
 
(20,177
)
Increase in dividend receivable
(495
)
 
(408
)
 
(298
)
Decrease in other assets
183

 
397

 
77

Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities
(516
)
 
(621
)
 
(215
)
Other, net
(245
)
 
(214
)
 
(237
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
18,197

 
22,408

 
14,224

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Repayment of equity investment in capital trust

 
310

 

Net cash provided by investing activities

 
310

 

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of treasury stock, including net deferred compensation plan activity

 
30

 

Proceeds from stock option exercises and issuance of other equity instruments
1,189

 
3,651

 
1,257

Tax benefit from stock option exercises and other equity instrument issuances
578

 
570

 
210

Redemption of junior subordinated debentures

 
(10,310
)
 

Cash dividends paid
(19,722
)
 
(16,628
)
 
(15,133
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(17,955
)
 
(22,687
)
 
(13,666
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash
242

 
31

 
558

Cash at beginning of year
3,695

 
3,664

 
3,106

Cash at end of year

$3,937

 

$3,695

 

$3,664


(22) Sale of Business Line
On March 1, 2014, the Corporation sold its merchant processing service business line to a third party. The sale resulted in a net gain of $6.3 million; after-tax $4.0 million, or 24 cents per diluted share.  In connection with the sale, Washington Trust incurred divestiture related costs of $355 thousand; after-tax $227 thousand, or 1 cent per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2014. The net proceeds received from the sale totaled $7.2 million, including $900 thousand of deferred revenue that can be earned over a 5-year period by providing business referrals to the buyer. During 2014, $180 thousand was earned and recognized as noninterest income as a result of this activity.


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ITEM 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

ITEM 9A.  Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), the Corporation carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period ended December 31, 2014.  Based upon that evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Corporation's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  The Corporation will continue to review and document its disclosure controls and procedures and consider such changes in future evaluations of the effectiveness of such controls and procedures, as it deems appropriate.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Corporation's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). The Corporation's internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to its management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. The Corporation's management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report using the criteria described in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In addition, the effectiveness of the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the period covered by this report has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2014 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

In May 2013, COSO issued its Internal Control - Integrated Framework (the “2013 Framework”). While the 2013 Framework’s internal control components (i.e., control environment, risk assessment, control activities, information and communication, and monitoring activities) are the same as those in the 1992 Framework, the new framework requires companies to assess whether 17 principles are present and functioning in determining whether their system of internal control is effective. The Corporation expects to adopt the 2013 Framework during 2015.

ITEM 9B.  Other Information.
None.
PART III

ITEM 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this Item appears under the captions “Election of Directors (Proposal 1),” “Board of Directors and Committees – Board Committees – Audit Committee,” “Executive Officers,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement dated March 16, 2015 prepared for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 28, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The Corporation maintains a code of ethics that applies to all of the Corporation’s directors, officers and employees, including the Corporation’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer.  This code of ethics is available on the Corporation’s website at www.washtrust.com, under the heading Investor Relations.



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ITEM 11.  Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item appears under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Director Compensation Table,” “Executive Compensation,” “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation Committee Report” in the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which are incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Required information regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management appears under the caption “Election of Directors (Proposal 1)” in the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2014 regarding shares of common stock of the Bancorp that may be issued under our existing equity compensation plans, including the 1997 Plan, the 2003 Plan and the 2013 Plan.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Plan category
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (1)
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plan (excluding securities referenced in column (a))
 
(a)
(b)
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (2)
604,477

(3)

$24.99

(4)
1,791,025

(5)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
Total
604,477

 

$24.99

 
1,791,025

 
(1)
Does not include any shares already reflected in the Bancorp’s outstanding shares.
(2)
Consists of the 1997 Plan, the 2003 Plan and the 2013 Plan. Under the 2013 Plan, the grant of any full value award (an award other than an option or a stock appreciation award) shall be deemed, for the purposes determining the number of shares of stock available for issuance, as an award of 1.85 shares of stock for each such share subject to the award.
(3)
For performance share awards, amounts included represent the maximum amount of performance shares that could be issued under existing awards.  The actual shares issued may differ based on the attainment of performance goals.
(4)
Does not include the effect of the nonvested share units awarded under the 1997 Plan, the 2003 Plan and the 2013 Plan because these units do not have an exercise price.
(5)
Includes up to 33,877 securities that may be issued in the form of nonvested shares under the 2003 Plan.

ITEM 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the captions “Indebtedness and Other Transactions,” “Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance – Director Independence” in the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

ITEM 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Bancorp’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.



