Form 10-Q

0001193125-17-337370.txt : 20171108 0001193125-17-337370.hdr.sgml : 20171108 20171108164920 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-17-337370 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 80 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20170930 FILED AS OF DATE: 20171108 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20171108 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: LAKELAND BANCORP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000846901 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022] IRS NUMBER: 222953275 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NJ FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-17820 FILM NUMBER: 171187242 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 250 OAK RIDGE RD CITY: OAK RIDGE STATE: NJ ZIP: 07438 BUSINESS PHONE: 9736972000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 250 OAK RIDGE RD CITY: OAKRIDGE STATE: NJ ZIP: 07438 10-Q 1 d457917d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission file number 000-17820

LAKELAND BANCORP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New Jersey 22-2953275

(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

250 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, New Jersey 07438

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(973) 697-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed

since last report.)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [ X ] No [ ]

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.): Yes [ ] No [X]

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

As of October 27, 2017, there were 47,352,661 outstanding shares of Common Stock, no par value.

LAKELAND BANCORP, INC.

Form 10-Q Index


		PAGE
	Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.	Financial Statements:

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016		3
	Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)		4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)		5
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)		6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)		7
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		9

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		40

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		54

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		56

	Part II. Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		57

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		57

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		57

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		57

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		57

Item 5.	Other Information		57

Item 6.	Exhibits		57

Signatures			58

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.

Financial Statements

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


	September 30, 2017 (unaudited)		December 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Cash	$	178,905	$	169,149
Interest-bearing deposits due from banks		24,012		6,652

Total cash and cash equivalents		202,917		175,801
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value		647,292		606,704
Investment securities held to maturity; fair value of $135,085 at September 30, 2017 and $146,990 at December 31, 2016		135,021		147,614
Federal Home Loan Bank and other membership bank stock, at cost		12,783		15,099
Loans, net of deferred costs (fees)		4,089,173		3,870,598
Less: allowance for loan and lease losses		33,925		31,245

Net loans		4,055,248		3,839,353
Loans held for sale		2,221		1,742
Premises and equipment, net		49,699		52,236
Accrued interest receivable		13,592		12,557
Goodwill		136,433		135,747
Other identifiable intangible assets		2,526		3,344
Bank owned life insurance		106,831		72,384
Other assets		34,918		30,550

TOTAL ASSETS	$	5,399,481	$	5,093,131

LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	955,444	$	927,270
Savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts		2,681,512		2,620,657
Time deposits $250 thousand and under		549,893		404,680
Time deposits over $250 thousand		170,147		140,228

Total deposits		4,356,996		4,092,835
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase		133,960		56,354
Other borrowings		196,539		260,866
Subordinated debentures		104,872		104,784
Other liabilities		30,033		28,248

TOTAL LIABILITIES		4,822,400		4,543,087

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common stock, no par value; authorized shares, 70,000,000; issued 47,352,714 shares at September 30, 2017 and 47,222,914 shares at December 31, 2016		512,383		510,861
Retained earnings		63,917		38,590
Accumulated other comprehensive income		781		593

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY		577,081		550,044

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	5,399,481	$	5,093,131

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

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)


	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016			2017		2016
	(in thousands, except per share data)					(in thousands, except per share data)
INTEREST INCOME
Loans, leases and fees	$	44,302	$	39,766		$	127,453	$	109,687
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits with banks		210		142			618		341
Taxable investment securities and other		3,720		2,627			11,137		8,285
Tax-exempt investment securities		503		470			1,535		1,300

TOTAL INTEREST INCOME		48,735		43,005			140,743		119,613

INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		4,443		2,886			11,561		7,495
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase		52		19			160		66
Other borrowings		2,125		1,582			6,163		4,582

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE		6,620		4,487			17,884		12,143

NET INTEREST INCOME		42,115		38,518			122,859		107,470
Provision for loan and lease losses		1,827		1,763			4,872		3,848

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES		40,288		36,755			117,987		103,622
NONINTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts		2,797		2,615			7,926		7,580
Commissions and fees		1,258		1,182			3,549		3,260
Gains on sales of investment securities		—		—			2,524		370
Gains on sales of loans		478		753			1,347		1,598
Income on bank owned life insurance		624		1,303			1,550		2,125
Other income		297		564			2,763		1,236

TOTAL NONINTEREST INCOME		5,454		6,417			19,659		16,169

NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits		15,100		14,626			45,613		41,802
Net occupancy expense		2,327		2,372			7,670		7,401
Furniture and equipment		2,073		1,876			6,166		5,904
Stationery, supplies and postage		404		412			1,419		1,271
Marketing expense		442		429			1,351		1,123
FDIC insurance expense		430		715			1,173		1,986
Data processing expense		441		518			1,496		1,497
Telecommunications expense		380		479			1,156		1,289
ATM and debit card expense		546		420			1,504		1,149
Expenses (income) on other real estate owned and other repossessed assets		67		(32	)		108		33
Long-term debt prepayment fee		—		—			2,828		—
Merger related expenses		—		1,697			—		4,103
Core deposit intangible amortization		104		201			489		532
Other expenses		2,535		2,293			7,712		7,055

TOTAL NONINTEREST EXPENSE		24,849		26,006			78,685		75,145

Income before income tax expense		20,893		17,166			58,961		44,646
Income tax expense		7,170		5,839			19,556		15,081

NET INCOME	$	13,723	$	11,327		$	39,405	$	29,565

PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
Basic earnings	$	0.29	$	0.25		$	0.82	$	0.69

Diluted earnings	$	0.29	$	0.25		$	0.82	$	0.69

Dividends	$	0.100	$	0.095		$	0.295	$	0.275

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

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)


	For the Three Months Ended September 30,					For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016			2017			2016
	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
NET INCOME	$	13,723	$	11,327		$	39,405		$	29,565

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX:
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale		170		(502	)		1,933			5,352
Reclassification for securities gains included in net income		—		—			(1,640	)		(233	)
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives		2		174			(105	)		48
Change in pension liability, net		—		(2	)		—			42

Other comprehensive income (loss)		172		(330	)		188			5,209

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	13,895	$	10,997		$	39,593		$	34,774

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

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016


							Accumulated
							Other
	Common			Retained			Comprehensive
	Stock			Earnings			Income		Total
	(in thousands)
At January 1, 2016	$	386,287		$	13,079		$	1,150	$	400,516

Net income		—			29,565			—		29,565
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		—			—			5,209		5,209
Stock based compensation		1,494			—			—		1,494
Issuance of stock for Pascack acquisition		37,221			—			—		37,221
Issuance of stock for Harmony acquisition		36,654			—			—		36,654
Issuance of stock		10			—			—		10
Retirement of restricted stock		(206	)		—			—		(206	)
Cash dividends, common stock		—			(11,741	)		—		(11,741	)

At September 30, 2016	$	461,460		$	30,903		$	6,359	$	498,722


At January 1, 2017	$	510,861		$	38,590		$	593	$	550,044

Net income		—			39,405			—		39,405
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		—			—			188		188
Stock based compensation		1,982			—			—		1,982
Exercise of stock options		313			—			—		313
Retirement of restricted stock		(773	)		—			—		(773	)
Cash dividends, common stock		—			(14,078	)		—		(14,078	)

At September 30, 2017	$	512,383		$	63,917		$	781	$	577,081

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

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)


	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
	(in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	39,405		$	29,565
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net amortization of premiums, discounts and deferred loan fees and costs		3,763			3,351
Depreciation and amortization		3,272			2,885
Amortization of intangible assets		489			532
Provision for loan and lease losses		4,872			3,848
Loans originated for sale		(42,575	)		(61,566	)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale		43,444			60,707
Gains on sales of securities		(2,524	)		(370	)
Gains on proceeds from bank owned life insurance policies		(45	)		(864	)
Gains on sales of loans held for sale		(1,347	)		(1,598	)
Gains on other real estate and other repossessed assets		(527	)		(254	)
(Gains) losses on sales of premises and equipment		(850	)		117
Long-term debt prepayment penalty		2,828			—
Stock-based compensation		1,982			1,494
Excess tax benefits		582			—
Increase in other assets		(5,780	)		(8,194	)
Increase in other liabilities		198			7,869

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES		47,187			37,522

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash acquired in acquisitions		—			68,751
Proceeds from repayments and maturities of available for sale securities		68,852			58,911
Proceeds from repayments and maturities of held to maturity securities		33,345			24,369
Proceeds from sales of available for sale securities		4,500			15,654
Purchase of available for sale securities		(113,770	)		(87,767	)
Purchase of held to maturity securities		(21,157	)		(49,022	)
Purchase of bank owned life insurance		(33,000	)		—
Death benefit proceeds from bank owned life insurance policy		148			2,129
Proceeds from redemptions of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		11,942			2,207
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		(9,626	)		(953	)
Net increase in loans and leases		(226,022	)		(254,307	)
Proceeds from sales of other real estate and repossessed assets		3,972			2,051
Proceeds from dispositions and sales of premises and equipment		1,638			15
Purchases of premises and equipment		(2,070	)		(2,851	)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES		(281,248	)		(220,813	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in deposits		264,654			364,141
Increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase		77,606			(121,534	)
Proceeds from other borrowings		276,212			14,921
Repayments of other borrowings		(342,757	)		(59,000	)
Net proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt		—			73,558
Exercise of stock options		313			—
Issuance of stock		—			10
Retirement of restricted stock		(773	)		(206	)
Dividends paid		(14,078	)		(11,741	)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES		261,177			260,149

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		27,116			76,858
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		175,801			118,493

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	202,917		$	195,351


	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016
	(in thousands)
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and
financing activities:
Cash paid during the period for income taxes	$	18,908	$	15,168
Cash paid during the period for interest		18,649		11,957
Transfer of loans and leases into other repossessed assets and other real estate owned		3,542		2,732
Acquisitions:
Non-cash assets acquired:
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		—		3,742
Investment securities held for maturity		—		10,810
Investment securities available for sale		—		7,474
Loans, including loans held for sale		—		579,300
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net		—		29,348
Other assets		—		32,353
Total non-cash assets acquired		—		663,027
Liabilities assumed:
Deposits		—		(582,526	)
Other borrowings		—		(66,622	)
Other liabilities		—		(8,755	)
Total liabilities assumed		—		(657,903	)
Common stock issued and fair value of stock options converted to Lakeland Bancorp stock options		—		73,874

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

Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

This quarterly report presents the consolidated financial statements of Lakeland Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Lakeland Bank (“Lakeland”) and the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and predominant practices within the banking industry. The Company’s unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, such as normal recurring accruals that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair presentation of the results of the interim periods. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 do not necessarily indicate the results that the Company will achieve for all of 2017.

