thefirstbancorp10q2010q3.htm

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549




FORM 10-Q

[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

Commission File Number 0-26589




THE FIRST BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

MAINE
01-0404322
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

MAIN STREET, DAMARISCOTTA,   MAINE
04543
(Address of principal executive offices)
 (Zip code)

(207) 563-3195
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code




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




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer [_]    Accelerated filer [X]    Non-accelerated filer [_]



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


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of November 8, 2010
Common Stock: 9,770,860 shares

 
 

 


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Part I. Financial Information

Selected Financial Data (Unaudited)
The First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

In thousands of dollars
 
For the nine months ended
 September 30,
   
For the quarters ended
September 30,
 
except for per share amounts
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Summary of Operations
                       
Interest Income
  $ 42,918     $ 48,093     $ 14,570     $ 15,224  
Interest Expense
    12,687       14,768       4,317       4,409  
Net Interest Income
    30,231       33,325       10,253       10,815  
Provision for Loan Losses
    6,300       7,660       1,800       3,060  
Non-Interest Income
    6,524       8,525       2,067       2,977  
Non-Interest Expense
    18,405       19,892       6,228       6,872  
Net Income
    9,039       10,380       3,195       2,890  
Per Common Share Data
                               
Basic Earnings per Share
  $ 0.82     $ 0.98     $ 0.29     $ 0.26  
Diluted Earnings per Share
    0.82       0.98       0.29       0.26  
Cash Dividends Declared
    0.585       0.585       0.195       0.195  
Book Value per Common Share
    13.06       12.65       13.06       12.65  
Tangible Book Value per Common Share
    10.23       9.80       10.23       9.80  
Market Value
    13.83       18.60       13.83       18.60  
Financial Ratios
                               
Return on Average Equity1
    9.55 %     11.40 %     9.88 %     9.28 %
Return on Average Tangible Equity1,2
    12.23 %     14.76 %     12.60 %     11.96 %
Return on Average Assets1
    0.90 %     1.02 %     0.93 %     0.85 %
Average Equity to Average Assets
    11.22 %     10.69 %     11.18 %     11.01 %
Average Tangible Equity to Average Assets2
    9.17 %     8.66 %     9.16 %     8.95 %
Net Interest Margin Tax-Equivalent1,2
    3.39 %     3.65 %     3.36 %     3.59 %
Dividend Payout Ratio
    71.34 %     59.69 %     67.24 %     75.00 %
Allowance for Loan Losses/Total Loans
    1.55 %     1.31 %     1.55 %     1.31 %
Non-Performing Loans to Total Loans
    2.36 %     1.80 %     2.36 %     1.80 %
Non-Performing Assets to Total Assets
    1.97 %     1.58 %     1.97 %     1.58 %
Efficiency Ratio2
    47.68 %     43.01 %     48.11 %     47.54 %
At Period End
                               
Total Assets
  $ 1,374,624     $ 1,331,842     $ 1,374,624     $ 1,331,842  
Total Loans
    918,538       973,823       918,538       973,823  
Total Investment Securities
    368,859       265,052       368,859       265,052  
Total Deposits
    986,932       960,072       986,932       960,072  
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    152,230       147,614       152,230       147,614  
1Annualized using a 365-day basis
2These ratios use non-GAAP financial measures. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition  and Results of Operations for additional disclosures and information.

 
Page 1

 

Item 1 – Financial Statements














Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
The First Bancorp, Inc.


We have reviewed the accompanying interim consolidated financial information of The First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and for the three-month and nine-month periods then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is to express an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying  interim financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


/s/ Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker

Portland, Maine
November 8, 2010


 
Page 2

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
The First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
In thousands of dollars
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
   
September 30,
 2009
 
Assets
                 
Cash and due from banks
  $ 13,880     $ 15,332     $ 16,421  
Overnight funds sold
    -       -       7,500  
Securities available for sale
    232,075       81,838       38,575  
Securities to be held to maturity (fair value of $126,668 at September 30, 2010, $192,838 at December 31, 2009 and $216,921 at September 30, 2009)
    121,341       190,537       211,784  
Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost
    1,412       1,412       662  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    14,031       14,031       14,031  
Loans held for sale
    1,031       2,876       2,794  
Loans
    918,538       952,492       973,823  
Less allowance for loan losses
    14,245       13,637       12,800  
Net loans
    904,293       938,855       961,023  
Accrued interest receivable
    5,445       4,889       5,648  
Premises and equipment
    18,458       18,331       18,357  
Other real estate owned
    5,338       5,345       2,995  
Goodwill
    27,684       27,684       27,684  
Other assets
    29,636       30,264       24,368  
Total assets
  $ 1,374,624     $ 1,331,394     $ 1,331,842  
Liabilities
                       
Demand deposits
  $ 80,695     $ 66,317     $ 74,049  
NOW deposits
    123,899       114,955       112,087  
Money market deposits
    69,119       94,425       101,352  
Savings deposits
    102,911       90,873       93,363  
Certificates of deposit
    610,308       556,097       579,221  
Total deposits
    986,932       922,667       960,072  
Borrowed funds – short term
    92,500       149,601       82,882  
Borrowed funds – long term
    130,172       100,177       130,179  
Other liabilities
    12,790       11,011       11,095  
Total Liabilities
    1,222,394       1,183,456       1,184,228  
Shareholders' equity
                       
Preferred stock
    24,680       24,606       24,582  
Common stock
    98       97       97  
Additional paid-in capital
    45,385       45,121       45,003  
Retained earnings
    80,843       78,450       78,000  
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on securities available-for-sale
    1,421       (125 )     189  
Net unrealized loss on postretirement benefit costs
    (197 )     (211 )     (257 )
Total shareholders' equity
    152,230       147,938       147,614  
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity
  $ 1,374,624     $ 1,331,394     $ 1,331,842  
Common Stock
                       
Number of shares authorized
    18,000,000       18,000,000       18,000,000  
Number of shares issued and outstanding
    9,765,631       9,744,170       9,725,405  
Book value per common share
  $ 13.06     $ 12.66     $ 12.65  
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 3

 

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
The First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
   
For the nine months ended September 30,
   
For the quarters ended September 30,
 
In thousands of dollars
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest income
                       
Interest and fees on loans
  $ 33,342     $ 37,704     $ 11,136     $ 12,171  
Interest on deposits with other banks
    5       1       3       1  
Interest and dividends on investments
    9,571       10,388       3,431       3,052  
     Total interest income
    42,918       48,093       14,570       15,224  
Interest expense
                               
Interest on deposits
    7,699       9,403       2,648       2,709  
Interest on borrowed funds
    4,988       5,365       1,669       1,700  
     Total interest expense
    12,687       14,768       4,317       4,409  
Net interest income
    30,231       33,325       10,253       10,815  
Provision for loan losses
    6,300       7,660       1,800       3,060  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    23,931       25,665       8,453       7,755  
Non-interest income
                               
Investment management and fiduciary income
    1,116       998       329       320  
Service charges on deposit accounts
    2,194       1,754       689       596  
Net securities gains
    2       -       -       1  
Mortgage origination and servicing income
    906       1,913       293       370  
Other operating income
    2,306       3,860       756       1,690  
     Total non-interest income
    6,524       8,525       2,067       2,977  
Non-interest expense
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    8,662       7,994       3,109       2,842  
Occupancy expense
    1,129       1,182       353       348  
Furniture and equipment expense
    1,671       1,700       550       562  
FDIC insurance premiums
    1,428       1,276       476       315  
Net securities losses
    -       147       -       -  
Other than temporary impairment charge
    -       916       -       -  
Amortization of identified intangibles
    213       213       71       71  
Other operating expense
    5,302       6,464       1,669       2,734  
     Total non-interest expense
    18,405       19,892       6,228       6,872  
Income before income taxes
    12,050       14,298       4,292       3,860  
Applicable income taxes
    3,011       3,918       1,097       970  
NET INCOME
  $ 9,039     $ 10,380     $ 3,195     $ 2,890  
Less dividends and amortization of premium on preferred stock
    1,011       824       337       337  
Net income available to common shareholders
  $ 8,028     $ 9,556     $ 2,858     $ 2,553  
Basic earnings per common share
  $ 0.82     $ 0.98     $ 0.29     $ 0.26  
Diluted earnings per common share
  $ 0.82     $ 0.98     $ 0.29     $ 0.26  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
    9,757,074       9,716,129       9,764,184       9,723,757  
Incremental shares
    4,707       26,808       4,062       52,629  
Cash dividends declared per share
  $ 0.585     $ 0.585     $ 0.195     $ 0.195  
See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 
Page 4

 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
The First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
                           
Accumulated
       
         
Common stock and
         
other
   
Total
 
In thousands of dollars except
 
Preferred
   
additional paid-in capital
   
Retained
   
comprehensive
   
shareholders'
 
number of shares
 
stock
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
earnings
   
income (loss)
   
equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2008
  $ -       9,696,397       44,214       74,057       (1,090 )     117,181  
Net income
    -       -       -       10,380       -       10,380  
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of taxes of $543
    -       -       -       -       1,008       1,008  
Unrecognized transition obligation for postretirement benefits, net of taxes of $7
    -       -       -       -       14       14  
Comprehensive income
    -       -       -       10,380       1,022       11,402  
Cash dividends declared
    -       -       -       (6,437 )     -       (6,437 )
Equity compensation expense
    -       -       28       -       -       28  
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock
    25,000       -       -       -       -       25,000  
Premium on issuance of preferred stock
    (493 )     -       493       -       -       -  
Amortization of premium for preferred stock issuance
    75       -       (75 )     -       -       -  
Payment to repurchase common stock
    -       (7,685 )     (138 )     -       -       (138 )
Proceeds from sale of common stock
    -       36,693       578       -       -       578  
Balance at September 30, 2009
  $ 24,582       9,725,405       45,100       78,000       (68 )     147,614  
                                                 
