ITEM 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following analysis is intended to provide the reader with a further understanding of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation for the periods shown.  For a full understanding of this analysis, it should be read in conjunction with other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including Part I, “Item 1. Business”, Part II, “Item 6. Selected Financial Data” and Part II, “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Accounting policies involving significant judgments, estimates and assumptions by management, which have, or could have, a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements are considered critical accounting policies. Management considers the following to be its critical accounting policies: the determination of allowance for loan losses, the valuation of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, the assessment of investment securities for impairment and accounting for defined benefit pension plans.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Establishing an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment.  The level of the allowance is based on management’s ongoing review of the growth and composition of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience, estimated loss emergence period (the period from the event that triggers the eventual default until the actual loss is recognized with a charge-off), current economic conditions, analysis of asset quality and credit quality levels and trends, the performance of individual loans in relation to contract terms and other pertinent factors. A methodology is used to systematically measure the amount of estimated loan loss exposure inherent in the loan portfolio for purposes of establishing a sufficient allowance for loan losses.  The methodology is described below.

Loss allocations are identified for individual loans deemed to be impaired in accordance with GAAP.  A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will not be able to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans include nonaccrual loans and loans restructured in a troubled debt restructuring.

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

For loans that are collectively evaluated, loss allocation factors are derived by analyzing historical loss experience by loan segment over an established look-back period deemed to be relevant to the inherent risk of loss in the portfolios. Loans are segmented by loan type, collateral type, delinquency status and loan risk rating, where applicable. These loss allocation factors are adjusted to reflect the loss emergence period. These amounts are supplemented by certain qualitative risk factors reflecting management’s view of how losses may vary from those represented by historical loss rates. These qualitative risk factors include: 1) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices not considered elsewhere in estimating credit losses; 2) changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the portfolio, including the condition of various market segments; 3) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and in the terms of loans; 4) changes in the experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; 5) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of nonaccrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or rated loans; 6) changes in the quality of the institution’s loan review system; 7) changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; 8) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit, and changes in the level of such concentrations; and 9) the effect of other external factors such as legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the institution’s existing portfolio.

Because the methodology is based upon historical experience and trends, current economic data, as well as management’s judgment, factors may arise that result in different estimations. Adversely different conditions or assumptions could lead to increases in the allowance. In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

As of December 31, 2018 , management believes that the allowance is adequate and consistent with asset quality and delinquency indicators.

Valuation of Goodwill and Identifiable Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the net fair value of the acquired businesses. Goodwill is not amortized but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, defined as the segment level, at least annually in the fourth quarter or more frequently whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that an impairment loss has occurred. In assessing impairment, the Corporation has the option to perform a qualitative analysis to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of such events or circumstances, we determine it is not more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then we would not be required to perform an impairment test.

The quantitative impairment analysis requires a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value to identify potential impairment. Goodwill impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. Significant judgment is applied when goodwill is assessed for impairment. This judgment includes, but may not be limited to, the selection of appropriate discount rates, the identification of relevant market comparables and the development of cash flow projections. The selection and weighting of the various fair value techniques may result in a higher or lower fair value. Judgment is applied in determining the weightings that are most representative of fair value.

The annual quantitative assessment of goodwill for the two reporting units (Commercial Banking and Wealth Management Services) was performed utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis (“income approach”) and estimates of selected market information (“market approach”).  The income approach measures the fair value of an interest in a business by discounting expected future cash flows to a present value.  The market approach takes into consideration fair values of comparable companies operating in similar lines of business that are potentially subject to similar economic and environmental factors and could be considered reasonable investment alternatives.  The results of the income approach and the market approach were weighted equally.  The results of the 2018 annual quantitative impairment analysis indicated that the remaining fair value significantly exceeded the carrying value for both reporting units.

Intangible assets identified in acquisitions consist of wealth management advisory contracts. The fair value of intangible assets was estimated using valuation techniques, based on a discounted cash flow analysis. The value attributed to other intangible assets was based on the time period over which they are expected to generate economic benefits. Intangible assets are amortized over their estimated lives using a method that approximates the amount of economic benefits that are realized by the Corporation.