Certain information and footnote disclosures required under U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted, as permitted by rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes that are presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

NOTE 2 – ACQUISITIONS

Harmony Bank

On July 1, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Harmony Bank (“Harmony”), a bank with three branches located in Ocean County, NJ. Effective upon the opening of business on July 1, 2016, Harmony was merged into Lakeland Bank. This merger allowed the Company to expand its presence to Ocean County. The merger agreement provided that shareholders of Harmony would receive 1.25 shares of the Company common stock for each share of Harmony Bank common stock that they owned at the effective time of the merger. The Company issued an aggregate of 3,201,109 shares of its common stock in the merger. Outstanding Harmony stock options were paid out in cash at the difference between $14.31 (Lakeland’s closing stock price on July 1, 2016 of $11.45 multiplied by 1.25) and the average strike price of $9.07 for a total cash payment of $869,000.

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company revised the estimate of the fair value of the acquired assets as of the acquisition date. This adjustment related to the fair market value of certain loans and the valuation of core deposit intangible which resulted in an increase of $685,000 to goodwill.

The acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the acquisition were recorded at their estimated fair values based on management’s best estimates using information available at the date of the acquisition, including the use of a third party valuation specialist. The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition for Harmony, net of cash consideration paid.


	On July 1, 2016
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	27,809
Securities available for sale		7,474
Securities held to maturity		6,885
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		780
Loans		259,985
Premises and equipment		3,125
Goodwill		11,147
Identifiable intangible assets		1,088
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		8,146

Total assets acquired		326,439

Deposits		(278,060	)
Other borrowings		(9,314	)
Other liabilities		(2,411	)

Total liabilities assumed		(289,785	)

Net assets acquired	$	36,654

Loans acquired in the Harmony acquisition were recorded at fair value, and there was no carryover related allowance for loan and lease losses. The fair values of loans acquired from Harmony were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms. Cash flows were adjusted for estimated future credit losses and the rate of prepayments. Projected cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans.

The following is a summary of the loans accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30 that were acquired in the Harmony acquisition as of the closing date.


	Acquired Credit Impaired Loans
	(in thousands)
Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition	$	1,264
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (non-accretable difference)		398

Expected cash flows at acquisition		866
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable difference)		97

Fair value of acquired loans	$	769

The core deposit intangible totaled $691,000 and is being amortized over its estimated useful life of approximately 10 years using an accelerated method. The goodwill will be evaluated annually for impairment. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

The fair values of deposit liabilities with no stated maturities such as checking, money market and savings accounts, were assumed to equal the carrying amounts since these deposits are payable on demand. The fair values of certificates of deposits and IRAs represent the present value of contractual cash flows discounted at market rates for similar certificates of deposit.

Pascack Bancorp

On January 7, 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Pascack Bancorp, Inc. (“Pascack”), a bank holding company headquartered in Waldwick, New Jersey. Pascack was the parent of Pascack Community Bank which operated 8 branches in Bergen and Essex Counties in New Jersey. This acquisition enabled the Company to broaden its presence in Bergen and Essex counties. Effective as of the close of business on January 7, 2016, Pascack merged into the Company, and Pascack Community Bank merged into Lakeland Bank. The merger agreement provided that the shareholders of Pascack would receive, at their election, for each outstanding share of Pascack common stock that they own at the effective time of the merger, either 0.9576 shares of Lakeland Bancorp common stock or $11.35 in cash, subject to proration as described in the merger agreement, so that 90% of the aggregate merger consideration was shares of Lakeland Bancorp common stock and 10% was cash. Lakeland Bancorp issued 3,314,284 shares of its common stock in the merger and paid approximately $4.5 million in cash including the cash paid in connection with the cancellation of Pascack stock options. Outstanding Pascack stock options were paid out in cash at the difference between $11.35 and an average strike price of $7.37 for a total cash payment of $122,000.


	On January 7, 2016
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	40,942
Securities held to maturity		3,925
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		2,962
Loans		319,575
Premises and equipment		14,438
Goodwill		15,311
Identifiable intangible assets		1,514
Accrued interest receivable and other assets		6,672

Total assets acquired		405,339

Deposits		(304,466	)
Other borrowings		(57,308	)
Other liabilities		(6,344	)

Total liabilities assumed		(368,118	)

Net assets acquired	$	37,221

Loans acquired in the Pascack acquisition were recorded at fair value, and there was no carryover related allowance for loan and lease losses. The fair values of loans acquired from Pascack were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms. Cash flows were adjusted for estimated future credit losses and the rate of prepayments. Projected cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans.

The following is a summary of the loans accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30 that were acquired in the Pascack acquisition as of the closing date.


	Acquired Credit Impaired Loans
	(in thousands)
Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition	$	4,932
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (non-accretable difference)		4,030

Expected cash flows at acquisition		902
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable difference)		85

Fair value of acquired loans	$	817

The core deposit intangible totaled $1.5 million and is being amortized over its estimated useful life of approximately 10 years using an accelerated method. The goodwill will be evaluated annually for impairment. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

Direct costs related to the Pascack and Harmony acquisitions were expensed as incurred. During the quarter and the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company incurred $1.7 million and $4.1 million, respectively, of merger and acquisition integration-related expenses, which have been separately stated in the Company’s consolidated statements of income.

NOTE 3 – EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following schedule shows the Company’s earnings per share calculations for the periods presented:


	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
	(in thousands, except per share data)				(in thousands, except per share data)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	13,723	$	11,327	$	39,405	$	29,565
Less: earnings allocated to participating securities		122		114		362		275

Net income allocated to common shareholders	$	13,601	$	11,213	$	39,043	$	29,290

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic		47,466		44,439		47,429		42,211
Share-based plans		226		220		231		179

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding -diluted		47,692		44,659		47,660		42,390

Basic earnings per share	$	0.29	$	0.25	$	0.82	$	0.69

Diluted earnings per share	$	0.29	$	0.25	$	0.82	$	0.69

There were no antidilutive options to purchase common stock excluded from the computation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

NOTE 4 – INVESTMENT SECURITIES


	September 30, 2017									December 31, 2016
			Gross		Gross							Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	(in thousands)									(in thousands)
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies	$	142,423	$	232	$	(824	)	$	141,831	$	118,537	$	102	$	(1,280	)	$	117,359
Mortgage-backed securities, residential		422,090		1,199		(3,320	)		419,969		406,851		1,174		(4,487	)		403,538
Mortgage-backed securities, multifamily		10,148		54		(36	)		10,166		10,192		30		(35	)		10,187
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		51,991		700		(277	)		52,414		48,868		391		(933	)		48,326
Debt securities		5,000		100		—			5,100		5,350		63		(1	)		5,412
Equity securities		15,460		2,738		(386	)		17,812		17,314		5,000		(432	)		21,882

	$	647,112	$	5,023	$	(4,843	)	$	647,292	$	607,112	$	6,760	$	(7,168	)	$	606,704


	September 30, 2017									December 31, 2016
			Gross		Gross							Gross		Gross
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair		Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized			Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value		Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
	(in thousands)									(in thousands)
HELD TO MATURITY
U.S. government agencies	$	33,449	$	180	$	(274	)	$	33,355	$	33,553	$	144	$	(430	)	$	33,267
Mortgage-backed securities, residential		46,590		315		(569	)		46,336		38,706		369		(598	)		38,477
Mortgage-backed securities, multifamily		1,983		—		(13	)		1,970		2,059		—		(44	)		2,015
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		50,993		543		(144	)		51,392		71,284		269		(385	)		71,168
Debt securities		2,006		26		—			2,032		2,012		51		—			2,063

	$	135,021	$	1,064	$	(1,000	)	$	135,085	$	147,614	$	833	$	(1,457	)	$	146,990

The following table shows investment securities by stated maturity. Securities backed by mortgages have expected maturities that differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay, and are, therefore, classified separately with no specific maturity date (in thousands):


	Available for Sale				Held to Maturity
September 30, 2017	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	4,825	$	4,862	$	18,662	$	18,699
Due after one year through five years		107,222		107,526		37,115		37,324
Due after five years through ten years		64,404		63,961		26,864		26,957
Due after ten years		22,963		22,996		3,807		3,799

		199,414		199,345		86,448		86,779
Mortgage-backed securities		432,238		430,135		48,573		48,306
Equity securities		15,460		17,812		—		—

Total securities	$	647,112	$	647,292	$	135,021	$	135,085

The following table shows proceeds from sales of securities and gross gains and losses on sales of securities for the periods indicated (in thousands):


	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017			2016
Sale proceeds	$	—	$	—	$	4,500		$	15,654
Gross gains		—		—		2,539			370
Gross losses		—		—		(15	)		—

There were no other-than-temporary impairments during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

Gains or losses on sales of investment securities are based on the net proceeds and the adjusted carrying amount of the securities sold using the specific identification method.

Securities with a carrying value of approximately $506.5 million and $443.4 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes required by applicable laws and regulations.