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PART IV

ITEM 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)
1.
Financial Statements.  The financial statements of the Corporation required in response to this Item are listed in response to Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedules.  All schedules normally required by Article 9 of Regulation S-X and all other schedules to the consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been omitted because the required information is either not required, not applicable, or is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
 
3.
Exhibits.  The following exhibits are included as part of this Form 10-K.
Exhibit Number
 
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant – Filed as Exhibit 3.a to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000. (1)
3.2
Amendment to Restated Articles of Incorporation – Filed as Exhibit 3.b to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. (1)
3.3
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant – Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 20, 2007. (1)
4.1
Transfer Agency and Registrar Services Agreement, between Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, dated February 15, 2006 – Filed as Exhibit 4.1 on the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006. (1)
4.2
Agreement of Substitution and Amendment of Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, between Registrant and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, dated February 15, 2006 – Filed as Exhibit 4.2 on the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006. (1)
4.3
Shareholder Rights Agreement, dated as of August 17, 2006, between Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent – Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 17, 2006. (1)
10.1
The Registrant’s 1997 Equity Incentive Plan – Filed as Exhibit 10.f to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002. (1) (2)
10.2
Amendment to the Registrant’s 1997 Equity Incentive Plan – Filed as Exhibit 10.b to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2000. (1) (2)
10.3
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Certificate under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (employees) - Filed as Exhibit No. 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2005. (1) (2)
10.4
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Certificate under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (members of the Board of Directors) - Filed as Exhibit No. 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2005. (1) (2)
10.5
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Certificate under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended (employees) – Filed as Exhibit No. 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2005. (1) (2)
10.6
Form of Incentive Stock Option Certificate under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 1997 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended – Filed as Exhibit No. 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2005. (1) (2)
10.7
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Certificate under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (members of the Board of Directors) – Filed as Exhibit No. 10.8 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2005. (1) (2)


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10.8
Form of Incentive Stock Option Certificate under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended – Filed as Exhibit No. 10.9 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 17, 2005. (1) (2)
10.9
2003 Stock Incentive Plan as Amended and Restated - Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 29, 2009. (1) (2)
10.10
The Registrant’s 2013 Stock Incentive Plan – Filed as Exhibit No. 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2013. (1) (2)
10.11
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of WT Capital Trust I dated August 29, 2005, by and among Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware Trustee and Institutional Trustee, Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., as Sponsor, and the Administrators listed therein – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.12
Indenture dated as of August 29, 2005, between Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., as Issuer, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee – Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.13
Guaranty Agreement dated August 29, 2005, by and between Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company – Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.14
Certificate Evidencing Fixed/Floating Rate Capital Securities of WT Capital Trust I dated August 29, 2005 – Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.15
Fixed/Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debenture of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. dated August 29, 2005 – Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.16
Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of WT Capital Trust II dated August 29, 2005, by and among Wilmington Trust Company, as Delaware Trustee and Institutional Trustee, Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., as Sponsor, and the Administrators listed therein – Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.17
Indenture dated as of August 29, 2005, between Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., as Issuer, and Wilmington Trust Company, as Trustee – Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.18
Guaranty Agreement dated August 29, 2005, by and between Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. and Wilmington Trust Company – Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.19
Certificate Evidencing Capital Securities of WT Capital Trust II (Number of Capital Securities – 10,000) dated August 29, 2005 – Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.20
Certificate Evidencing Capital Securities of WT Capital Trust II (Number of Capital Securities – 4,000) dated August 29, 2005 – Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.21
Fixed/Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Debt Security due 2035 of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. dated August 29, 2005 – Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 1, 2005. (1)
10.22
Form of Restricted Stock Units Certificate under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (employees) – Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2006. (1) (2)
10.23
Form of Restricted Stock Units Certificate under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (members of the Board of Directors) – Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2006. (1) (2)


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10.24
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (employees) – Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2006. (1) (2)
10.25
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (members of the Board of Directors) – Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 19, 2006. (1) (2)
10.26
Amended and Restated Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 333-146388) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 28, 2007. (1) (2)
10.27
Amended and Restated Supplemental Pension Benefit Plan – Filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. (1) (2)
10.28
Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan – Filed as Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. (1) (2)
10.29
Form and terms of Executive Severance Agreement – Filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007. (1) (2)
10.30
Form and terms of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2003 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended (employees)  – Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2008. (1) (2)
10.31
First Amendment to The Washington Trust Company Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan As Amended and Restated– Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008. (1) (2)
10.32
Share Purchase Agreement, dated October 2, 2008, by and among Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. and the Purchasers – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 2, 2008. (1)
10.33
Form and terms of Change in Control Agreement – Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2009. (1) (2)
10.34
Compensatory agreement with an executive officer, dated July 16, 2009 – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 24, 2009. (1) (2)
10.35
Terms of Change in Control Agreement with an executive officer, dated September 21, 2009 – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009. (1) (2)
10.36
Terms of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement with an executive officer, dated January 20, 2010 – Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2010. (1) (2)
10.37
Terms of Change in Control Agreement with an executive officer, dated December 21, 2010 – Filed as Exhibit 10.49 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. (1) (2)
10.38
Terms of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement with certain executive officers, dated January 18, 2011 – Filed as Exhibit 10.50 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. (1) (2)
10.39
Terms of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement with certain executive officers, dated January 17, 2012 – Filed as Exhibit 10.51 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. (1) (2)
10.40
Compensatory agreement with an executive officer, dated June 20, 2012 – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 28, 2012. (1) (2)
10.41
Terms of Change in Control Agreement with an executive officer, dated January 10, 2013 – Filed as Exhibit 10.53 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. (1) (2)