Intangible assets with definite lives are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances occur that indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If applicable, the Corporation tests each of the intangibles by comparing the carrying value of the intangible asset to the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds its undiscounted cash flows, then an impairment loss would be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Impairment would result in a write-down to the estimated fair value based on the anticipated discounted future cash flows. The remaining useful life of the intangible assets that are being amortized is also evaluated to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.

The Corporation makes certain estimates and assumptions that affect the determination of the expected future cash flows from the intangible assets. For intangible assets such as wealth management advisory contracts, these estimates and assumptions include account attrition, market appreciation for wealth management assets under administration and anticipated fee rates, estimated revenue growth, projected costs and other factors. Significant changes in these estimates

and assumptions could cause a different valuation for these intangible assets. Changes in the original assumptions could change the amount of the intangible assets recognized and the resulting amortization. Subsequent changes in assumptions could result in recognition of impairment of these intangible assets.

When there are events or circumstances that occur indicating that the carrying amount of the Corporation’s intangible assets may not be recoverable, the Corporation tests each of the intangibles by comparing the carrying value of the intangible asset to the sum of undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. As of December 31, 2018 , the carrying value of intangible assets was deemed to be recoverable.

These assumptions used in the impairment tests of goodwill and intangible assets are susceptible to change based on changes in economic conditions and other factors. Any change in the estimates which the Corporation uses to determine the carrying value of the Corporation’s goodwill and identifiable intangible assets, or which otherwise adversely affects their value or estimated lives could adversely affect the Corporation’s results of operations. See Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Assessment of Investment Securities for Impairment

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

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

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

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

There were no other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized for the year ended December 31, 2018 .

Defined Benefit Pension Plans

The determination of the defined benefit obligation and net periodic benefit cost related to our defined benefit pension plans requires estimates and assumptions such as discount rates, mortality, rates of return on plan assets and compensation increases. Management evaluates the assumptions annually and uses an actuarial firm to assist in making these estimates.

Changes in assumptions due to market conditions, governing laws and regulations, or circumstances specific to the Corporation could result in material changes to defined benefit pension obligation and net periodic benefit cost.

See Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Overview

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

Our largest source of operating income is net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and securities and interest paid on deposits and borrowings.  In addition, we generate noninterest income from a number of sources, including wealth management services, mortgage banking activities and deposit services.  Our principal noninterest expenses include salaries and employee benefit costs, outsourced services provided by third-party vendors, occupancy and facility-related costs and other administrative expenses.

Our financial results are affected by interest rate fluctuations, changes in economic and market conditions, competitive conditions within our market area and changes in legislation, regulation and/or accounting principles.  Adverse changes in economic growth, consumer confidence, credit availability and corporate earnings could negatively impact our financial results.

We continue to leverage our strong statewide brand to build market share and remain steadfast in our commitment to provide superior service. In January 2019, Washington Trust opened a new full-service branch in North Providence, Rhode Island.

Risk Management

The Corporation has a comprehensive enterprise risk management (“ERM”) program through which the Corporation identifies, measures, monitors and controls current and emerging material risks.

The Board of Directors is responsible for oversight of the ERM program. The ERM program enables the aggregation of risk across the Corporation and ensures the Corporation has the tools, programs and processes in place to support informed decision making, to anticipate risks before they materialize and to maintain the Corporation’s risk profile consistent with its risk strategy.

The Board of Directors has approved an ERM Policy that addresses each category of risk. The risk categories include: credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, price and market risk, compliance risk, strategic and reputation risk, and operational risk. A description of each risk category is provided below.