The following table indicates the length of time individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods presented:


	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
			Unrealized				Unrealized		Number of				Unrealized
September 30, 2017	Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses		Securities		Fair Value		Losses
					(dollars in thousands)
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies	$	66,973	$	273	$	17,235	$	551		16	$	84,208	$	824
Mortgage-backed securities, residential		198,410		1,658		85,011		1,662		85		283,421		3,320
Mortgage-backed securities, multifamily		5,131		36		—		—		1		5,131		36
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		2,805		13		12,936		264		27		15,741		277
Equity securities		—		—		9,669		386		2		9,669		386

	$	273,319	$	1,980	$	124,851	$	2,863		131	$	398,170	$	4,843

HELD TO MATURITY
U.S. government agencies	$	5,419	$	14	$	6,768	$	260		2	$	12,187	$	274
Mortgage-backed securities, residential		27,833		309		7,350		260		18		35,183		569
Mortgage-backed securities, multifamily		1,970		13		—		—		2		1,970		13
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		13,949		105		767		39		10		14,716		144

	$	49,171	$	441	$	14,885	$	559		32	$	64,056	$	1,000


	Less Than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
			Unrealized				Unrealized		Number of				Unrealized
December 31, 2016	Fair Value		Losses		Fair Value		Losses		Securities		Fair Value		Losses
	(dollars in thousands)
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
U.S. Treasury and U.S. government agencies	$	94,153	$	1,280	$	—	$	—		18	$	94,153	$	1,280
Mortgage-backed securities, residential		292,873		4,078		15,453		409		91		308,326		4,487
Mortgage-backed securities, multifamily		5,178		35		—		—		1		5,178		35
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		29,904		933		—		—		54		29,904		933
Other debt securities		350		1		—		—		1		350		1
Equity securities		6,030		94		4,720		338		2		10,750		432

	$	428,488	$	6,421	$	20,173	$	747		167	$	448,661	$	7,168

HELD TO MATURITY
U.S. government agencies	$	17,147	$	430	$	—	$	—		3	$	17,147	$	430
Mortgage-backed securities, residential		27,909		535		1,061		63		15		28,970		598
Mortgage-backed securities, multifamily		2,015		44		—		—		2		2,015		44
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		50,302		384		401		1		43		50,703		385

	$	97,373	$	1,393	$	1,462	$	64		63	$	98,835	$	1,457

Management has evaluated the securities in the above table and has concluded that none of the securities are other-than-temporarily impaired. The fair values being below cost is due to interest rate movements and is deemed temporary. All investment securities are evaluated on a periodic basis to identify any factors that would require a further analysis. In evaluating the Company’s securities, management considers the following items:

•

The Company’s ability and intent to hold the securities, including an evaluation of the need to sell the security to meet certain liquidity measures, or whether the Company has sufficient levels of cash to hold the identified security in order to recover the entire amortized cost of the security;

•

The financial condition of the underlying issuer;

•

The credit ratings of the underlying issuer and if any changes in the credit rating have occurred;

•

The length of time the security’s fair value has been less than amortized cost; and

•

Adverse conditions related to the security or its issuer if the issuer has failed to make scheduled payments or other factors.

If the above factors indicate that an additional analysis is required, management will perform and consider the results of a discounted cash flow analysis.

As of September 30, 2017, the equity securities include investments in other financial institutions for market appreciation purposes. These equities had a purchase price of $2.1 million and a market value of $4.9 million as of September 30, 2017.

As of September 30, 2017, the equity securities also included $12.9 million in investment funds that do not have a quoted market price, but use net asset value per share or its equivalent to measure fair value.

The investment funds include $9.7 million that are invested in government guaranteed loans, mortgage-backed securities, small business loans and other instruments supporting affordable housing and economic development. The Company may redeem these funds at the net asset value calculated at the end of the current business day less any unpaid management fees. As of September 30, 2017, the amortized cost of these securities was $10.1 million and the fair value was $9.7 million. There are no restrictions on redemptions for the holdings in these investments other than the notice required by the fund manager. There are no unfunded commitments related to these investments.

The investment funds also include $3.3 million that are primarily invested in community development loans that are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”). Because the funds are primarily guaranteed by the federal government there are minimal changes in market value between accounting periods. These funds can be redeemed with 60 days notice at the net asset value less unpaid management fees with the approval of the fund manager. As of September 30, 2017, the net amortized cost equaled the market value of the investment. There are no unfunded commitments related to these investments.

NOTE 5 – LOANS, LEASES AND OTHER REAL ESTATE

The following sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio:


	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
	(in thousands)
Commercial, secured by real estate	$	2,776,899		$	2,556,601
Commercial, industrial and other		342,775			350,228
Leases		71,698			67,016
Real estate - residential mortgage		329,625			349,581
Real estate - construction		241,207			211,109
Home equity and consumer		330,689			339,360

Total loans and leases		4,092,893			3,873,895

Less: deferred fees		(3,720	)		(3,297	)

Loans and leases, net of deferred fees	$	4,089,173		$	3,870,598

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, home equity and consumer loans included overdraft deposit balances of $327,000 and $364,000, respectively. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $1.0 billion and $942 million, respectively, in loans pledged for actual and potential borrowings at the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLB”).

Purchased Credit Impaired Loans

The carrying value of loans acquired in the Pascack acquisition and accounted for in accordance with ASC Subtopic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality,” was $198,000 at September 30, 2017, which was $619,000 less than the balance at the time of acquisition on January 7, 2016. In first quarter 2017, one of the Pascack purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans totaling $127,000 experienced further credit deterioration and was fully charged off. In the second quarter of 2017, a loan with a net value of $218,000 was fully paid off. The carrying value of loans acquired in the Harmony acquisition was $524,000 at September 30, 2017 which was $245,000 less than the balance at acquisition date on July 1, 2016. In the second quarter of 2017, a loan with a net value of $247,000 was fully paid off.

The following table presents changes in the accretable yield for PCI loans:


	For the Three Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016			September 30, 2017			September 30, 2016
	(in thousands)						(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	133		$	65		$	145		$	—
Acquisitions		—			97			—			182
Accretion		(40	)		(32	)		(138	)		(63	)
Net reclassification non-accretable difference		35			—			121			11

Balance, end of period	$	128		$	130		$	128		$	130

Non-Performing Assets and Past Due Loans

The following schedule sets forth certain information regarding the Company’s non-performing assets and its accruing troubled debt restructurings, excluding PCI loans:


	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(in thousands)
Commercial, secured by real estate	$	5,348	$	10,413
Commercial, industrial and other		172		167
Leases		110		153
Real estate - residential mortgage		4,410		6,048
Real estate - construction		1,472		1,472
Home equity and consumer		2,033		2,151

Total non-accrual loans and leases	$	13,545	$	20,404
Other real estate and other repossessed assets		1,168		1,072

TOTAL NON-PERFORMING ASSETS	$	14,713	$	21,476

Troubled debt restructurings, still accruing	$	11,279	$	8,802

Non-accrual loans included $2.4 million of troubled debt restructurings for each of the periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $3.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively, in residential mortgages and consumer home equity loans that were in the process of foreclosure.

An age analysis of past due loans, segregated by class of loans as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, is as follows:


					Greater								Recorded
					Than						Total		Investment Greater
	30-59 Days		60-89 Days		89 Days		Total				Loans		than 89 Days and
	Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Past Due		Current		and Leases		Still Accruing
	(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
Commercial, secured by real estate	$	2,616	$	678	$	4,810	$	8,104	$	2,768,795	$	2,776,899	$	—
Commercial, industrial and other		1,830		343		103		2,276		340,499		342,775		—
Leases		512		91		110		713		70,985		71,698		—
Real estate - residential mortgage		3,733		320		3,687		7,740		321,885		329,625		—
Real estate - construction		—		765		1,472		2,237		238,970		241,207		—
Home equity and consumer		841		411		1,544		2,796		327,893		330,689		9

	$	9,532	$	2,608	$	11,726	$	23,866	$	4,069,027	$	4,092,893	$	9

December 31, 2016
Commercial, secured by real estate	$	6,082	$	1,234	$	9,313	$	16,629	$	2,539,972	$	2,556,601	$	—
Commercial, industrial and other		1,193		213		42		1,448		348,780		350,228		—
Leases		132		78		153		363		66,653		67,016		—
Real estate - residential mortgage		2,990		1,057		5,330		9,377		340,204		349,581		—
Real estate - construction		3,409		—		1,472		4,881		206,228		211,109		—
Home equity and consumer		1,260		129		2,049		3,438		335,922		339,360		10

	$	15,066	$	2,711	$	18,359	$	36,136	$	3,837,759	$	3,873,895	$	10

Impaired Loans

The Company defines impaired loans as all non-accrual loans and leases with recorded investments of $500,000 or greater. Impaired loans also include all loans that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings. Impaired loans as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows:


			Contractual
	Recorded		Unpaid				Average		Interest
	Investment in		Principal		Specific		Investment in		Income
September 30, 2017	Impaired Loans		Balance		Allowance		Impaired Loans		Recognized
	(in thousands)
Loans without specific allowance:
Commercial, secured by real estate	$	10,852	$	11,125	$	—	$	13,491	$	259
Commercial, industrial and other		635		635		—		635		19
Real estate - residential mortgage		967		984		—		1,011		12
Real estate - construction		1,472		1,472		—		1,472		—
Home equity and consumer		—		—		—		—		—
Loans with specific allowance:
Commercial, secured by real estate		5,425		5,757		480		5,030		151
Commercial, industrial and other		169		169		10		328		12
Real estate - residential mortgage		992		1,125		5		1,006		22
Real estate - construction		—		—		—		—		—
Home equity and consumer		1,078		1,107		9		1,120		40
Total:
Commercial, secured by real estate	$	16,277	$	16,882	$	480	$	18,521	$	410
Commercial, industrial and other		804		804		10		963		31
Real estate - residential mortgage		1,959		2,109		5		2,017		34
Real estate - construction		1,472		1,472		—		1,472		—
Home equity and consumer		1,078		1,107		9		1,120		40