Balance at December 31, 2009
  $ 24,606       9,744,170       45,218       78,450       (336 )     147,938  
Net income
    -       -       -       9,039       -       9,039  
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of taxes of $461
    -       -       -       -       1,546       1,546  
Unrecognized transition obligation for postretirement benefits, net of taxes of $4
    -       -       -       -       14       14  
Comprehensive income
    -       -       -       9,039       1,560       10,599  
Cash dividends declared
    -       -       -       (6,646 )     -       (6,646 )
Equity compensation expense
    -       -       28       -       -       28  
Amortization of premium for preferred stock issuance
    74       -       (74 )     -       -       -  
Proceeds from sale of common stock
    -       21,461       311       -       -       311  
Balance at September 30, 2010
  $ 24,680       9,765,631       45,483       80,843       1,224       152,230  
  See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 5

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
The First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary
   
For the nine months ended
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Sept 30, 2010
   
Sept 30, 2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities
           
     Net income
  $ 9,039     $ 10,380  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
         
Depreciation
    1,062       1,112  
Change in deferred taxes
    949       (565 )
Provision for loan losses
    6,300       7,660  
Loans originated for resale
    (39,369 )     (98,868 )
Proceeds from sales and transfers of loans
    41,214       97,372  
Net (gain) loss on sale or call of securities held-to-maturity
    (2 )     147  
Write-down of securities available for sale
    -       916  
Net loss on sale of other real estate owned
    31       -  
Provision for losses on other real estate owned
    310       412  
Equity compensation expense
    28       28  
Net increase in other assets and accrued interest
    (640 )     (618 )
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    287       (720 )
Net accretion (amortization) of premiums on investments
    181       (2,359 )
Amortization of investment in limited partnership
    225       -  
Net acquisition amortization
    173       126  
Net loss on disposal of assets
    -       3  
     Net cash provided by operating activities
    19,788       15,026  
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Sale of overnight funds
    -       (7,500 )
Proceeds from maturities, payments and calls of securities available for sale
    77,239       6,128  
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
    202       2,914  
Proceeds from maturities, payments and calls of securities to be held to maturity
    70,522       162,389  
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    2,593       568  
Purchases of securities available for sale
    (226,805 )     (32,917 )
Purchases of securities to be held to maturity
    -       (138,187 )
Net increase in loans
    25,334       243  
Capital expenditures
    (1,188 )     (3,444 )
     Net cash used in investing activities
    (52,103 )     (9,806 )
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Net increase (decrease) in demand, savings, and money market accounts
    10,054       (7,936 )
Net increase in certificates of deposit
    54,243       42,281  
Advances on long-term borrowings
    10,000       -  
Repayment on long-term borrowings
    -       (27,000 )
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
    (37,099 )     (32,006 )
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
    -       25,000  
Payments to repurchase common stock
    -       (138 )
Proceeds from sale of common stock
    311       578  
Dividends paid
    (6,646 )     (6,434 )
     Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
    30,863       (5,655 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (1,452 )     (435 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    15,332       16,856  
     Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 13,880     $ 16,421  
Interest paid
  $ 12,856     $ 15,195  
Income taxes paid
  $ 2,130     $ 4,634  
Non-cash transactions
               
Change in net unrealized gain on available for sale securities, net of tax
  $ (1,546 )   $ (1,008 )
Net transfer from loans to other real estate owned
  $ 2,927     $ 1,547  
  See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 
Page 6

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

The First Bancorp, Inc. (the Company) is a financial holding company that owns all of the common stock of The First, N.A. (the Bank). The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of Management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The income reported for the 2010 period is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2010. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Subsequent Events
Events occurring subsequent to September 30, 2010, have been evaluated as to their potential impact to the Financial Statements.

Note 2 – Investment Securities

The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at September 30, 2010:

   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair Value
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
(Estimated)
 
Securities available for sale:
                       
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 18,892     $ 1,422     $ -     $ 20,314  
Mortgage-backed securities
    175,184       1,118       (1,505 )     174,797  
State and political subdivisions
    34,327       1,405       -       35,732  
Corporate securities
    1,114       -       (267 )     847  
Other equity securities
    371       19       (5 )     385  
    $ 229,888     $ 3,964     $ (1,777 )   $ 232,075  
Securities to be held to maturity:
                               
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 8,091     $ 48     $ (8 )   $ 8,131  
Mortgage-backed securities
    62,328       2,621       (109 )     64,840  
State and political subdivisions
    50,772       2,960       (185 )     53,547  
Corporate securities
    150       -       -       150  
    $ 121,341     $ 5,629     $ (302 )   $ 126,668  
Non-marketable securities:
                               
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
    14,031       -       -       14,031  
Federal Reserve Bank Stock
    1,412       -       -       1,412  
    $ 15,443     $ -     $ -     $ 15,443  



 
Page 7

 


The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value at December 31, 2009:

   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
   
Fair Value
 
 In thousands of dollars
 
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
(Estimated)
 
Securities available for sale
                       
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 31,022     $ 90     $ (153 )   $ 30,959  
Mortgage-backed securities
    31,254       133       (239 )     31,148  
State and political subdivisions
    18,219       414       (119 )     18,514  
Corporate securities
    1,120       -       (302 )     818  
Other equity securities
    414       6       (21 )     399  
    $ 82,029     $ 643     $ (834 )   $ 81,838  
Securities to be held to maturity
                               
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 39,099     $ 142     $ (554 )   $ 38,687  
Mortgage-backed securities
    90,193       1,839       (363 )     91,669  
State and political subdivisions
    61,095       1,603       (366 )     62,332  
Corporate securities
    150       -       -       150  
    $ 190,537     $ 3,584     $ (1,283 )   $ 192,838  
Non-marketable securities:
                               
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
    14,031       -       -       14,031  
Federal Reserve Bank Stock
    1,412       -       -       1,412  
Total
  $ 15,443     $ -     $ -     $ 15,443  

The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of investment securities at September 30, 2010:

   
Securities available for sale
   
Securities to be held to maturity
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value (Estimated)
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value (Estimated)
 
Due in 1 year or less
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,197     $ 1,210  
Due in 1 to 5 years
    2,948       3,140       5,838       6,189  
Due in 5 to 10 years
    2,387       2,440       15,161       16,184  
Due after 10 years
    224,182       226,110       99,145       103,085  
Equity securities
    371       385       -       -  
    $ 229,888     $ 232,075     $ 121,341     $ 126,668  

The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of investment securities at December 31, 2009:

   
Securities available for sale
   
Securities to be held to maturity
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value (Estimated)
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair Value (Estimated)
 
Due in 1 year or less
  $ -     $ -     $ 330     $ 335  
Due in 1 to 5 years
    18,144       18,381       7,934       8,245  
Due in 5 to 10 years
    3,671       3,783       15,020       15,591  
Due after 10 years
    59,800       59,275       167,253       168,667  
Equity securities
    414       399       -       -  
    $ 82,029     $ 81,838     $ 190,537     $ 192,838  

At September 30, 2010, securities with a fair value of $124.7 million were pledged to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements, and for other purposes as required by law. This compares to securities with a fair value of $154.0 million as of December 31, 2009 pledged for the same purpose.

 
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Gains and losses on the sale of securities available for sale are computed by subtracting the amortized cost at the time of sale from the security’s selling price, net of accrued interest to be received. The following table shows securities gains and losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

In thousands of dollars 
 
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2010
   
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2009
 
Proceeds from sales
  $ 202     $ 2,914  
Gross gains
  $ 2     $ 9  
Gross losses
    -       (156 )
Net gain/(loss)
  $ 2     $ (147 )
Related income taxes
  $ 1     $ (55 )

Management reviews securities with unrealized losses for other than temporary impairment. As of September 30, 2010, there were 47 securities with unrealized losses held in the Company’s portfolio. These securities were temporarily impaired as a result of changes in interest rates reducing their fair market value, of which eight had been temporarily impaired for 12 months or more. At the present time, there have been no material changes in the credit quality of these securities resulting in other than temporary impairment, and in Management’s opinion, no additional write-down for other-than-temporary impairment is warranted. Information regarding securities temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2010 is summarized below:

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 5,924     $ (8 )   $ -     $ -     $ 5,924     $ (8 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    136,212       (1,594 )     1,028       (20 )     137,240       (1,614 )
State and political subdivisions
    312       (3 )     1,561       (182 )     1,873       (185 )
Corporate securities
    -       -       848       (267 )     848       (267 )
Other equity securities
    -       -       48       (5 )     48       (5 )
    $ 142,448     $ (1,605 )   $ 3,485     $ (474 )   $ 145,933     $ (2,079 )

During the first quarter of 2009, the Company took an after-tax charge of $596,000 for other-than-temporary impairment related to one automotive company corporate security in the investment portfolio. As of December 31, 2009, there were 45 securities with unrealized losses held in the Company’s portfolio. These securities were temporarily impaired as a result of changes in interest rates reducing their fair market value, of which eight had been temporarily impaired for 12 months or more. Information regarding securities temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2009 is summarized below:

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
 In thousands of dollars
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 19,999     $ (707 )   $ -     $ -     $ 19,999     $ (707 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    47,509       (602 )     -       -       47,509       (602 )
State and political subdivisions
    9,396       (147 )     1,350       (338 )     10,746       (485 )
Corporate securities
    -       -       818       (302 )     818       (302 )
Other equity securities
    -       -       44       (21 )     44       (21 )
    $ 76,904     $ (1,456 )   $ 2,212     $ (661 )   $ 79,116     $ (2,117 )