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10.42
Terms of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement with certain executive officers, dated January 22, 2013 – Filed as Exhibit 10.54 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. (1) (2)
10.43
Compensatory agreement with an executive officer, dated September 19, 2013 – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 25, 2013. (1) (2)
10.44
Separation Agreement with an executive officer, dated June 12, 2013 – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 12, 2013. (1) (2)
10.45
Amendment to Supplemental Pension Benefit Plan – Filed as Exhibit 10.49 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. (1) (2)
10.46
Amended and Restated Annual Performance Plan, dated December 16, 2013 – Filed as Exhibit 10.50 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. (1) (2)
10.47
Amended and Restated Wealth Management Business Building Incentive Plan, dated March 3, 2014 – Filed as Exhibit 10.51 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. (1) (2)
10.48
Terms of Deferred Stock Unit Award Agreement with certain executive officers, dated March 3, 2014 – Filed as Exhibit 10.52 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. (1) (2)
10.49
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Certificate and Statement of Terms and Conditions under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for non-employee directors – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014. (1) (2)
10.50
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Certificate and Statement of Terms and Conditions under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for employees – Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014. (1) (2)
10.51
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for non-employee directors – Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014. (1) (2)
10.52
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for employees – Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014. (1) (2)
10.53
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Certificate and Statement of Terms and Conditions under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for non-employee directors – Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014. (1) (2)
10.54
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Certificate and Statement of Terms and Conditions under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for employees – Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014. (1) (2)
10.55
Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for employees – Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014. (1) (2)
10.56
Form of Incentive Stock Option Certificate and Statement of Terms and Conditions under the Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. 2013 Stock Option and Incentive Plan for employees – Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2014. (1) (2)
10.57
Form of First Amendment to Change in Control Agreement – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 5, 2014. (1) (2)
10.58
Fourth Amendment to The Washington Trust Company Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated – Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2014. (1) (2)
10.59
Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement – Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014. (1) (2)


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10.60
Terms of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement – Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014. (1) (2)
10.61
Fifth Amendment to The Washington Trust Company Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated – Filed herewith. (2)
14.1
Amended and Restated Code of Ethics and Standards of Personal Conduct, dated December 19, 2013 – Filed as Exhibit 14.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. (1)
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant – Filed as Exhibit 21.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. (1)
23.1
Consent of Independent Accountants – Filed herewith.
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Filed herewith.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Filed herewith.
32.1
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – Furnished herewith. (3)
101
The following materials from Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vi) related notes to these financial statements - Filed herewith.
(1)
Not filed herewith.  In accordance with Rule 12b-32 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange Act, reference is made to the documents previously filed with the SEC, which are incorporated by reference herein.
(2)
Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(3)
These certifications are not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

(b)    See (a)(3) above for all exhibits filed herewith and the Exhibit Index.
(c)    Financial Statement Schedules.  None.



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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
 
WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC.
 
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
By
/s/  Joseph J. MarcAurele
 
 
 
Joseph J. MarcAurele
 
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
By
/s/  David V. Devault
 
 
 
David V. Devault
 
 
 
Vice Chair, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial and principal accounting officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  John J. Bowen
 
 
 
John J. Bowen, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Steven J. Crandall
 
 
 
Steven J. Crandall, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Robert A. DiMuccio
 
 
 
Robert A. DiMuccio, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Barry G. Hittner
 
 
 
Barry G. Hittner, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Katherine W. Hoxsie
 
 
 
Katherine W. Hoxsie, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Joseph J. MarcAurele
 
 
 
Joseph J. MarcAurele, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Kathleen E. McKeough
 
 
 
Kathleen E. McKeough, Director
 
 
 
 



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Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Victor J. Orsinger II
 
 
 
Victor J. Orsinger II, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  H. Douglas Randall III
 
 
 
H. Douglas Randall, III, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Edwin J. Santos
 
 
 
Edwin J. Santos, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  Patrick J. Shanahan, Jr.
 
 
 
Patrick J. Shanahan, Jr., Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  John F. Treanor
 
 
 
John F. Treanor, Director
 
 
 
 
Date:
March 12, 2015
 
/s/  John C. Warren
 
 
 
John C. Warren, Director



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