	$	21,590	$	22,374	$	504	$	24,093	$	515


			Contractual
	Recorded		Unpaid				Average		Interest
	Investment in		Principal		Specific		Investment in		Income
December 31, 2016	Impaired Loans		Balance		Allowance		Impaired Loans		Recognized
	(in thousands)
Loans without specific allowance:
Commercial, secured by real estate	$	12,764	$	13,195		—	$	13,631	$	229
Commercial, industrial and other		603		603		—		1,109		24
Leases		—		—		—		—		—
Real estate - residential mortgage		1,880		3,146		—		2,430		16
Real estate - construction		1,471		1,471		—		12		—
Home equity and consumer		139		139		—		388		—
Loans with specific allowance:
Commercial, secured by real estate		5,860		6,142		392		6,549		273
Commercial, industrial and other		349		349		12		360		17
Leases		—		—		—		1		—
Real estate - residential mortgage		1,031		1,100		31		1,011		30
Real estate - construction		—		—		—		—		—
Home equity and consumer		1,188		1,211		94		1,184		59
Total:
Commercial, secured by real estate	$	18,624	$	19,337	$	392	$	20,180	$	502
Commercial, industrial and other		952		952		12		1,469		41
Leases		—		—		—		1		—
Real estate - residential mortgage		2,911		4,246		31		3,441		46
Real estate - construction		1,471		1,471		—		12		—
Home equity and consumer		1,327		1,350		94		1,572		59

	$	25,285	$	27,356	$	529	$	26,675	$	648

Interest income recognized on impaired loans was $0.5 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Interest that would have been accrued on impaired loans during the first nine months of 2017 and 2016 had the loans been performing under original terms would have been $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

Credit Quality Indicators

The class of loans is determined by internal risk rating. Management closely and continually monitors the quality of its loans and leases and assesses the quantitative and qualitative risks arising from the credit quality of its loans and leases. Lakeland assigns a credit risk rating to all commercial loans and loan commitments. The credit risk rating system has been developed by management to provide a methodology to be used by loan officers, department heads and senior management in identifying various levels of credit risk that exist within Lakeland’s commercial loan portfolios. The risk rating system assists senior management in evaluating Lakeland’s commercial loan portfolio, analyzing trends, and determining the proper level of required reserves to be recommended to the Board. In assigning risk ratings, management considers, among other things, a borrower’s debt service coverage, earnings strength, loan to value ratios, industry conditions and economic conditions. Management categorizes commercial loans and commitments into a one (1) to nine (9) numerical structure with rating 1 being the strongest rating and rating 9 being the weakest. Ratings 1 through 5W are considered ‘Pass’ ratings.

The following table shows the Company’s commercial loan portfolio as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, by the risk ratings discussed above (in thousands):


September 30, 2017	Commercial, Secured by Real Estate		Commercial, Industrial and Other		Real Estate - Construction
RISK RATING
1	$	—	$	422	$	—
2		—		27,151		—
3		81,240		37,590		—
4		822,168		87,799		11,770
5		1,764,207		165,864		225,286
5W - Watch		59,085		9,095		1,531
6 - Other assets especially mentioned		27,706		8,651		—
7 - Substandard		22,493		6,203		2,620
8 - Doubtful		—		—		—
9 - Loss		—		—		—

Total	$	2,776,899	$	342,775	$	241,207


December 31, 2016	Commercial, Secured by Real Estate		Commercial, Industrial and Other		Real Estate - Construction
RISK RATING
1	$	—	$	1,449	$	—
2		—		26,743		—
3		82,102		36,644		—
4		729,281		135,702		28,177
5		1,615,331		129,366		175,595
5W - Watch		68,372		6,395		1,223
6 - Other assets especially mentioned		33,015		5,242		—
7 - Substandard		28,500		8,687		6,114
8 - Doubtful		—		—		—
9 - Loss		—		—		—

Total	$	2,556,601	$	350,228	$	211,109

The risk rating tables above do not include residential mortgage loans, consumer loans, or leases because they are evaluated on their payment status.

Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

The Company continually evaluates, through its governance process, the development of the allowance for loan and lease losses methodology. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company refined and enhanced its quantitative framework by implementing a migration analysis to determine the historical loss factors. It also enhanced its qualitative framework to be responsive to the migration analysis. These enhancements are meant to increase the level of precision in the allowance for loan and lease losses and did not result in a change in the required allowance.

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan and lease losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:


Three Months Ended September 30, 2017	Commercial, Secured by Real Estate			Commercial, Industrial and Other			Leases			Real Estate- Residential Mortgage			Real Estate- Construction			Home Equity and Consumer			Total
										(in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	23,344		$	1,688		$	529		$	1,754		$	2,596		$	2,912		$	32,823
Charge-offs		(315	)		(196	)		(87	)		(98	)		—			(173	)		(869	)
Recoveries		26			28			7			3			4			76			144
Provision		1,673			572			65			(90	)		(135	)		(258	)		1,827

Ending Balance	$	24,728		$	2,092		$	514		$	1,569		$	2,465		$	2,557		$	33,925


Three Months Ended September 30, 2016	Commercial, Secured by Real Estate			Commercial, Industrial and Other			Leases			Real Estate- Residential Mortgage			Real Estate- Construction			Home Equity and Consumer			Total
										(in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	20,359		$	2,212		$	624		$	2,164		$	1,788		$	3,520		$	30,667
Charge-offs		(119	)		—			(44	)		(386	)		—			(724	)		(1,273	)
Recoveries		131			30			4			1			—			46			212
Provision		996			(327	)		12			282			236			564			1,763

Ending Balance	$	21,367		$	1,915		$	596		$	2,061		$	2,024		$	3,406		$	31,369


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017	Commercial, Secured by Real Estate			Commercial, Industrial and Other			Leases			Real Estate- Residential Mortgage			Real Estate- Construction			Home Equity and Consumer			Total
										(in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	21,223		$	1,723		$	548		$	1,964		$	2,352		$	3,435			31,245
Charge-offs		(618	)		(430	)		(250	)		(408	)		(609	)		(784	)		(3,099	)
Recoveries		390			150			39			3			24			301			907
Provision		3,733			649			177			10			698			(395	)		4,872

Ending Balance	$	24,728		$	2,092		$	514		$	1,569		$	2,465		$	2,557		$	33,925


Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016	Commercial, Secured by Real Estate			Commercial, Industrial and Other			Leases			Real Estate- Residential Mortgage			Real Estate- Construction			Home Equity and Consumer			Total
										(in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	20,223		$	2,637		$	460		$	2,588		$	1,591		$	3,375		$	30,874
Charge-offs		(393	)		(796	)		(319	)		(692	)		—			(1,661	)		(3,861	)
Recoveries		212			106			26			5			—			159			508
Provision		1,325			(32	)		429			160			433			1,533			3,848

Ending Balance	$	21,367		$	1,915		$	596		$	2,061		$	2,024		$	3,406		$	31,369

Loans receivable summarized by portfolio segment and impairment method are as follows:


	Commercial,		Commercial,				Real Estate-				Home
	Secured by		Industrial				Residential		Real Estate-		Equity and
September 30, 2017	Real Estate		and Other		Leases		Mortgage		Construction		Consumer		Total
	(in thousands)
Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment	$	16,277	$	804	$	—	$	1,959	$	1,472	$	1,078	$	21,590
Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment		2,759,905		341,970		71,698		327,666		239,735		329,607		4,070,581
Ending Balance: Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality		717		1		—		—		—		4		722

Ending Balance (1)	$	2,776,899	$	342,775	$	71,698	$	329,625	$	241,207	$	330,689	$	4,092,893


	Commercial,		Commercial,				Real Estate-				Home
	Secured by		Industrial				Residential		Real Estate-		Equity and
December 31, 2016	Real Estate		and Other		Leases		Mortgage		Construction		Consumer		Total
	(in thousands)
Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment	$	18,624	$	952	$	—	$	2,911	$	1,471	$	1,327	$	25,285
Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment		2,536,858		349,001		67,016		346,670		209,638		338,019		3,847,202
Ending balance: Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality		1,119		275		—		—		—		14		1,408

Ending Balance (1)	$	2,556,601	$	350,228	$	67,016	$	349,581	$	211,109	$	339,360	$	3,873,895

(1)	Excludes deferred fees

The allowance for loan and lease losses is summarized by portfolio segment and impairment classification as follows:


	Commercial,		Commercial,				Real Estate-				Home
	Secured by		Industrial				Residential		Real Estate-		Equity and
September 30, 2017	Real Estate		and Other		Leases		Mortgage		Construction		Consumer		Total
	(in thousands)
Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment	$	480	$	10	$	—	$	5	$	—	$	9	$	504
Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment		24,248		2,082		514		1,564		2,465		2,548		33,421

Ending Balance	$	24,728	$	2,092	$	514	$	1,569	$	2,465	$	2,557	$	33,925


	Commercial,		Commercial,				Real Estate-				Home
	Secured by		Industrial				Residential		Real Estate-		Equity and
December 31, 2016	Real Estate		and Other		Leases		Mortgage		Construction		Consumer		Total
	(in thousands)
Ending Balance: Individually evaluated for impairment	$	392	$	12	$	—	$	31	$	—	$	94	$	529
Ending Balance: Collectively evaluated for impairment		20,831		1,711		548		1,933		2,352		3,341		30,716

Ending Balance	$	21,223	$	1,723	$	548	$	1,964	$	2,352	$	3,435	$	31,245

Lakeland also maintains a reserve for unfunded lending commitments which is included in other liabilities. This reserve was $2.5 million for each of the periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company analyzes the adequacy of the reserve for unfunded lending commitments quarterly.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

Loans are classified as troubled debt restructured loans in cases where borrowers experience financial difficulties and Lakeland makes certain concessionary modifications to contractual terms. Restructured loans typically involve a modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate, a moratorium of principal payments and/or an extension of the maturity date at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate of a new loan with similar risk. The Company considers the potential losses on these loans as well as the remainder of its impaired loans while considering the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses.