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston. The FHLB is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank for housing and finance in the six New England States. Its mission is to support the residential mortgage and community-development lending activities of its members, which include over 450 financial institutions across New England. As a requirement of membership in the FHLB, the Bank must own a minimum required amount

 
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of FHLB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLB. The Bank uses the FHLB for much of its wholesale funding needs. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Bank’s investment in FHLB stock totaled $14.0 million.
FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security and therefore is reported at cost, which equals par value. Shares held in excess of the minimum required amount are generally redeemable at par value. However, in the first quarter of 2009 the FHLB announced a moratorium on such redemptions in order to preserve its capital in response to current market conditions and declining retained earnings. The minimum required shares are redeemable, subject to certain limitations, five years following termination of FHLB membership. The Bank has no intention of terminating its FHLB membership.
The FHLB has announced that dividend payments for 2010 are unlikely and the Company will likely have no dividend income on its FHLB stock in 2010. FHLB’s net income for the third quarter of 2010 was $41.3 million, a $146.8 million increase from a net loss of $105.4 million in the third quarter of 2009. The increase was primarily due to a $168.3 million decrease in the credit-related other-than-temporary impairment charges on certain private-label mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by factors including a $6.6 million decrease in net interest income after provision for credit losses, a $10.3 million increase in REFCorp assessments, and a $4.6 million increase in Affordable Housing Program contributions. Credit-related other-than-temporary impairment charges on certain private-label mortgage-backed securities were $5.9 million for the third quarter of 2010, a $168.3 million, or 96.6%, decrease from the $174.2 million recorded in the third quarter of 2009. The $5.9 million charge resulted from an increase in projected losses on the collateral underlying 37 private-label mortgage-backed securities with a combined par value of $715.9 million. The reduction in credit losses attributable to other-than-temporary impairment, compared with the third quarter of 2009, primarily reflects the relative stabilization in projected factors, such as home prices and unemployment rates that affect the expected performance of the mortgage loans underlying FHLB’s private-label mortgage-backed securities. FHLB’s total regulatory capital-to-asset ratio was 6.4% at September 30, 2010, exceeding the regulatory minimum requirement by 2.4%. FHLB’s permanent capital was $4.0 billion.
The Bank periodically evaluates its investment in FHLB stock for impairment based on, among other things, the capital adequacy of the FHLB and its overall financial condition. No impairment losses have been recorded through September 30, 2010. The Bank will continue to monitor its investment in FHLB stock.

Note 3 – Loans

The following table shows the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio as of September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009:

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2009
 
Commercial
                                   
   Real estate
  $ 251,767       27.4 %   $ 240,178       25.2 %   $ 236,807       24.3 %
   Construction
    40,304       4.4 %     48,714       5.1 %     50,601       5.2 %
   Other
    106,993       11.6 %     114,486       12.0 %     118,151       12.1 %
Municipal
    25,737       2.8 %     45,952       4.8 %     55,889       5.7 %
Residential
                                               
   Term
    352,872       38.4 %     367,267       38.7 %     381,718       39.3 %
   Construction
    18,380       2.0 %     17,361       1.8 %     17,056       1.8 %
Home equity line of credit
    104,434       11.4 %     94,324       9.9 %     88,830       9.1 %
Consumer
    18,051       2.0 %     24,210       2.5 %     24,771       2.5 %
Total loans
  $ 918,538       100.0 %   $ 952,492       100.0 %   $ 973,823       100.0 %

Loan balances include net deferred loan costs of $1.9 million as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, and deferred loan fees of $560,000 and 548,000 for the same periods, respectively. Pursuant to collateral agreements, qualifying first mortgage loans, which were valued at $270.1 million at September 30, 2010 and $295.1 million at December 31, 2009, were used to collateralize borrowings from the FHLB.

 
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Transactions in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 13,637     $ 8,800  
Provision charged to operating expenses
    6,300       7,660  
      19,937       16,460  
Loans charged off
    (5,916 )     (3,817 )
Recoveries on loans
    224       157  
  Net loans charged off
    (5,692 )     (3,660 )
Balance at end of period
  $ 14,245     $ 12,800  

Loans on non-accrual status totaled $21.7 million at September 30, 2010, $18.6 million at December 31, 2009 and $17.6 million at September 30, 2009. Loans past due greater than 90 days which are accruing interest totaled $729,000 at September 30, 2010, $1.2 million at December 31, 2009 and $4.6 million at September 30, 2009. The Company continues to accrue interest on these loans because it believes collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured. Information regarding impaired loans is as follows:

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
   
September 30,
2009
 
Balance of impaired loans
  $ 25,375     $ 25,843     $ 17,571  
Less portion for which no allowance for loan losses is allocated
    (16,174 )     (13,682 )     (8,081 )
Portion of impaired loan balance for which an allowance for loan losses is allocated
    9,201       12,161       9,490  
Portion of allowance for loan losses allocated to the impaired loan balance
  $ 1,073     $ 2,196     $ 2,810  

Note 4 – Stock Options and Stock-Based Compensation

At the 2010 Annual Meeting, shareholders approved the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”). This reserves 400,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance in connection with stock options, restricted stock awards and other equity based awards to attract and retain the best available personnel, provide additional incentive to officers, employees and non-employee Directors and promote the success of our business. Such grants and awards will be structured in a manner that does not encourage the recipients to expose the Company to undue or inappropriate risk. Options issued under the 2010 Plan will qualify for treatment as incentive stock options for purposes of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. Other compensation under the 2010 Plan will qualify as performance-based for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and will satisfy NASDAQ guidelines relating to equity compensation. As of September 30, 2010, no awards had been granted under the 2010 Plan.
The Company established a shareholder-approved stock option plan in 1995 (the “1995 Plan”), under which the Company granted options to employees for 600,000 shares of common stock. Only incentive stock options were granted under the 1995 Plan. The option price of each option grant was determined by the Options Committee of the Board of Directors, and in no instance was less than the fair market value on the date of the grant. An option’s maximum term was ten years from the date of grant, with 50% of the options granted vesting two years from the date of grant and the remaining 50% vesting five years from date of grant. As of January 16, 2005, all options under the 1995 Plan had been granted.
The Company applies the fair value recognition provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation”, to stock-based employee compensation. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, $28,000 in compensation cost was recognized for options granted under the 1995 Plan, and the unrecognized compensation cost to be amortized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of three months is $9,000, which is for 21,000 options granted in 2005. The weighted average fair market value per share was $4.41 at the time of grant. The fair market value was estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and the following assumptions: quarterly dividends of $0.12, risk-free interest rate of 4.20%, volatility of 25.81%, and an expected life of ten years, the options’ maximum term. Volatility is

 
Page 11

 


based on the actual volatility of the Company’s stock during the quarter in which the options were granted. The risk-free rate for periods within the contractual life of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of the option grant.
The following table summarizes the non-vested options as of September 30, 2010:

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested at December 31, 2009
    21,000     $ 4.41  
  Granted in 2010
    -       -  
  Vested in 2010
    (21,000 )     4.41  
  Forfeited in 2010
    -       -  
Non-vested at September 30, 2010
    -     $ -  

During 2010, no options have been exercised. A summary of the status of the Stock Option Plan as of September 30, 2010 and changes during the nine-month period then ended, is presented below.

   
Number of Shares
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
(In thousands)
 
Outstanding at December 31, 2009
    55,500     $ 15.89              
     Granted in 2010
    -       -              
     Exercised in 2010
    -       -              
     Forfeited in 2010
    -       -              
Outstanding at September 30, 2010
    55,500     $ 15.89       3.8     $ 51  
Exercisable at September 30, 2010
    55,500     $ 15.89       3.8     $ 51  

Note 5 – Preferred and Common Stock

Preferred Stock

On January 9, 2009, the Company received $25 million from preferred stock issuance under the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program (the “CPP Shares”) at a purchase price of $1,000 per share. The CPP Shares call for cumulative dividends at a rate of 5.0% per year for the first five years, and at a rate of 9.0% per year in following years, payable quarterly in arrears on February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15 of each year. Incident to such issuance, the Company issued to the U.S. Treasury warrants (the “Warrants”) to purchase up to 225,904 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price per share of $16.60 (subject to adjustment). The CPP Shares and the related Warrants (and any shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the Warrants) are freely transferable by Treasury to third parties and the Company has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to allow for possible resale of such securities. The CPP Shares qualify as Tier 1 capital on the Company’s books for regulatory purposes and rank senior to the Company’s common stock and senior or at an equal level in the Company’s capital structure to any other shares of preferred stock the Company may issue in the future.
The Company may redeem the CPP Shares at any time using any funds available to the Company, and any redemption would be subject to the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The minimum amount that may be redeemed is 25% of the original CPP investment. The CPP Shares are “perpetual” preferred stock, which means that neither Treasury nor any subsequent holder would have a right to require that the Company redeem any of the shares.
During the first three years following the Company’s sale of the CPP Shares, the Company is required to obtain Treasury’s consent to increase the dividend per share paid on the Company’s common stock unless the Company had redeemed the CPP Shares in full or Treasury had transferred all of the CPP Shares to other parties. Also during the first three years following the Company’s sale of the CPP Shares, the Company is required to obtain Treasury’s consent in
order to repurchase any shares of its outstanding stock of any type (other than purchases of common stock or preferred

