SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): December 19, 2003 Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Maryland 0-19065 52-1532952 ---------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission file (IRS Employer of incorporation) number) Identification Number) 17801 Georgia Avenue, Olney, Maryland 20832 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (301) 774-6400 Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits. (a) Exhibit 99 - News Release dated December 19, 2003. Item 9. Regulation FD Disclosure. On December 19, 2003, Sandy Spring Bancorp, Inc. issued the press release attached as Exhibit 99, regarding revised earnings guidance for the year ended December 31, 2003. Signatures Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. SANDY SPRING BANCORP, INC. By: /s/ Hunter R. Hollar ----------------------- Hunter R. Hollar President and Chief Executive Officer Dated :December 19, 2003