The following table summarizes loans that have been restructured during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:


	For the Three Months Ended						For the Three Months Ended
	September 30, 2017						September 30, 2016
			Pre-		Post-				Pre-		Post-
			Modification		Modification				Modification		Modification
			Outstanding		Outstanding				Outstanding		Outstanding
	Number of		Recorded		Recorded		Number of		Recorded		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment		Investment		Contracts		Investment		Investment
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial, secured by real estate		1	$	473	$	473		1	$	303	$	303
Real estate - residential mortgage		—		—		—		1		255		255

		1	$	473	$	473		2	$	558	$	558


	For the Nine Months Ended						For the Nine Months Ended
	September 30, 2017						September 30, 2016
			Pre-		Post-				Pre-		Post-
			Modification		Modification				Modification		Modification
			Outstanding		Outstanding				Outstanding		Outstanding
	Number of		Recorded		Recorded		Number of		Recorded		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment		Investment		Contracts		Investment		Investment
	(dollars in thousands)
Commercial, secured by real estate		5	$	3,511	$	3,511	$	1	$	303	$	303
Commercial, industrial and other		2		124		124		—		—		—
Real estate - residential mortgage		—		—		—		1		255		255
Home equity and consumer		—		—		—		3		285		285

		7	$	3,635	$	3,635	$	5	$	843	$	843

The following table summarizes as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, loans that were restructured within the previous twelve months that have subsequently defaulted:


	September 30, 2017				September 30, 2016
	Number of		Recorded		Number of		Recorded
	Contracts		Investment		Contracts		Investment
	(dollars in thousands)
Real estate - residential mortgage		—	$	—		1	$	255
Home equity and consumer		—		—		1		162

		—	$	—		2	$	417

Other Real Estate and Other Repossessed Assets

At September 30, 2017, the Company had other real estate owned and other repossessed assets of $1.2 million and $0, respectively. At December 31, 2016, the Company had other real estate owned and other repossessed assets of $1.1 million and $9,000, respectively. Included in other real estate owned was residential property acquired as a result of foreclosure proceedings totaling $1.0 million and $1.1 million that the Company held at the periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

NOTE 6 – DERIVATIVES

Lakeland is a party to interest rate derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments. Under a program, Lakeland executes interest rate swaps with commercial lending customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. These interest rate swaps with customers are simultaneously offset by interest rate swaps that Lakeland executes with a third party, such that Lakeland minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. Because the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings. The changes in the fair value of the swaps offset each other, except for the credit risk of the counterparties, which is determined by taking into consideration the risk rating, probability of default and loss given default for all counterparties. Lakeland had $7.5 million in available for sale securities pledged for collateral on its interest rate swaps with the financial institution at each of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

In June 2016, the Company entered into two cash flow hedges in order to hedge the variable cash outflows associated with its subordinated debentures. The notional value of these hedges was $30.0 million. The Company’s objectives in using the cash flow hedge are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. The Company used interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges which involved the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. In these particular hedges the Company is paying a third party an average of 1.10% in exchange for a payment at 3 month LIBOR. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and are subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company did not record any hedge ineffectiveness. The Company recognized $10,000 of accumulated other comprehensive income that was reclassified into interest expense for the first nine months of 2017.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s debt. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $71,000 will be reclassified as a decrease to interest expense should the rate environment remain the same.

The following table presents summary information regarding these derivatives for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):


September 30, 2017	Notional Amount			Average Maturity (Years)		Weighted Average Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Variable Rate		Fair Value
Classified in Other Assets:
3rd Party interest rate swaps	$	87,511			9.2		3.78	%		1 Mo. LIBOR + 2.12	$	2,831
Customer interest rate swaps		98,223			11.1		4.64	%		1 Mo. LIBOR + 2.19		2,549
Interest rate swap (cash flow hedge)		30,000			3.8		1.10	%		3 Mo. LIBOR		871
Classified in Other Liabilities:
Customer interest rate swaps	$	87,511			9.2		3.78	%		1 Mo. LIBOR + 2.12	$	(2,831	)
3rd Party interest rate swaps		98,223			11.1		4.64	%		1 Mo. LIBOR + 2.19		(2,549	)

December 31, 2016	Notional Amount			Average Maturity (Years)		Weighted Average Fixed Rate			Weighted Average Variable Rate		Fair Value
Customer interest rate swaps	$	129,252			10.9		4.03	%		1 Mo. LIBOR + 2.10	$	(2,345	)
3rd party interest rate swaps		(129,252	)		10.9		4.03	%		1 Mo. LIBOR + 2.10		2,345
Interest rate swap (cash flow hedge)		30,000			4.5		1.10	%		3 Mo. LIBOR		1,033

NOTE 7 – GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The Company had goodwill of $136.4 million and $135.7 million for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The Company reviews its goodwill and intangible assets annually, on November 30, or more frequently if conditions warrant, for impairment. In testing goodwill for impairment, the Company compares the estimated fair value of its reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company has determined that it has one reporting unit, Community Banking.

The Company had core deposit intangible of $2.5 million and $3.3 million for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for the remainder of 2017 and for each of the succeeding five years ended December 31 is as follows (dollars in thousands):


For the Year Ended
2017	$	164
2018		594
2019		504
2020		415
2021		326
2022		236

NOTE 8 – BORROWINGS

Repurchase Agreements

At September 30, 2017, the Company had federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase of $102.9 million and $31.1 million, respectively. The securities sold under agreements to repurchase are overnight sweep arrangement accounts with our customers. The Company also had $20.0 million in long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase included in other borrowings which mature within 1 year. As of September 30, 2017, the Company had $59.5 million in mortgage backed securities pledged for its securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

At times the market values of securities collateralizing our securities sold under agreements to repurchase may decline due to changes in interest rates and may necessitate our lenders to issue a “margin call” which requires Lakeland to pledge additional collateral to meet that margin call.

Prepayment of Borrowings

In the first quarter of 2017, the Company repaid an aggregate of $20.0 million in long-term securities sold under agreements to repurchase and recorded $2.2 million in long-term debt prepayment fees. The Company also repaid an aggregate of $34.0 million in borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York and recorded $638,000 in long-term debt prepayment fees.

NOTE 9 – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company grants restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and stock options under the 2009 Equity Compensation Program. Share-based compensation expense of $2.0 million and $1.5 million was recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, there was unrecognized compensation cost of $77,000 related to unvested restricted stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 0.34 years. Unrecognized compensation expense related to RSUs was approximately $2.1 million as of September 30, 2017, and that cost is expected to be recognized over a period of 1.34 years. There was no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options as of September 30, 2017.

In the first nine months of 2017, the Company granted 13,176 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors at a grant date fair value of $18.20 per share under the 2009 Equity Compensation Program. The restricted stock vests one year from the date it was granted. Compensation expense on this restricted stock is expected to be $240,000 over a one year period. In the

first nine months of 2016, the Company granted 23,952 shares of restricted stock to non-employee directors at a grant date fair value of $10.02 per share under the 2009 Equity Compensation Program. The restricted stock vested one year from the date it was granted. Compensation expense on this restricted stock was $240,000 over a one year period.

The following is a summary of the Company’s restricted stock activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2017:


				Weighted
	Number of			Average
	Shares			Price
Outstanding, January 1, 2017		42,875		$	9.72
Granted		13,176			18.20
Vested		(32,904	)		9.79
Forfeited		(59	)		9.39

Outstanding, September 30, 2017		23,088		$	14.46

In the first nine months of 2017, the Company granted 130,523 RSUs to certain officers at a weighted average grant date fair value of $19.91 per share under the Company’s 2009 Equity Compensation Program. These units vest within a range of two to three years. A portion of these RSUs will vest subject to certain performance conditions in the restricted stock unit agreement. There are also certain provisions in the compensation program which state that if a recipient of the RSUs reaches a certain age and years of service, the person has effectively earned a portion of the RSUs at that time. Compensation expense on the restricted stock units issued in the first nine months of 2017 is expected to average approximately $866,000 per year over a three year period. In the first nine months of 2016, the Company granted 168,726 RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.22 per share under the Company’s 2009 Equity Compensation Program. Compensation expense on these restricted stock units is expected to average approximately $575,000 per year over a three year period.

The following is a summary of the Company’s RSU activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2017:


				Weighted
	Number of			Average
	Shares			Price
Outstanding, January 1, 2017		302,344		$	10.76
Granted		130,523			19.91
Vested		(148,585	)		13.01
Forfeited		(9,446	)		12.55

Outstanding, September 30, 2017		274,836		$	13.83

There were no grants of stock options in the first nine months of 2017 or 2016. Option activity under the Company’s stock option plans is as follows:


						Weighted
						Average
				Weighted		Remaining
				Average		Contractual		Aggregate
	Number of			Exercise		Term		Intrinsic
	Shares			Price		(in years)		Value
Outstanding, January 1, 2017		135,250		$	8.79		4.18	$	1,450,533
Granted		—			—
Exercised		(31,769	)		9.84
Forfeited		—			—
Expired		—			—


Outstanding, September 30, 2017		103,481		$	8.47		4.52	$	1,236,875


Options exercisable at September 30, 2017		103,481		$	8.47		4.52	$	1,236,875

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options).

There were 31,769 stock options exercised during the first nine months of 2017. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $318,000. Exercise of stock options during the first nine months of 2017 resulted in cash receipts of $313,000.