 
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stock ranking junior to the CPP Shares in the ordinary course of the Company’s business and consistent with the Company’s past practices in connection with a benefit plan) unless the Company had redeemed the CPP Shares in full or Treasury had transferred all of the CPP Shares to other parties.
As a condition to Treasury’s purchase of the CPP Shares, during the time that Treasury holds any equity or debt instrument the Company issued, the Company is required to comply with certain restrictions and other requirements relating to the compensation of the Company’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer and three other most highly compensated executive officers. These restrictions include a prohibition on severance payments to those executive officers upon termination of their employment and a $500,000 limit on the tax deductions the Company can take for compensation expense for each of those executive officers in a single year as well as a prohibition on bonus compensation to such officers other than limited amounts of long-term restricted stock.
In conjunction with the sale of the CPP Shares, the Company also issued warrants to Treasury giving it the right to purchase from the Company 225,904 shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $16.60 per share. The Warrants have a term of ten years and could be exercised by Treasury or a subsequent holder at any time or from time to time during their term. To the extent they had not previously been exercised, the Warrants would expire after ten years. Treasury will not vote any shares of common stock it receives upon exercise of the Warrants, but that restriction would not apply to third parties to whom Treasury transferred the Warrants. The Warrants (and any common stock issued upon exercise of the Warrants) could be transferred to third parties separately from the CPP Shares. The proceeds from the sale of the CPP Shares were allocated between the CPP Shares and Warrants based on their relative fair values on the issue date. The fair value of the Warrants was determined using the Black-Scholes model which includes the following assumptions: common stock price of $16.60 per share, dividend yield of 4.70%, stock price volatility of 24.43%, and a risk-free interest rate of 2.01%. The discount on the CPP Shares was based on the value that was allocated to the Warrants upon issuance, and is being accreted back to the value of the CPP Shares over a five-year period (the expected life of the shares upon issuance) on a straight-line basis.

Common Stock

As a consequence of the Company’s issuance of securities under the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program (“the CPP”), its ability to repurchase stock while such securities remain outstanding is restricted to purchases from employee benefit plans. In the first nine months of 2010, the Company repurchased no common stock.

Note 6 – Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
Income
   
Shares
   
Per-Share
 
In thousands, except number of shares and per share data
 
(Numerator)
   
(Denominator)
   
Amount
 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010
                 
Net income as reported
  $ 9,039              
Less dividends and amortization of premium on preferred stock
    1,011              
Basic EPS: Income available to common shareholders
    8,028       9,757,074     $ 0.82  
Effect of dilutive securities: incentive stock options
            4,707          
Diluted EPS: Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 8,028       9,761,781     $ 0.82  
For the nine months ended September 30, 2009
                       
Net income as reported
  $ 10,380                  
Less dividends and amortization of premium on preferred stock
    824                  
Basic EPS: Income available to common shareholders
    9,556       9,716,129     $ 0.98  
Effect of dilutive securities: incentive stock options and warrants
            26,808          
Diluted EPS: Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 9,556       9,742,937     $ 0.98  

 
Page 13

 


The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

   
Income
   
Shares
   
Per-Share
 
In thousands, except number of shares and per share data
 
(Numerator)
   
(Denominator)
   
Amount
 
For the quarter ended September 30, 2010
                 
Net income as reported
  $ 3,195              
Less dividends and amortization of premium on preferred stock
    337              
Basic EPS: Income available to common shareholders
    2,858       9,764,184     $ 0.29  
Effect of dilutive securities: incentive stock options
            4,062          
Diluted EPS: Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 2,858       9,768,246     $ 0.29  
For the quarter ended September 30, 2009
                       
Net income as reported
  $ 2,890                  
Less dividends and amortization of premium on preferred stock
    337                  
Basic EPS: Income available to common shareholders
    2,553       9,723,757     $ 0.26  
Effect of dilutive securities: incentive stock options and warrants
            52,629          
Diluted EPS: Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions
  $ 2,553       9,776,386     $ 0.26  

All earnings per share calculations have been made using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. The potentially dilutive securities are incentive stock options granted to certain key members of Management and warrants granted to the U.S. Treasury under the CPP. The number of dilutive shares is calculated using the treasury method, assuming that all options and warrants were exercisable at the end of each period. Options and warrants that are out-of-the-money are not considered in the calculation of dilutive earnings per share as the effect would be anti-dilutive.
The following table presents the number of options and warrants outstanding as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and the amount which are above or below the strike price:

 
 Outstanding
 In-the-Money
 Out-of-the-Money
As of September 30, 2010
     
Incentive stock options
55,500
13,500
42,000
Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury
225,904
-
225,904
Total dilutive securities
281,404
13,500
267,904
As of September 30, 2009
     
Incentive stock options
73,500
73,500
-
Warrants issued to U.S. Treasury
225,904
225,904
-
Total dilutive securities
299,404
299,404
-

Note 7 – Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan
The Bank has a defined contribution plan available to substantially all employees who have completed nine months of service. Employees may contribute up to $16,500 of their compensation if under age 50 and $22,000 if age 50 or over, and the Bank may match employee contributions not to exceed 3.0% of compensation depending on contribution level. Subject to a vote of the Board of Directors, the Bank may also make a profit-sharing contribution to the Plan. Such contribution equaled 2.0% of each eligible employee’s compensation in 2009. The amount for 2010 has not been established. The expense related to the 401(k) plan was $269,000 and $254,000 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 
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Supplemental Retirement Benefits
The Bank also provides unfunded, non-qualified supplemental retirement benefits for certain officers, payable in installments over 20 years upon retirement or death. The agreements consist of individual contracts with differing characteristics that, when taken together, do not constitute a postretirement plan. The costs for these benefits are recognized over the service periods of the participating officers in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 712 “Compensation – Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits”. The expense of these supplemental retirement benefits was $174,000 and $147,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively. As of September 30, 2010, the associated accrued liability was $1,555,000 compared to $1,418,000 and $1,370,000 at December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, respectively.

Post-Retirement Benefit Plans
The Bank sponsors two post-retirement benefit plans. One plan currently provides a subsidy for health insurance premiums to certain retired employees and a future subsidy for seven active employees who were age 50 and over in 1996. These subsidies are based on years of service and range between $40 and $1,200 per month per person. The other plan provides life insurance coverage to certain retired employees. The Bank also provides health insurance for retired directors. None of these plans are pre-funded. The Company utilizes FASB ASC Topic 712 “Compensation – Nonretirement Postemployment Benefits” to recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of a defined benefit postretirement plan as an asset or liability in its balance sheet and to recognize changes in the funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The following table sets forth the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and funded status:

   
For the nine months ended
 September 30,
 
In thousands of dollars
 
2010
   
2009
 
Change in benefit obligation
           
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 1,962     $ 1,990  
Service cost
    16       15  
Interest cost
    101       101  
Benefits paid
    (111 )     (117 )
Benefit obligation at end of period
    1,968       1,989  
Funded status
               
Benefit obligation at end of period
    (1,968 )     (1,989 )
Accrued benefit cost at end of period
  $ (1,968 )   $ (1,989 )

The following table sets forth the net periodic pension cost:

   
For nine months ended
September 30,
   
For three months ended
September 30,
 
 In thousands of dollars
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost
                       
Service cost
  $ 16     $ 15     $ 5     $ 7  
Interest cost
    101       101       34       33  
Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation
    21       21       7       7  
Amortization of prior service credit
    (1 )     (2 )     -       -  
Amortization of accumulated losses
    18       15       6       5  
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 155     $ 150     $ 52     $ 52  


 
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Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
   
September 30,
2009
 
Unamortized net actuarial loss
  $ (233 )   $ (233 )   $ (295 )
Unrecognized transition obligation
    (70 )     (92 )     (100 )
      (303 )     (325 )     (395 )
Deferred tax benefit at 35%
    106       114       138  
Net unrecognized postretirement benefits included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (197 )   $ (211 )   $ (257 )

A weighted average discount rate of 7.0% was used in determining the accumulated benefit obligation and the net periodic benefit cost. The assumed health care cost trend rate is 7.0%. The measurement date for benefit obligations was as of year-end for prior years presented. The expected benefit payments for the fourth quarter of 2010 are $37,000 and the expected benefit payments for all of 2010 are $148,000. There is no expected contribution for 2010. Plan expense for 2010 is estimated to be $175,000. A 1% change in trend assumptions would create an approximate change in the same direction of approximately $100,000 in the accumulated benefit obligation, $7,000 in the interest cost and $1,400 in the service cost.

Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

As of December 31, 2009, in accordance FASB ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other,” the Company completed its annual review of goodwill and determined there has been no impairment.