Credit risk represents the possibility that borrowers or other counterparties may not repay loans or other contractual obligations according to their terms due to changes in the financial capacity, ability and willingness of such borrowers or counterparties to meet their obligations. In some cases, the collateral securing the payment of the loans may be sufficient to assure repayment, but in other cases the Corporation may experience significant credit losses which could have an adverse effect on its operating results. The Corporation makes various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of its borrowers and counterparties and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. Credit risk also exists with respect to investment securities. For further discussion regarding the credit risk and the credit quality of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, see Notes 5 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For further discussion regarding the Corporation’s securities portfolio, see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest rate risk is the risk of loss to future earnings due to changes in interest rates. It exists because the repricing frequency and magnitude of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities are not identical. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will not have the ability to generate adequate amounts of cash in the most economical way for it to meet its maturing liability obligations and customer loan demand. For detailed disclosure regarding liquidity

management, asset/liability management and interest rate risk, see “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk sections below.

Price and market risk refers to the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in interest rates and other relevant market rates and prices, such as equity prices. Interest rate risk, discussed above, is the most significant market risk to which the Corporation is exposed. The Corporation is also exposed to financial market risk and housing market risk.

Compliance risk represents the risk of regulatory sanctions or financial loss resulting from the failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations and standards of good banking practice. Activities which may expose the Corporation to compliance risk include, but are not limited to, those dealing with the prevention of money laundering, privacy and data protection, adherence to all applicable laws and regulations, and employment and tax matters.

Strategic and reputation risk represent the risk of loss due to impairment of reputation, failure to fully develop and execute business plans, and failure to assess existing and new opportunities and threats in business, markets, and products.

Operational risk is the risk of loss due to human behavior, inadequate or failed internal systems and controls, and external influences such as market conditions, fraudulent activities, natural disasters and security risks.

ERM is an overarching program that includes all areas of the Corporation. A framework approach is utilized to assign responsibility and to ensure that the various business units and activities involved in the risk management life-cycle are effectively integrated. The Corporation has adopted the “three lines of defense” concept that is an industry best practice for ERM. Business units are the first line of defense in managing risk. They are responsible for identifying, measuring, monitoring, and controlling current and emerging risks. They must report on and escalate their concerns. Corporate functions such as Credit Risk Management, Financial Administration, Information Assurance and Compliance, comprise the second line of defense. They are responsible for policy setting and for reviewing and challenging the risk management activities of the business units. They collaborate closely with business units on planning and resource allocation with respect to risk management. Internal Audit is a third line of defense. They provide independent assurance to the Board of Directors of the effectiveness of the first and second lines in fulfilling their risk management responsibilities.

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

Comparison of 2018 with 2017

Net income totaled $68.4 million in 2018 , compared to $45.9 million in 2017 . Income before income taxes for 2018 increased by $9.1 million , or 12% , from 2017 , largely due to growth in net interest income and a reduction in the loan loss provision. Income tax expense for 2018 decreased by $13.5 million , or 42% , from 2017 , due to the enactment of Tax Act in December 2017, which included the reduction of the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. See further discussion regarding the impact of enactment of the Tax Act in 2017 under the section “Results of Operations - Comparison, of 2017 with 2016.”

Comparison of 2017 with 2016

Net income totaled $45.9 million in 2017 , compared to $46.5 million in 2016 . Income before taxes for 2017 was up by $8.8 million , or 13% , compared to 2016 , largely due to growth in net interest income and a reduction in the loan loss provision. Income tax expense for 2017 increased by $9.3 million , or 42% , over 2016 , due to the enactment of the Tax Act in December 2017. The enactment of the Tax Act required companies to revalue deferred tax assets and liabilities in light of the new federal income tax rate As a result in 2017, the Corporation’s net deferred tax assets were written down by $6.2 million, with a corresponding increase to income tax expense.

Average Balances/Net Interest Margin - Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE) Basis

The following table presents average balance and interest rate information.   Tax-exempt income is converted to a fully taxable equivalent basis using the statutory federal income tax rate adjusted for applicable state income taxes net of the related federal tax benefit. Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities and fair value adjustments on mortgage loans held for sale are excluded from the average balance and yield calculations. Nonaccrual loans, as well as interest recognized on these loans, are included in amounts presented for loans.