NOTE 10 – COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:


	September 30, 2017									September 30, 2016
	Before			Tax Benefit			Net of			Before			Tax Benefit			Net of
For the quarter ended:	Tax Amount			(Expense)			Tax Amount			Tax Amount			(Expense)			Tax Amount
	(in thousands)									(in thousands)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during period	$	267		$	(97	)	$	170		$	(825	)	$	323		$	(502	)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses arising during the period		—			—			—			—			—			—

Net unrealized gains (losses)		267			(97	)		170			(825	)		323			(502	)
Unrealized gains on derivatives		3			(1	)		2			267			(93	)		174
Change in minimum pension liability		—			—			—			(2	)		—			(2	)

Other comprehensive income (loss), net	$	270		$	(98	)	$	172		$	(560	)	$	230		$	(330	)


	Before			Tax Benefit			Net of			Before			Tax Benefit			Net of
For the nine months ended:	Tax Amount			(Expense)			Tax Amount			Tax Amount			(Expense)			Tax Amount
	(in thousands)									(in thousands)
Net unrealized gains on available for sale securities
Net unrealized holding gains arising during period	$	3,112		$	(1,179	)	$	1,933		$	8,422		$	(3,070	)	$	5,352
Reclassification adjustment for net gains arising during the period		(2,524	)		884			(1,640	)		(370	)		137			(233	)

Net unrealized gains		588			(295	)		293			8,052			(2,933	)		5,119
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives		(162	)		57			(105	)		74			(26	)		48
Change in minimum pension liability		—			—			—			70			(28	)		42

Other comprehensive income, net	$	426		$	(238	)	$	188		$	8,196		$	(2,987	)	$	5,209

The following table shows the changes in the balances of each of the components of other comprehensive income for the periods presented, net of tax (in thousands):


	For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017											For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
	Unrealized											Unrealized
	Gains on			Unrealized								Gains on			Unrealized
	Available for Sale			Gains								Available for Sale			Gains (Losses)
	Securities			on Derivatives			Pension Items		Total			Securities			on Derivatives			Pension Items			Total
Beginning balance	$	6		$	565		$	38	$	609		$	6,775		$	(126	)	$	40		$	6,689

Other comprehensive income before classifications		170			2			—		172			(502	)		174			(2	)		(330	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		—			—			—		—			—			—			—			—

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		170			2			—		172			(502	)		174			(2	)		(330	)

Ending balance	$	176		$	567		$	38	$	781		$	6,273			48		$	38		$	6,359


	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017											For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
	Unrealized											Unrealized
	Gains (Losses) on			Unrealized								Gains on			Unrealized
	Available for sale			Gains (losses)								Available for sale			Gains
	Securities			on Derivatives			Pension Items		Total			Securities			on Derivatives			Pension Items			Total
Beginning Balance	$	(117	)	$	672		$	38	$	593		$	1,154		$	—		$	(4	)	$	1,150

Other comprehensive income before classifications		1,933			(105	)		—		1,828			5,352			48			42			5,442
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(1,640	)		—			—		(1,640	)		(233	)		—			—			(233	)

Net current period other comprehensive income		293			(105	)		—		188			5,119			48			42			5,209

Ending Balance	$	176		$	567		$	38	$	781		$	6,273			48		$	38		$	6,359

NOTE 11 – ESTIMATED FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for an asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels giving the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest level priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). The following describes the three levels of fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; includes U.S. Treasury Notes, and other U.S. Government Agency securities that actively trade in over-the-counter markets; equity securities and mutual funds that actively trade in over-the-counter markets.

Level 2 – quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability including yield curves, volatilities, and prepayment speeds.

Level 3 – unobservable inputs for the asset or liability that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about assumptions that market participants would use in the pricing of the asset or liability and that are consequently not based on market activity but upon particular valuation techniques.

The Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis are it’s available for sale investment securities. The Company obtains fair values on its securities using information from a third party servicer. If quoted prices for securities are available in an active market, those securities are classified as Level 1 securities. The Company has U.S. Treasury Notes and certain equity securities that are classified as Level 1 securities. Level 2 securities were primarily comprised of U.S. Agency bonds, residential mortgage-backed securities, obligations of state and political subdivisions and corporate securities. Fair values were estimated primarily by obtaining quoted prices for similar assets in active markets or through the use of pricing models supported with market data information. Standard inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, bids and offers. On a quarterly basis, the Company reviews the pricing information received from the Company’s third party pricing service. This review includes a comparison to non-binding third-party quotes.

The fair values of derivatives are based on valuation models from a third party using current market terms (including interest rates and fees), the remaining terms of the agreements and the credit worthiness of the counter party as of the measurement date (Level 2).

The following table sets forth the Company’s financial assets that were accounted for at fair value on a recurring basis as of the periods presented by level within the fair value hierarchy. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company did not make any transfers between any levels within the fair value hierarchy. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:


	Quoted Prices in		Significant
	Active Markets		Other		Significant
	for Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	Assets		Inputs		Inputs		Total
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Fair Value
	(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
Assets:
Investment securities, available for sale
U.S. Treasury and government agencies	$	5,697	$	136,134	$	—	$	141,831
Mortgage-backed securities		—		430,135		—		430,135
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		52,414		—		52,414
Other debt securities		—		5,100		—		5,100
Equity securities		4,858		12,954		—		17,812

Total securities available for sale		10,555		636,737		—		647,292

Derivative assets		—		6,251		—		6,251

Total Assets	$	10,555	$	642,988	$	—	$	653,543

Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	5,380	$	—	$	5,380

Total Liabilities	$	—	$	5,380	$	—	$	5,380


December 31, 2016
Assets:
Investment securities, available for sale
U.S. Treasury and government agencies	$	5,931	$	111,428	$	—	$	117,359
Mortgage-backed securities		—		413,725		—		413,725
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		—		48,326		—		48,326
Other debt securities		—		5,412		—		5,412
Equity securities		7,748		14,134		—		21,882

Total securities available for sale		13,679		593,025		—		606,704
Derivative assets		—		3,378		—		3,378

Total Assets	$	13,679	$	596,403	$	—	$	610,082

Liabilities:
Derivative liabilities	$	—	$	2,345	$	—	$	2,345

Total Liabilities	$	—	$	2,345	$	—	$	2,345

The following table sets forth the Company’s assets subject to fair value adjustments (impairment) on a non-recurring basis. Assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement:


	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total Fair Value
			(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
Assets:
Impaired loans and leases	$	—	$	—	$	21,590	$	21,590
Loans held for sale		—		2,221		—		2,221
Other real estate owned and other repossessed assets		—		—		1,168		1,168

December 31, 2016
Assets:
Impaired loans and leases	$	—	$	—	$	25,285	$	25,285
Loans held for sale		—		1,742		—		1,742
Other real estate owned and other repossessed assets		—		—		1,072		1,072

Impaired loans are evaluated and valued at the time the loan is identified as impaired at the lower of cost or market value of the underlying collateral. Because most of Lakeland’s impaired loans are collateral dependent, fair value is generally measured based on the value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, securing these loans and leases and is classified at a level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral may be real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and/or other business assets. The value of real estate is assessed based on appraisals by qualified third party licensed appraisers. The appraisers may use the sales comparison approach, the cost approach and/or the income approach to value the collateral using discount rates (with ranges of 5-11%) or capitalization rates (with ranges of 5-10%) to evaluate the property. The value of the equipment may be determined by an appraiser, if significant, inquiry through a recognized valuation resource, or by the value on the borrower’s financial statements. Field examiner reviews on business assets may be conducted based on the loan exposure and reliance on this type of collateral. Appraised and reported values may be adjusted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. Loans that are not collateral dependent are evaluated based on a discounted cash flow method. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.

The Company has a held for sale loan portfolio that consists of residential mortgages that are being sold in the secondary market. The Company records these mortgages at the lower of cost or market value. Fair value is generally determined by the value of purchase commitments.

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) and other repossessed assets, representing property acquired through foreclosure, are recorded at fair value less estimated disposal costs of the acquired property on the date of acquisition and thereafter re-measured and carried at lower of cost or fair market value. Fair value on other real estate owned is based on the appraised value of the collateral using the sales comparison approach and/or the income approach with discount rates or capitalization rates similar to those used in impaired loan valuation. The fair value of other repossessed assets is estimated by inquiry through recognized valuation resources.

Changes in the assumptions or methodologies used to estimate fair values may materially affect the estimated amounts. Changes in economic conditions, locally or nationally, could impact the value of the estimated amounts of impaired loans, OREO and other repossessed assets.

Fair Value of Certain Financial Instruments

Estimated fair values have been determined by the Company using the best available data and an estimation methodology suitable for each category of financial instruments. There may not be reasonable comparability between institutions due to the wide range of permitted assumptions and methodologies in the absence of active markets. This lack of uniformity gives rise to a high degree of subjectivity in estimating financial instrument fair values.

The estimation methodologies used, the estimated fair values, and recorded book balances at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are outlined below.

This summary, as well as the table below, excludes financial assets and liabilities for which carrying value approximates fair value. For financial assets, these include cash and cash equivalents. For financial liabilities, these include noninterest-bearing demand deposits, savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts and federal funds sold and securities sold under agreements to repurchase. The estimated fair value of demand, savings and interest-bearing transaction accounts is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. Carrying value is used because there is no stated maturity on these accounts, and the customer has the ability to withdraw the funds immediately. Also excluded from this summary and the following table are those financial instruments recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, as previously described.

The fair value of investment securities held to maturity was measured using information from the same third-party servicer used for investment securities available for sale using the same methodologies discussed above. Investment securities held to maturity includes $16.1 million in short-term municipal bond anticipation notes and $1.0 million in subordinated debt that are non-rated and do not have an active secondary market or information readily available on standard financial systems. As a result, the securities are classified as Level 3 securities. Management performs a credit analysis before investing in these securities.

FHLB stock is an equity interest that can be sold to the issuing FHLB, to other Federal Home Loan Banks, or to other member banks at its par value. Because ownership of these securities is restricted, they do not have a readily determinable fair value. As such, the Company’s FHLB stock is recorded at cost or par value and is evaluated for impairment each reporting period by considering the ultimate recoverability of the investment rather than temporary declines in value. The Company’s evaluation primarily includes an evaluation of liquidity, capitalization, operating performance, commitments, and regulatory or legislative events.

The net loan portfolio at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 has been valued using a present value discounted cash flow where market prices are not available. The discount rate used in these calculations is the estimated current market rate adjusted for credit risk. The valuation of the Company’s loan portfolio is consistent with accounting guidance but does not fully incorporate the exit price approach.

For fixed maturity certificates of deposit, fair value is estimated based on the present value of discounted cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

The fair value of long-term debt is based upon the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The Company estimates the discount rate using the rates currently offered for similar borrowing arrangements. The fair value of subordinated debentures is based on bid/ask prices from brokers for similar types of instruments.