Note 9 – Mortgage Servicing Rights

FASB ASC Topic 940 “Financial Services – Mortgage Banking”, requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. The Company’s servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported using the amortization method. In evaluating the carrying values of mortgage servicing rights, the Company obtains third party valuations based on loan level data including note rate, type and term of the underlying loans. The model utilizes several assumptions, the most significant of which is loan prepayments, calculated using a three-month moving average of weekly prepayment data published by the Public Securities Association (PSA) and modeled against the serviced loan portfolio, and the discount rate to discount future cash flows. As of September 30, 2010, the prepayment assumption using the PSA model was 259, which translates into an anticipated prepayment rate of 15.54%. The discount rate is the quarterly average ten-year U.S. Treasuries plus 5.0%. Other assumptions include delinquency rates, foreclosure rates, servicing cost inflation, and annual unit loan cost. All assumptions are adjusted periodically to reflect current circumstances. Amortization of mortgage servicing rights, as well as write-offs due to prepayments of the related mortgage loans, are recorded as a charge against mortgage servicing fee income.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, servicing rights capitalized totaled $385,000 and $1,083,000, respectively. Servicing rights capitalized for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, were $149,000 and $217,000 respectively. Servicing rights amortized for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, were $313,000 and $688,000, respectively. Servicing rights amortized for the three-month periods ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, were $115,000 and $121,000, respectively. The fair value of servicing rights was $1,166,000, $1,422,000 and $1,300,000 at September 30, 2010, December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, respectively. At September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Bank serviced loans for others totaling $242.3 million and $213.8 million, respectively. Mortgage servicing rights are included in other assets and detailed in the following table:

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30,
 2009
 
Mortgage servicing rights
  $ 5,467     $ 5,086     $ 4,911  
Accumulated amortization
    (4,128 )     (3,814 )     (3,715 )
Impairment reserve
    (216 )     (73 )     (71 )
    $ 1,123     $ 1,199     $ 1,125  
 
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Note 10 – Income Taxes

FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes” defines the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a company’s financial statements. Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the IRS for the years ended December 31, 2007 through 2009.

Note 11- Certificates of Deposit

The following table represents the breakdown of Certificates of Deposits at September 30, 2010 and 2009, and at December 31, 2009:

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2009
 
Certificates of deposit < $100,000
  $ 243,977     $ 212,893     $ 228,835  
Certificates $100,000 to $250,000
    326,515       287,051       284,143  
Certificates $250,000 and over
    39,816       56,153       66,243  
    $ 610,308     $ 556,097     $ 579,221  

Note 12 – Reclassifications

Certain items from the prior year were reclassified in the financial statements to conform with the current year presentation. These do not have a material impact on the balance sheet or statement of income presentations.

Note 13 – Fair Value Disclosures

Certain assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value to provide additional insight into the Company’s quality of earnings. Some of these assets and liabilities are measured on a recurring basis while others are measured on a nonrecurring basis, with the determination based upon applicable existing accounting pronouncements. For example, securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Other assets, such as, mortgage servicing rights, loans held for sale, and impaired loans, are recorded at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using the lower of cost or market methodology to determine impairment of individual assets. The Company groups assets and liabilities which are recorded at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement (with level 1 considered highest and level 3 considered lowest). A brief description of each level follows.
Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.
Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation includes use of discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

The most significant instruments that the Company fair values include securities which fall into Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. The securities in the available for sale portfolio are priced by independent providers. In obtaining such valuation information from third parties, the Company has evaluated their valuation methodologies used to develop the fair values in order to determine whether the valuations are representative of an exit price in the Company’s principal markets. The Company’s principal markets for its securities portfolios are the secondary institutional markets, with an exit price that is predominantly reflective of bid level pricing in those markets.


 
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Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices for similar assets, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using matrix pricing models, or other model-based valuation techniques requiring observable inputs other than quoted prices such as yield curves, prepayment speeds, and default rates. Recurring Level 1 securities would include U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets. Recurring Level 2 securities include federal agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities.
The following table presents the balances of assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.

   
At September 30, 2010
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities available for sale
                       
   U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ -     $ 20,314     $ -     $ 20,314  
   Mortgage-backed securities
    -       174,797       -       174,797  
   State and political subdivisions
    -       35,732       -       35,732  
   Corporate securities
    -       847       -       847  
   Other equity securities
    -       385       -       385  
Total assets
  $ -     $ 232,075     $ -     $ 232,075  

   
At December 31, 2009
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Securities available for sale
                       
   U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ -     $ 30,959     $ -     $ 30,959  
   Mortgage-backed securities
    -       31,148       -       31,148  
   State and political subdivisions
    -       18,514       -       18,514  
   Corporate securities
    -       818       -       818  
   Other equity securities
    -       399       -       399  
Total assets
  $ -     $ 81,838     $ -     $ 81,838  

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis

Mortgage Servicing Rights. Mortgage servicing rights represent the value associated with servicing residential mortgage loans. Servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported using the amortization method. In evaluating the carrying values of mortgage servicing rights, the Company obtains third party valuations based on loan level data including note rate, type and term of the underlying loans. As such, the Company classifies mortgage servicing rights as nonrecurring Level 2.
Loans Held for Sale. Mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or market value. The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is based on what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios with similar characteristics. As such, the Company classifies mortgage loans held for sale as nonrecurring Level 2.
Other Real Estate Owned. Real estate acquired through foreclosure is initially recorded at market value. The fair value of other real estate owned is based on property appraisals and an analysis of similar properties currently available. As such, the Company records other real estate owned as nonrecurring Level 2.
Impaired Loans. A loan is considered to be impaired when it is probable that all of the principal and interest due under the original underwriting terms of the loan may not be collected. Impairment is measured based on the fair value of the underlying collateral. As such, the Company records impaired loans as nonrecurring Level 2.
The following table includes assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that have had a fair value adjustment since their initial recognition. Other real estate owned is presented net of an allowance of $670,000 at
September 30, 2010 and $583,000 at December 31, 2009. Impaired loans measured at fair value only include impaired loans with a related specific allowance for loan losses and are presented net of specific allowances of $1.1 million at

 
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September 30, 2010 and $2.2 million at December 31, 2009.

   
At September 30, 2010
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Mortgage servicing rights
  $ -     $ 1,166     $ -     $ 1,166  
Loans held for sale
    -       1,031       -       1,031  
Other real estate owned
    -       5,338       -       5,338  
Impaired loans
    -       8,128       -       8,128  
Total assets
  $ -     $ 15,613     $ -     $ 15,613  

   
At December 31, 2009
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
Mortgage servicing rights
  $ -     $ 1,422     $ -     $ 1,422  
Loans held for sale
    -       2,876       -       2,876  
Other real estate owned
    -       5,345       -       5,345  
Impaired loans
    -       9,965       -       9,965  
Total assets
  $ -     $ 19,608     $ -     $ 19,608  

FASB ASC Topic 825 “Financial Instruments”, requires disclosures of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, if the fair values can be reasonably determined. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques using observable inputs when available. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument. Topic 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented may not necessarily represent the underlying fair value of the Company.
The estimated fair values for financial instruments as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 were as follows:

   
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
 
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
   
Carrying
   
Estimated
 
 In thousands of dollars
 
amount
   
fair value
   
amount
   
fair value
 
Financial assets
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 13,880     $ 13,880     $ 15,332     $ 15,332  
Securities available for sale
    232,075       232,075       81,838       81,838  
Securities to be held to maturity
    121,341       126,668       190,537       192,838  
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank stock
    15,443       15,443       15,443       15,443  
Loans held for sale
    1,031       1,031       2,876       2,876  
Loans (net of allowance for loan losses)
    904,293       917,068       938,855       938,095  
Accrued interest receivable
    5,445       5,445       4,889       4,889  
Financial liabilities
                               
Deposits
  $ 986,932     $ 966,060     $ 922,667     $ 877,883  
Borrowed funds
    222,672       231,621       249,778       255,292  
Accrued interest payable
    911       911       1,078       1,078  

The fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions for the Company’s financial instruments are set forth below.


 
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Cash and Cash Equivalents
The carrying values of cash equivalents and due from banks approximate their relative fair values.

Investment Securities
The fair values of investment securities are estimated based on bid prices published in financial newspapers or bid quotations received from securities dealers. The fair value of certain state and municipal securities is not readily available through market sources other than dealer quotations, so fair value estimates are based on quoted market prices of similar instruments, adjusted for differences between the quoted instruments and the instruments being valued. Fair values are calculated based on the value of one unit without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of a financial instrument, possible tax ramifications, or estimated transaction costs. If these considerations had been incorporated into the fair value estimates, the aggregate fair value could have been changed. The carrying values of restricted equity securities approximate fair values.

Loans
Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. The fair values of performing loans are calculated by discounting scheduled cash flows through the estimated maturity using estimated market discount rates that reflect the credit and interest risk inherent in the loan. The estimates of maturity are based on the Company’s historical experience with repayments for each loan classification, modified, as required, by an estimate of the effect of current economic and lending conditions, and the effects of estimated prepayments. Fair values for significant non-performing loans are based on estimated cash flows and are discounted using a rate commensurate with the risk associated with the estimated cash flows. Assumptions regarding credit risk, cash flows, and discount rates are judgmentally determined using available market information and specific borrower information. Management has made estimates of fair value using discount rates that it believes to be reasonable. However, because there is no market for many of these financial instruments, Management has no basis to determine whether the fair value presented above would be indicative of the value negotiated in an actual sale.

Accrued Interest Receivable
The fair value estimate of this financial instrument approximates the carrying value as this financial instrument has a short maturity. It is the Company’s policy to stop accruing interest on loans for which it is probable that the interest is not collectible. Therefore, this financial instrument has been adjusted for estimated credit loss.

Deposits
The fair value of deposits is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. The fair value estimates do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposits compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market. If that value were considered, the fair value of the Company’s net assets could increase.

Borrowed Funds
The fair value of borrowed funds is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently available for borrowings of similar remaining maturities.

Accrued Interest Payable
The fair value estimate approximates the carrying amount as this financial instrument has a short maturity.

Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments
Off-balance-sheet instruments include loan commitments. Fair values for loan commitments have not been presented as the future revenue derived from such financial instruments is not significant.

Limitations
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These values do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at
one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on Management’s judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment

 
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and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance-sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Other significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments include the deferred tax asset, premises and equipment, and other real estate owned. In addition, tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.