The fair values of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are estimated using the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair value of guarantees and letters of credit is based on fees currently charged for similar agreements or on the estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date. The fair value of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are deemed immaterial.

The following table presents the carrying values, fair values and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016:


	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
Financial Assets:
Investment securities held to maturity	$	135,021	$	135,085	$	—	$	118,002	$	17,083
Federal Home Loan Bank and other membership bank stocks		12,783		12,783		—		12,783		—
Loans and leases, net		4,055,248		4,057,939		—		—		4,057,939
Financial Liabilities:
Certificates of deposit		720,040		717,318		—		717,318		—
Other borrowings		196,539		195,253		—		195,253		—
Subordinated debentures		104,872		96,717		—		—		96,717

December 31, 2016
Financial Assets:
Investment securities held to maturity	$	147,614	$	146,990	$	—	$	111,403	$	35,587
Federal Home Loan Bank and other membership bank stocks		15,099		15,099		—		15,099		—
Loans and leases, net		3,839,353		3,832,465		—		—		3,832,465
Financial Liabilities:
Certificates of deposit		544,908		543,399		—		543,399		—
Other borrowings		260,866		264,586		—		264,586		—
Subordinated debentures		104,784		94,476		—		—		94,476

NOTE 12 – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCMENTS

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update intended to improve and simplify accounting rules around hedge accounting. Amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The amendments in this update also make certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and ease the administrative burden of hedge documentation requirements and assessing hedge effectiveness. This update will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is still evaluating the impact that this guidance will have on its financial statements.

In July 2017, the FASB issued guidance which simplifies the accounting for certain financial instruments with down round features, a provision in an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) that provides a downward adjustment of the current exercise price based on the price of future equity offerings. The provisions of the new guidance related to down rounds are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements because the Company does not have any equity-linked financial instruments that have such down round features.

In May 2017, the FASB issued an update which provides clarity and reduces diversity in practice when accounting for the modification of terms and conditions for share-based payment awards. Previous accounting guidance did not distinguish between modifications which were substantive from modifications that were merely administrative. The accounting standards update requires entities to account for the effects of a modification unless the following three conditions are met: the fair value of the modified award is the same as the fair value of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; and the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award is modified. This update will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an update which shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium to the earliest call date. Under current GAAP, entities amortize the premium as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument even if the holder is certain that the call will be exercised. As a result, upon the exercise of a call on a callable debt security held at a premium, the unamortized premium is recorded as a loss in earnings. The update shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium and requires the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. This update will be effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Entities are required to apply the amendments on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an update which improves the presentation of net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement benefit cost in a company’s income statement. The amendment requires that an employer report the service cost component in the same line items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net benefit cost are to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. The amendment is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an update to simplify the test for goodwill impairment. This amendment eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test is performed by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. This update will be effective for the Company’s financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an update that clarifies the definition of a business as it pertains to business combinations. This amendment affects all companies and other reporting organizations that must determine whether they have sold or acquired a business. This update will be effective for the Company’s financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In September 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to address diversity in presentation in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. This update will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update pertaining to the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. This update requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. This update is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring timelier recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments held by financial institutions and other organizations. This update will be effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating its existing systems and data to support the new standard as well as assessing the impact that the guidance will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update to simplify employee share-based payment accounting. The areas for simplification in this update involve several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard specifically requires excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies to be recorded in the income statement when awards vest or are settled. The Company adopted this accounting standards update in the first quarter of 2017. As a result, during the first nine months of 2017, the Company recorded $582,000 in excess tax benefits in the income statement. The Company elected to continue its existing practice of estimating the number of awards that will be forfeited. The Company elected to apply the cash flow classification guidance prospectively, and therefore, prior periods have not been adjusted.

In March 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that requires that embedded derivatives be separated from the host contract and accounted for separately as derivatives if certain criteria are met, including the “clearly and closely related” criterion. The amendments in this update clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call or put options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. The Company adopted this accounting standards update in the first quarter of 2017.The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2016, FASB issued accounting guidance that requires all lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset, measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments, at the lease commencement date. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged under the new guidance. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. A modified retrospective approach must be applied for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the new guidance on its consolidated financial statements by reviewing its existing lease contracts and service contracts that may include embedded leases. The Company expects an increase to assets and liabilities as a result of recognizing a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for its operating lease commitments.

In January 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. Specifically, the accounting standards update requires all equity instruments, with the exception of those that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, to be measured at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized through net income. Additionally, public business entities are required to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. The amendments in this update also require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. This amendment is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to a customer in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for these goods or services. To achieve that core principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In 2016, the FASB issued further implementation guidance regarding revenue recognition. This additional guidance included clarification on certain principal versus agent considerations within the implementation of the guidance as well as clarification related to identifying performance obligations and licensing. The guidance also requires new qualitative and quantitative disclosures, including disaggregation of revenues and descriptions of performance obligations. The guidance along with its updates is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is still evaluating the potential impact on the Company’s financial statements. In evaluating this standard, management has determined that the majority of revenue earned by the Company is from revenue streams not included in the scope of this standard and therefore management does not expect the new revenue recognition guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. The Company is continuing its overall assessment of revenue streams and reviewing contracts potentially affected by the guidance including deposit related fees, interchange fees and merchant fee income to determine the potential impact the new guidance is expected to have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method with a cumulative-effect adjustment to opening retained earnings.

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

This section should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

The information disclosed in this document includes various forward-looking statements that are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to credit quality (including delinquency trends and the allowance for loan and lease losses), corporate objectives, and other financial and business matters. The words “anticipates,” “projects,” “intends,” “estimates,” “expects,” “believes,” “plans,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these forward-looking statements are necessarily speculative and speak only as of the date made, and are subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, all of which may change over time. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking statements.

In addition to the risk factors disclosed elsewhere in this document, the following factors, among others, could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially and adversely from such forward-looking statements: changes in the financial services industry and the U.S. and global capital markets, changes in economic conditions nationally, regionally and in the Company’s markets, the nature and timing of actions of the Federal Reserve Board and other regulators, the nature and timing of legislation affecting the financial services industry, government intervention in the U.S. financial system, changes in levels of market interest rates, pricing pressures on loan and deposit products, credit risks of Lakeland’s lending and leasing activities, successful implementation, deployment and upgrades of new and existing technology, systems, services and products, customers’ acceptance of Lakeland’s products and services, and competition.

The above-listed risk factors are not necessarily exhaustive, particularly as to possible future events, and new risk factors may emerge from time to time. Certain events may occur that could cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different than those described in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any statements made by the Company that are not historical facts should be considered to be forward-looking statements. The Company is not obligated to update and does not undertake to update any of its forward-looking statements made herein.

Critical Accounting Policies, Judgments and Estimates

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and predominant practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, Lakeland, Lakeland NJ Investment Corp., Lakeland Investment Corp., Lakeland Equity, Inc. and Lakeland Preferred Equity, Inc. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions also affect reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. There have been no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies, judgments and estimates, including assumptions or estimation techniques utilized, as compared to those disclosed in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Management Overview

The quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2017 represented a period of continued growth for the Company. As discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis:

•

For the third quarter of 2017, net income of $13.7 million increased from $11.3 million in the third quarter of 2016. Diluted earnings per share of $0.29 represents a 16% increase over $0.25 for the same period in 2016. Excluding merger related expenses and other items, net income for the third quarter of 2016 was $12.4 million, or $0.28 per diluted share.

•

For the third quarter of 2017, annualized return on average assets was 1.03%, annualized return on average common equity was 9.48%, and annualized return on average tangible common equity was 12.51% compared to 0.94%, 9.10%, and 12.68%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2016. Excluding merger related expenses, these 2016 ratios were 1.03%, 9.96% and 13.89%, respectively.

•

Net income for the first nine months of 2017 was $39.4 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, compared to $29.6 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, for the same period in 2016. Excluding merger related expenses and other items, net income for the first nine months of 2016 was $32.3 million, or $0.76 per diluted share.

•

The annualized return on average assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was 1.01%, the annualized return on average common equity was 9.33%, and the annualized return on average tangible common equity was 12.38% compared to 0.88%, 8.54% and 11.95%, respectively, for the same period in 2016. Excluding merger related expenses, these 2016 ratios were 0.96%, 9.34% and 13.07%, respectively.

•

Commercial loans secured by real estate grew $220.3 million, or 9%, during the first nine months of 2017, while total loans grew $219.0 million, or 6%, to $4.09 billion during the same time period.

•

Net interest margin (“NIM”) was 3.39% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 3.45% in the third quarter of 2016.

•

Total deposits increased $264.2 million from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017, or 6%, to $4.36 billion.

•

The efficiency ratio of 51.7% in the third quarter of 2017 decreased from 53.4% for the same period in 2016.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

Net Income

Net income was $13.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2017 compared to net income of $11.3 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2016. Excluding the impact of merger related expenses, net income would have been $12.4 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2016. Net interest income of $42.1 million for the third quarter of 2017 increased $3.6 million from the third quarter of 2016 reflecting an increase in interest-earning assets resulting from organic growth and an increase in rates caused by the recent increases in the federal funds rate and prime rate.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest income on earning assets and the cost of funds supporting those assets. The Company’s net interest income is determined by: (i) the volume of interest-earning assets that it holds and the yields that it earns on those assets, and (ii) the volume of interest-bearing liabilities that it has assumed and the rates that it pays on those liabilities.

Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis for the third quarter of 2017 was $42.4 million, compared to $38.8 million for the third quarter of 2016. The net interest margin decreased from 3.45% in the third quarter of 2016 to 3.39% in the third quarter of 2017 primarily as a result of an 18 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, partially offset by an 8 basis point increase in the yield on interest-earning assets. The increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was due primarily to an increase in the cost of borrowings resulting from the subordinated debt issuance in the third quarter of 2016 as well as a higher cost of deposits. The decrease in net interest margin was somewhat mitigated by an increase in interest income earned on free funds (interest-earning assets funded by noninterest-bearing liabilities) resulting from an increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits of $75.3 million. The components of net interest income will be discussed in greater detail below.

bearing liabilities, (4) the Company’s net interest spread (i.e., the average yield on interest-earning assets less the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities) and (5) the Company’s net interest margin. Rates are computed on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35%.


	For the Three Months Ended,								For the Three Months Ended,
	September 30, 2017								September 30, 2016
						Average								Average
				Interest		Rates						Interest		Rates
	Average			Income/		Earned/			Average			Income/		Earned/
	Balance			Expense		Paid			Balance			Expense		Paid
	(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Interest-earning assets:
Loans and leases (1)	$	4,060,838		$	44,302		4.33	%	$	3,743,434		$	39,766		4.23	%
Taxable investment securities and other		711,873			3,720		2.09	%		510,638			2,627		2.06	%
Tax-exempt securities		103,900			774		2.98	%		96,141			723		3.01	%
Federal funds sold (2)		81,245			210		1.03	%		117,311			142		0.48	%

Total interest-earning assets		4,957,856			49,006		3.93	%		4,467,524			43,258		3.85	%

Noninterest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan and lease losses		(33,397	)							(30,915	)
Other assets		375,732								368,772

TOTAL ASSETS	$	5,300,191							$	4,805,381

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Savings accounts	$	484,982		$	69		0.06	%	$	487,918		$	80		0.07	%
Interest-bearing transaction accounts		2,206,206			2,713		0.49	%		1,988,405			1,722		0.34	%
Time deposits		645,333			1,661		1.03	%		533,224			1,084		0.81	%
Borrowings		386,947			2,177		2.20	%		374,812			1,601		1.71	%

Total interest-bearing liabilities		3,723,468			6,620		0.71	%		3,384,359			4,487		0.53	%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits		971,143								895,851
Other liabilities		31,467								29,828
Stockholders’ equity		574,113								495,343

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$	5,300,191							$	4,805,381

Net interest income/spread					42,386		3.22	%					38,771		3.32	%

Tax equivalent basis adjustment					271								253

NET INTEREST INCOME				$	42,115							$	38,518

Net interest margin (3)							3.39	%							3.45	%

(1)	Includes non-accrual loans, the effect of which is to reduce the yield earned on loans, and deferred loan fees.

(2)	Includes interest-bearing cash accounts.

(3)	Net interest income divided by interest-earning assets.

Interest income on a tax equivalent basis increased from $43.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 to $49.0 million in the third quarter of 2017, an increase of $5.7 million, or 13.3%. The increase in interest income was primarily a result of an increase in rates caused by the recent increases in the federal funds rate and prime rate as well as organic growth in loans, as average loans and leases increased $317.4 million compared to the third quarter of 2016. The yield on average loans and leases at 4.33% in the third quarter of 2017 was 10 basis points higher than the third quarter of 2016. Interest income on investment securities increased $1.1 million compared to the third quarter of 2016 due primarily to a $209.0 million increase in average investment securities to $815.8 million for the third quarter of 2017.

Total interest expense of $6.6 million in the third quarter of 2017 was $2.1 million greater than the $4.5 million reported for the same period in 2016. The cost of average interest-bearing liabilities increased from 0.53% in the third quarter of 2016 to 0.71% in the third quarter of 2017. The increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was due primarily to an increase in the cost of borrowings as well as an increasingly competitive market for deposits resulting from a higher interest rate environment. The 49 basis point increase in the cost of borrowings was due primarily to the $75.0 million issuance of subordinated debt in September 2016 bearing a rate of 5.125%. The prepayment of FHLB borrowings and term repurchase agreements mitigated the

impact of the subordinated debt. The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was impacted by an increase in the cost of interest-bearing transaction accounts and time deposits which increased by 15 basis points and 22 basis points, respectively. Average time deposits increased from $533.2 million in the third quarter of 2016 to $645.3 million in the third quarter of 2017 as a result of a certificate of deposit promotion in the third quarter of 2017.

Provision for Loan and Lease Losses

In determining the provision for loan and lease losses, management considers national and local economic conditions; trends in the portfolio including orientation to specific loan types or industries; experience, ability and depth of lending management in relation to the complexity of the portfolio; adequacy and adherence to policies, procedures and practices; levels and trends in delinquencies, impaired loans and charge-offs; and the results of independent third party loan review.

In the third quarter of 2017, a $1.8 million provision for loan and lease losses was recorded, which was equivalent to the same period last year. The Company charged off $869,000 and recovered $144,000 in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $1.3 million and $212,000, respectively, in the third quarter of 2016. For more information regarding the determination of the provision, see “Risk Elements” below.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income of $5.5 million in the third quarter of 2017 decreased by $963,000 compared to $6.4 million in the third quarter of 2016. This decrease was primarily due to $863,000 in death benefits received on bank owned life insurance in the third quarter of 2016. Service charges on deposit accounts of $2.8 million in the third quarter of 2017 increased $182,000 compared to the same period last year, due primarily to changes in the fee structure on deposit accounts. Gains on sales of loans decreased $275,000, while other income decreased $267,000 compared to the same period in 2016. Within other income, gains on sales of other real estate owned and swap fee income decreased $151,000 and $342,000, respectively, partially offset by $175,000 in gains on the sale of a former branch.

Noninterest Expense

Noninterest expense in the third quarter of 2017 totaled $24.8 million, which was $1.2 million less than the $26.0 million reported for the third quarter of 2016. Included in noninterest expense in the third quarter of 2016 was $1.7 million in merger related expenses. Salaries and employee benefits expense of $15.1 million increased $474,000 or 3% from the same period last year, primarily due to year-over-year increases in employee salary and benefit costs. Furniture and equipment expense increased $197,000, compared to the third quarter of 2016, due primarily to an increase in service agreements. FDIC insurance expense of $430,000 in the third quarter of 2017 decreased $285,000 compared to the same period last year, due primarily to the decreased non-performing loans and increased capital levels. In the third quarter of 2017, telecommunications and data processing expenses decreased $99,000 and $77,000, respectively, while other real estate and other repossessed asset expense increased $99,000 compared to the same period last year. The decrease in telecommunications and data processing expense resulted from the integration of Harmony Bank’s systems into Lakeland’s systems which did not occur until the end of the third quarter of 2016. The Company’s efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 51.7% in the third quarter of 2017, compared to 53.4% for the same period last year. The decrease in this ratio reflects a 6% increase in revenue as well as the realization of cost savings from the Pascack and Harmony acquisitions, and the closure of four branches in the second half of 2016. The Company uses this ratio because it believes that the ratio provides a good comparison of period-to-period performance and because the ratio is widely accepted in the banking industry. The following table shows the calculation of the efficiency ratio for the periods presented:


	For the Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
	(dollars in thousands)
Calculation of Efficiency Ratio
Total noninterest expense	$	24,849		$	26,006
Amortization of core deposit intangibles		(104	)		(201	)
Merger related expenses		—			(1,697	)

Noninterest expense, as adjusted	$	24,745		$	24,108

Net interest income	$	42,115		$	38,518
Noninterest income		5,454			6,417

Total revenue		47,569			44,935
Tax-equivalent adjustment on municipal securities		271			253

Total revenue, as adjusted	$	47,840		$	45,188

Efficiency ratio		51.7	%		53.4	%

Income Tax Expense

The effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2017 was 34.3% compared to 34.0% during the same period last year primarily as a result of a decrease in tax advantaged items as a percent of pretax income.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

Net Income

Net income was $39.4 million, or $0.82 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2017 compared to net income of $29.6 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, for the first nine months of 2016. Excluding the impact of merger related expenses, net income would have been $32.3 million or $0.76 per diluted share for the first nine months of 2016. Net interest income of $122.9 million for the first nine months of 2017 increased $15.4 million from the first nine months of 2016 reflecting an increase in interest-earning assets resulting from organic growth and an increase in market rates.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis for the first nine months of 2017 was $123.7 million, compared to $108.2 million for the first nine months of 2016. The net interest margin decreased from 3.47% in the first nine months of 2016 to 3.38% in the first nine months of 2017 primarily as a result of a 14 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities was due primarily to an increase in the cost of borrowings resulting from the subordinated debt issuance in the third quarter of 2016 as well as higher costs of deposits. The decrease in net interest margin was somewhat mitigated by an increase in interest income earned on free funds (interest-earning assets funded by noninterest-bearing liabilities) resulting from an increase in average noninterest-bearing deposits of $130.0 million. The components of net interest income will be discussed in greater detail below.

The following table reflects the components of the Company’s net interest income, setting forth for the periods presented, (1) average assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity, (2) interest income earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities, (3) average yields earned on interest-earning assets and average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities, (4) the Company’s net interest spread (i.e., the average yield on interest-earning assets less the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities) and (5) the Company’s net interest margin. Rates are computed on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35%.


	For the Nine Months Ended,								For the Nine Months Ended,
	September 30, 2017								September 30, 2016
						Average								Average
				Interest		Rates						Interest		Rates
	Average			Income/		Earned/			Average			Income/		Earned/
	Balance			Expense		Paid			Balance			Expense		Paid
	(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Interest-earning assets:
Loans (1)	$	3,993,030		$	127,453		4.27	%	$	3,481,053		$	109,687		4.21	%
Taxable investment securities and other		704,645			11,137		2.11	%		500,110			8,285		2.21	%
Tax-exempt securities		109,747			2,362		2.87	%		84,161			2,000		3.17	%
Federal funds sold (2)		90,128			618		0.91	%		100,866			341		0.45	%

Total interest-earning assets		4,897,550			141,570		3.87	%		4,166,190			120,313		3.86	%
Noninterest-earning assets:
Allowance for loan and lease losses		(32,512	)							(30,980	)
Other assets		367,245								351,769

TOTAL ASSETS	$	5,232,283							$	4,486,979