Note 14 – Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance (incorporated in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) via Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2009-16, Transfers and Servicing: Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, in December 2009) which provides amended guidance relating to transfers of financial assets that eliminates the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity. This guidance must be applied as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. This guidance must be applied to transfers occurring on or after its effective date. On and after the effective date, the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity is no longer relevant for accounting purposes. Therefore, formerly qualifying special-purpose entities should be evaluated for consolidation by reporting entities on and after the effective date in accordance with the applicable consolidation guidance. The new guidance also changed the requirements which must be satisfied in order for an entity to treat a loan participation as a sale. The disclosure provisions were also amended and apply to transfers that occurred both before and after the effective date of this guidance. The adoption of this update did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance (incorporated in the FASB ASC via ASU 2009-17, Consolidations: Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities, in December 2009) which provides amended guidance for consolidation of a variable interest entity by replacing the quantitative-based risks and rewards calculation for determining which enterprise, if any, has a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity. The amended guidance uses an approach that focuses on identifying which enterprise has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and (1) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity or (2) the right to receive benefits from the entity. Additional disclosures about an enterprise’s involvement in variable interest entities are also required. This guidance is effective as of the beginning of each reporting entity’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009, for interim periods within that first annual reporting period, and for interim and annual reporting periods thereafter. The
adoption of this update did not have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures: Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements, to amend the disclosure requirements related to recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. The guidance requires new disclosures regarding transfers of assets and liabilities between Level 1 (quoted prices in active market for identical assets or liabilities) and Level 2 (significant other observable inputs) of the fair value measurement hierarchy, including the reasons and the timing of the transfers. Additionally, the guidance requires a rollforward of activities, separately reporting purchases, sales, issuance, and settlements, for assets and liabilities measured using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 fair value measurements). The guidance is effective for annual reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2009, and for interim periods within those annual reporting periods except for the changes to the disclosure of rollforward activities for any Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for annual reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2010, and for interim periods within those annual reporting periods. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-09, Subsequent Events: Amendments to Certain Recognition and Disclosure Requirements, related to events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued. This guidance amends existing standards to address potential conflicts with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) guidance and refines the scope of the reissuance disclosure requirements to include revised
financial statements only. Under this guidance, SEC filers are no longer required to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated. The adoption of this update did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 
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In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, Receivables (Topic 310): Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses. This ASU is intended to provide additional information to assist financial statement users in assessing an entity’s credit risk exposures and evaluating the adequacy of its allowance for credit losses. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2010. Other than requiring additional disclosures, adoption of this new guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations
The First Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiary

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains statements that are “forward-looking statements.” We may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the Secutities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in our annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors or employees. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “assume,” “outlook,” “will,” “should,” and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company. These risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
Some of the factors that might cause these differences include the following: changes in general national, regional or international economic conditions or conditions affecting the banking or financial services industries or financial capital markets, volatility and disruption in national and international financial markets, government intervention in the U.S. financial system, reductions in net interest income resulting from interest rate volatility as well as changes in the balance and mix of loans and deposits, reductions in the market value of wealth management assets under administration, changes in the value of securities and other assets, reductions in loan demand, changes in loan collectability, default and charge-off rates, changes in the size and nature of the Company’s competition, changes in legislation or regulation and accounting principles, policies and guidelines, and changes in the assumptions used in making such forward-looking statements. In addition, the factors described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC, may result in these differences. You should carefully review all of these factors, and you should be aware that there may be other factors that could cause these differences. These forward-looking statements were based on information, plans and estimates at the date of this quarterly report, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or other changes.
Although The First Bancorp, Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company, which attempt to advise interested parties of the facts that affect the Company’s business.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition is based on the consolidated financial statements which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of such financial statements requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, Management evaluates its estimates, including those related to the allowance for loan losses, goodwill, the valuation of mortgage servicing rights, and other-than-temporary impairment on securities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis in making judgments about the carrying values

 
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of assets that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from the amount derived from Management’s estimates and assumptions under different assumptions or conditions.
Allowance for Loan Losses. Management believes the allowance for loan losses requires the most significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. It is based on Management’s evaluation of the level required in relation to estimated loss exposure in the loan portfolio. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is a significant estimate and regularly evaluates it for adequacy by taking into consideration factors such as prior loan loss experience, the character and size of the loan portfolio, business and economic conditions and Management’s estimation of potential losses. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different provisions for loan losses.
Goodwill. Management utilizes numerous techniques to estimate the value of various assets held by the Company, including methods to determine the appropriate carrying value of goodwill as required under FASB ASC Topic 350 “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other.” Goodwill from a purchase acquisition is subject to ongoing periodic impairment tests, which include an evaluation of the ongoing assets, liabilities and revenues from the acquisition and an estimation of the impact of business conditions.
Mortgage Servicing Rights. The valuation of mortgage servicing rights is a critical accounting policy which requires significant estimates and assumptions. The Bank often sells mortgage loans it originates and retains the ongoing servicing of such loans, receiving a fee for these services, generally 0.25% of the outstanding balance of the loan per annum. Mortgage servicing rights are recognized when they are acquired through the sale of loans, and are reported in other assets. They are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Management uses an independent firm which specializes in the valuation of mortgage servicing rights to determine the fair value. The most important assumption is the anticipated loan prepayment rate. The valuation includes an evaluation for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights, which can vary depending upon current interest rates and prepayment expectations, as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. The use of different assumptions could produce a different valuation. All of the assumptions are based on standards the Company believes would be utilized by market participants in valuing mortgage servicing rights and are consistently derived and/or benchmarked against independent public sources.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment on Securities. One of the significant estimates related to investment securities is the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairments. The evaluation or other-than- temporary impairments is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer’s financial condition and/or future prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period of unrealized losses. Securities that are in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if an other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors and measures. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value of securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost or amortized cost and the expected recovery period of the security, (b) the financial condition, credit rating and future prospects of the issuer, (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, (d) the volatility of the securities market price, (e) the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery, which may be at maturity and (f) any other information and observable data considered relevant in determining whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, including the expectation of receipt of all principal and interest due.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain information in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this Report contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management uses these “non-GAAP” measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance and believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide a greater understanding of ongoing operations and enhance comparability of results with prior periods as well as demonstrating the effects of significant gains and charges in the current period. The Company believes that a meaningful analysis of its financial performance requires an understanding of the factors underlying that performance. Management believes that investors may use these non-GAAP financial measures to analyze financial performance without the impact of unusual items that may obscure trends in the Company’s underlying performance. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are

 
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they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.
In several places net interest income is presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis. Specifically included in interest income was tax-exempt interest income from certain investment securities and loans. An amount equal to the tax benefit derived from this tax exempt income has been added back to the interest income total, which adjustments
increased net interest income accordingly. Management believes the disclosure of tax-equivalent net interest income information improves the clarity of financial analysis, and is particularly useful to investors in understanding and
evaluating the changes and trends in the Company’s results of operations. Other financial institutions commonly present net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis. This adjustment is considered helpful in the comparison of one financial institution’s net interest income to that of another, as each will have a different proportion of tax-exempt interest from its earning assets. Moreover, net interest income is a component of a second financial measure commonly used by financial institutions, net interest margin, which is the ratio of net interest income to average earning assets. For purposes of this measure as well, other financial institutions generally use tax-equivalent net interest income to provide a better basis of comparison from institution to institution. The Company follows these practices. The following table provides a reconciliation of tax-equivalent financial information to the Company’s consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. A 35.0% tax rate was used in both 2010 and 2009.

   
For the nine months ended September 30,
   
For the quarters ended September 30,
 
 In thousands of dollars
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net interest income, as presented
  $ 30,231     $ 33,325     $ 10,253     $ 10,815  
Effect of tax-exempt income
    1,704       1,787       577       617  
Net interest income, tax equivalent
  $ 31,935     $ 35,112     $ 10,830     $ 11,432  

The Company presents its efficiency ratio using non-GAAP information. The GAAP-based efficiency ratio is noninterest expenses divided by net interest income plus noninterest income from the Consolidated Statements of Income. The non-GAAP efficiency ratio excludes securities losses and other-than-temporary impairment charges from noninterest expenses, excludes securities gains from noninterest income, and adds the tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income. The following table provides a reconciliation between the GAAP and non-GAAP efficiency ratio:

   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
   
For the quarters ended
September 30,
 
Dollars in thousands
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Non-interest expense, as presented
  $ 18,405     $ 19,892     $ 6,228     $ 6,872  
Net securities losses
    -       (147 )     -       -  
Other than temporary impairment charge
    -       (916 )     -       -  
Adjusted non-interest expense
    18,405       18,829       6,228       6,872  
Net interest income, as presented
    30,231       33,325       10,253       10,815  
Effect of tax-exempt income
    1,704       1,787       577       617  
Non-interest income, as presented
    6,524       8,525       2,067       2,977  
Effect of non-interest tax-exempt income
    141       138       47       46  
Net securities gains
    2       -       -       1  
Adjusted net interest income plus non-interest income
  $ 38,602     $ 43,775     $ 12,944     $ 14,456  
Non-GAAP efficiency ratio
    47.68 %     43.01 %     48.11 %     47.54 %
GAAP efficiency ratio
    50.07 %     47.53 %     50.55 %     49.83 %

The Company presents certain information based upon tangible average shareholders’ equity instead of total average shareholders’ equity. The difference between these measures is the Company’s intangible assets, specifically goodwill from prior acquisitions. Management, banking regulators and many stock analysts use the tangible common equity ratio and the tangible book value per common share in conjunction with more traditional bank capital ratios to compare the capital adequacy of banking organizations with significant amounts of goodwill or other intangible assets, typically stemming from the use of the purchase accounting method in accounting for mergers and acquisitions. The following table provides a reconciliation of tangible average shareholders’ equity to the Company’s consolidated

 
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financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles:

   
For the nine months ended
September 30,
   
For the quarters ended
September 30,
 
 In thousands of dollars
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Average shareholders' equity, as presented
  $ 151,132     $ 145,990     $ 152,951     $ 148,094  
Intangible assets
    27,684       27,684       27,684       27,684  
Tangible average shareholders' equity
  $ 123,448     $ 118,306     $ 125,267     $ 120,410  

Executive Summary

Net income for the first nine months of 2010 was $9.0 million, down $1.3 million or 12.9% from the $10.4 million posted for the same period in 2009. Earnings per common share on a fully diluted basis were $0.82 for the nine-months ended September 30, 2010, down $0.16 or 16.3% from the $0.98 posted for the same period in 2009. For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, net income was $3.2 million, up $0.3 million or 10.6% from the $2.9 million posted for the same period in 2009. Earnings per common share on a fully diluted basis were $0.29 for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, up $0.03 or 11.5% from the $0.26 posted for the same period in 2009. The Company saw a $35,000 increase in earnings from the previous quarter, making net income posted for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the highest posted in the past five quarters.
Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis was down $602,000 in the third quarter of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, with the variance coming from the net interest margin dropping from 3.59% to 3.36%. Year-to-date, net interest income is down $3.2 million from the same period in 2009, with the variance due primarily to our net interest margin declining from 3.65% to 3.39%. The margin decline year-to-date is the result of multiple factors: volume has been impacted by lower average earning assets in 2010 than in 2009 and rate compression is the result of some assets repricing downward and the extension of liabilities at a higher cost in order to reduce interest rate risk. For the third quarter, the decline in net interest margin was all attributable to rate compression.
While we continue to be in the longest and worst economic downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930’s, the Company feels that the deteriorating trend in credit quality experienced during the past two years has somewhat stabilized in the past three quarters. Non-performing loans stood at 2.36% on September 30, 2010 compared to 2.53% of total loans on June 30, 2010 and 1.95% on December 31, 2009. This compares favorably to nonperforming loans at 3.51% for our peer group as of June 30, 2010, the latest data available from the Uniform Bank Performance Report (“UBPR peer group”). Net chargeoffs were $5.7 million or 0.82% of average loans on an annualized basis for the first nine months of 2010. This compares to net chargeoffs of $3.7 million or 0.49% of average loans on an annualized basis for the first nine months of 2009.
The slump in the housing market is continuing and the national unemployment rate is at 9.6%. Fortunately, the unemployment rate in Maine, at 7.7%, is somewhat better than the national average. Unemployment numbers, however, do not reflect the number of people experiencing reduced incomes from wage cutbacks and loss of overtime. In Maine, many people who are self-employed are also experiencing a decline in business revenues impacting their individual incomes as well. We provisioned $6.3 million for loan losses in the first nine months of 2010, down $1.4 million from the $7.7 million provision made in the first nine months of 2009. As a result, the allowance for loan losses has increased $608,000 or 4.5% year-to-date and now stands at 1.55% of outstanding loans compared to 1.43% at December 31, 2009 and 1.31% at September 30, 2009.
Total assets have increased $43.2 million or 3.2% year-to-date. The loan portfolio is down $34.0 million or 3.6%, with a drop due to refinancing of mortgages to very low fixed rates that have been sold to the secondary market. The investment portfolio is up $81.0 million or 28.2% year-to-date. On the liability side of the balance sheet, low-cost deposits have increased $28.0 million or 10% year-over-year, which is above our normal seasonal pattern. Local certificates of deposit are up $4.6 million or 2.0%.
Remaining well capitalized remains a top priority for The First Bancorp. In the past year and a half, the Company’s total risk-based capital has increased from 11.13% to 15.98%, well above the well-capitalized threshold of 10.0% set by the FDIC. In Management’s view, participating in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program was the right decision for The First Bancorp. The Company obtained additional capital at a relatively low cost and it provides us with greater ability to ride out the current economic storm and allows us more flexibility to work with individuals and businesses as they too struggle through these adverse economic conditions.

 
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The Company’s operating ratios remain good, with a return on average tangible common equity of 12.60% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 compared to 11.96% for the same period in 2009. Based upon June 30, 2010 data, our return on average equity was in the top 26% of all banks in the UBPR peer group, which had an average return of 2.88%. Our efficiency ratio continues to be an important component in our overall performance; it slipped to 48.11% for the third quarter compared to 47.54% for the same period in 2009. This was the result of lower revenues and not due to a significant increase in operating expenses. As of June 30, 2010, the average efficiency ratio for our UBPR peer group was 67.56%, which put us in the top 7% of all banks in the UBPR peer group.

Net Interest Income

Total interest income of $42.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is a 10.8% decrease from total interest income of $48.1 million in the comparable period of 2009. Total interest expense of $12.7 million for the first nine months of 2010 is a 14.1% decrease from total interest expense of $14.8 million for the first nine months of 2009. As a result, net interest income decreased 9.3% or $3.1 million to $30.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, from the $33.3 million reported for the same period in 2009. The Company’s net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis decreased from 3.65% in the first nine months of 2009 to 3.39% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. This decrease was due to lower interest income as loans and investments continue to reprice downward, the previously noted decline in the mortgage loan portfolio, and extended maturities in wholesale funding. Tax-exempt interest income amounted to $3.2 million and $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
Total interest income of $14.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 is a 4.3% decrease from total interest income of $15.2 million in the same period in 2009. Total interest expense of $4.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 is a 2.1% decrease from total interest expense of $4.4 million in the comparable period of 2009. As a result, net interest income decreased 5.2% or $0.6 million to $10.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, from the $10.8 million reported for the same period in 2009. The Company’s net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis decreased from 3.59% for the quarter end September 30, 2009 to 3.36% for the quarter ended September 30, 2010. Tax-exempt interest income amounted to $1.1 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.
The following tables present the amount of interest earned or paid, as well as the average yield or rate on an annualized basis, for each major category of assets or liabilities for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, using a 35.0% tax rate in 2010 and 2009.

   
For the nine months ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Dollars in thousands
 
Amount of interest
   
Average Yield/Rate
   
Amount of interest
   
Average Yield/Rate
 
Interest on earning assets
                       
Interest-bearing deposits
  $ 5       6.08 %   $ 1       4.95 %
Investments
    10,913       4.54 %     11,585       5.21 %
Loans held for sale
    125       4.72 %     45       4.83 %
Loans
    33,579       4.81 %     38,249       5.18 %
   Total interest-earning assets
    44,622       4.74 %     49,880       5.19 %
Interest-bearing liabilities
                               
Deposits
    7,699       1.16 %     9,403       1.41 %
Other borrowings
    4,988       2.90 %     5,365       2.84 %
   Total interest-bearing liabilities
    12,687       1.52 %     14,768       1.72 %
Net interest income
  $ 31,935             $ 35,112          
Interest rate spread
            3.22 %             3.46 %
Net interest margin
            3.39 %             3.65 %


 
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For the quarters ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Dollars in thousands
 
Amount of interest
   
Average Yield/Rate
   
Amount of interest
   
Average Yield/Rate
 
Interest on earning assets
                       
Interest-bearing deposits
  $ 3       3.65 %   $ 1       4.84 %
Investments
    3,890       4.47 %     3,454       4.97 %
Loans held for sale
    45       4.69 %     44       4.49 %
Loans
    11,210       4.79 %     12,342       4.98 %
   Total interest-earning assets
    15,148       4.70 %     15,841       4.97 %
Interest-bearing liabilities
                               
Deposits
    2,648       1.17 %     2,709       1.21 %
Other borrowings
    1,669       2.88 %     1,700       2.95 %
   Total interest-bearing liabilities
    4,317       1.52 %     4,409       1.57 %
Net interest income
  $ 10,831             $ 11,432          
Interest rate spread
            3.19 %             3.41 %
Net interest margin
            3.36 %             3.59 %

The following tables present changes in interest income and expense attributable to changes in interest rates and volume for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the nine months and quarters ended September 30, 2010 compared to 2009. Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, using a 35.0% tax rate in 2010 and 2009.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to 2009
       
In thousands of dollars
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Rate/Volume1
   
Total
 
Interest on earning assets
                       
Interest-bearing deposits
  $ 3     $ -     $ 1     $ 4  
Investment securities
    934       (1,486 )     (120 )     (672 )
Loans held for sale
    38       (2 )     (1 )     35  
Loans
    (2,028 )     (2,743 )     146       (4,625 )
   Total interest income
    (1,053 )     (4,231 )     26       (5,258 )
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
    (38 )     (1,673 )     7       (1,704 )
Other borrowings2
    (481 )     114       (10 )     (377 )
Total interest expense
    (519 )     (1,559 )     (3 )     (2,081 )
   Change in net interest income
  $ (534 )   $ (2,672 )   $ 29     $ (3,177 )


 
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For the quarters ended September 30, 2010 compared to 2009
             
In thousands of dollars
 
Volume
   
Rate
   
Rate/Volume1
   
Total
 
Interest on earning assets
                       
Interest-bearing deposits
  $ 3     $ -     $ (1 )   $ 2  
Investment securities
    863       (342 )     (85 )     436  
Loans held for sale
    (1 )     2       -       1  
Loans
    (693 )     (465 )     26       (1,132 )
   Total interest income
    172       (805 )     (60 )     (693 )
Interest expense
                               
Deposits
    32       (92 )     (1 )     (61 )
Other borrowings2
    9       (40 )     -       (31 )
Total interest expense
    41       (132 )     (1 )     (92 )
   Change in net interest income
  $ 131     $ (673 )   $ (59 )   $ (601 )
1 Represents the change attributable to a combination of change in rate and change in volume.
2 Includes federal funds purchased.

 
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Average Daily Balance Sheets

The following table shows the Company’s average daily balance sheets for the nine-month periods and quarters ended September 30, 2010 and 2009.

   
For the nine months ended
   
For the quarters ended
 
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
   
September 30, 2010
   
September 30, 2009
 
Assets
                       
Cash and due from banks
  $ 15,736     $ 14,345     $ 18,256     $ 16,869  
Overnight funds sold
    110       27       326       82  
Securities available for sale
    153,762       22,707       203,694       35,288  
Securities to be held to maturity
    152,014       259,863       125,832       226,015  
Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost
    1,412       662       1,412       662  
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost
    14,031       14,031       14,031       14,031  
Loans held for sale (fair value approximates cost)
    3,539       2,493       3,810       3,884  
Loans
    933,854       986,196       928,357       983,613  
Allowance for loan losses
    (14,453 )     (10,617 )     (14,392 )     (12,325 )
     Net loans
    919,401       975,579       913,965       971,288  
Accrued interest receivable
    5,596       6,368       5,442       6,002  
Premises and equipment
    18,395       17,906       18,659       18,531  
Other real estate owned
    5,425       2,538       5,003       2,533  
Goodwill
    27,684       27,684       27,684       27,684  
Other assets
    29,306       21,139       29,356       22,799  
        Total Assets
  $ 1,346,411     $ 1,365,342     $ 1,367,470     $ 1,345,668  
Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
                               
Demand deposits
  $ 65,560     $ 63,531     $ 74,625     $ 70,108  
NOW deposits
    116,457       105,323       119,547       107,684  
Money market deposits
    80,879       111,601       72,472       103,697  
Savings deposits
    95,806       86,514       100,000       90,916  
Certificates of deposit
    596,270       589,603       606,541       585,825  
     Total deposits
    954,972       956,572       973,185       958,230  
Borrowed funds – short term
    10,163       6,688       40,148       12,394  
Borrowed funds – long term
    219,484       245,582       189,442       215,934  
Dividends payable
    987       932       988       1,015  
Other liabilities
    9,674       9,578       10,756       10,001  
     Total Liabilities
    1,195,280       1,219,352       1,214,519       1,197,574  
Shareholders’ Equity:
                               
Preferred stock
    24,606       24,267       24,656       24,558  
Common stock
    97       97       98       97  
Additional paid-in capital
    45,187       44,713       45,360       44,985  
Retained earnings
    80,873       77,631       81,505       79,013  
Net unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities
    573       (452 )     1,531       (298 )
Net unrealized loss on postretirement benefit costs
    (205 )     (266 )     (199 )     (261 )
    Total Shareholders’ Equity
    151,131       145,990       152,951       148,094  
       Total Liabilities & Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 1,346,411     $ 1,365,342     $ 1,367,470     $ 1,345,668  

 
Page 29

 
Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income was $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, a decrease of 23.5% from the $8.5 million reported for the first nine months of 2009. This decrease was attributable to mortgage origination and servicing income, which decreased $1.0 million or 52.6% as a result of a lower volume of residential mortgages refinancing and these loans being sold to the secondary market. It was also impacted by the sale of the merchant credit card servicing portfolio in December of 2009. As a result of this sale, $1.7 million in revenues which were recognized in the first nine months of 2009 were not repeated in 2010. Non-interest income was $2.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, a decrease of 30.6% from the $3.0 million reported for the quarter end September 30, 2009. This decrease was attributable to mortgage origination and merchant credit card income as mentioned above.

Non-Interest Expense

Non-interest expense of $18.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 is a decrease of 7.5% compared to non-interest expense of $19.9 million for the same period in 2009. This decrease was partly attributable to an other-than-temporary impairment charge of $0.9 million recorded during the first quarter of 2009 that did not recur in 2010. It was also impacted by the sale of the merchant credit card servicing portfolio in December of 2009. As a result of this sale, $1.6 million in expense that was recognized in the first nine months of 2009 were not repeated in 2010. Non-interest expense of $6.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 is a decrease of 9.4% compared to non-interest expense of $6.9 million for the same period in 2009. This decrease was attributable to a decrease in other operating expense for the quarter. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 47.68% for the first nine months of 2010 compared to 43.01% for the first nine months of 2009. This decline was the result of the decrease in both net interest income and non-interest income previously discussed, despite a decrease in non-interest expense.

Income Taxes

Income taxes on operating earnings were $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, down $907,000 from the same period in 2009, and $1.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, up $0.1 million for the same period in 2009. This is in line with the decrease in the Company’s level of income before taxes plus the purchase of additional New Markets Tax Credits in the second quarter of 2009.
FASB ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes” defines the criteria that an individual tax position must satisfy for some or all of the benefits of that position to be recognized in a company’s financial statements. Topic 740 prescribes a recognition threshold of more-likely-than-not, and a measurement attribute for all tax positions taken or expected to be taken, in order for those tax positions to be recognized in the financial statements. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the IRS for the years ended December 31, 2007 through 2009.

Investments

The Company’s investment portfolio increased by $81.0 million or 28.2% between December 31, 2009, and September 30, 2010. The growth in the portfolio in the nine months of 2010 was primarily in GNMA mortgage-backed securities, which are fully backed by the U.S. Government and carry no credit risk. As of September 30, 2010, mortgage-backed securities had a carrying value of $237.6 million and a fair value of $239.7 million. Of this total, securities with a fair value of $207.2 million or 86.4% of the mortgage-backed portfolio were issued by GNMA and securities with a fair value of $32.5 million or 13.5% of the mortgage-backed portfolio were issued by FHLMC and FNMA. The Company had one private label mortgage-backed security at September 30, 2010 with a fair value of $43,000.
The Company’s investment securities are classified into two categories: securities available for sale and securities to be held to maturity. Securities available for sale consist primarily of debt securities which Management intends to hold for indefinite periods of time. They may be used as part of the Company’s funds management strategy, and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment risk and liquidity needs, to increase capital ratios, or for other similar reasons. Securities to be held to maturity consist primarily of debt securities that the Company has acquired solely for long-term investment purposes, rather than for trading or future sale. For securities to be categorized as held to maturity Management must have the intent and the Company must have the ability to hold such investments until their respective maturity dates. The Company does not hold trading account securities. As securities matured or were called, we continued to lower liquidity risk as new securities were purchased by shifting the

 
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investment portfolio to securities available for sale from held to maturity securities, which were 65.7% and 34.3%, respectively, at September 30, 2010, compared to 30.0% and 70.0%, respectively at December 31, 2009 and 15.4% and 84.6%, respectively, at September 30, 2009.
All investment securities are managed in accordance with a written investment policy adopted by the Board of Directors. It is the Company’s general policy that investments for either portfolio be limited to government debt
obligations, time deposits, and corporate bonds or commercial paper with one of the three highest ratings given by a nationally recognized rating agency. The portfolio is currently invested primarily in U.S. Government agency securities and tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions. The individual securities have been selected to enhance the portfolio’s overall yield while not materially adding to the Company’s level of interest rate risk.
The following table sets forth the Company’s investment securities at their carrying amounts as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and December 31, 2009.

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30,2009
 
Securities available for sale
                 
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 20,314     $ 30,959     $ 10,404  
Mortgage-backed securities
    174,797       31,148       16,597  
State and political subdivisions
    35,732       18,514       10,124  
Corporate securities
    847       818       1,178  
Other equity securities
    385       399       272  
    $ 232,075     $ 81,838     $ 38,575  
Securities to be held to maturity
                       
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 8,091     $ 39,099     $ 44,036  
Mortgage-backed securities
    62,328       90,193       105,259  
State and political subdivisions
    50,772       61,095       62,339  
Corporate securities
    150       150       150  
    $ 121,341     $ 190,537     $ 211,784  
Non-marketable securities:
                       
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock
    14,031       14,031       14,031  
Federal Reserve Bank Stock
    1,412       1,412       662  
      15,443       15,443       14,693  
Total securities
  $ 368,859     $ 287,818     $ 265,052  

The following table sets forth yields and expected maturities of the Company’s investment securities as of September 30, 2010. Yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 35%. Mortgage-backed securities are presented according to their final contractual maturity date, while the calculated yield takes into effect the intermediate cashflows from repayment of principal which results in a much shorter average life.

 
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Available For Sale
   
Held to Maturity
 
 Dollars in thousands
 
Fair Value
   
Yield to maturity
   
Amortized Cost
   
Yield to maturity
 
 U.S. Treasury & Agency
                       
 Due in 1 year or less
  $ -       0.00 %   $ -       0.00 %
 Due in 1 to 5 years
    -       0.00 %     -       0.00 %
 Due in 5 to 10 years
    -       0.00 %     -       0.00 %
 Due after 10 years
    20,314       5.45 %     8,091       6.14 %
  Total
    20,314       5.45 %     8,091       6.14 %
 Mortgage-Backed Securities
                               
 Due in 1 year or less
    -       0.00 %     2       6.04 %
 Due in 1 to 5 years
    44       5.71 %     1,118       4.16 %
 Due in 5 to 10 years
    76       8.50 %     1,033       5.93 %
 Due after 10 years
    174,677       4.12 %     60,175       4.02 %
  Total
    174,797       4.12 %     62,328       4.06 %
 State & Political Subdivisions
                               
 Due in 1 year or less
    -       0.00 %     1,045       7.44 %
 Due in 1 to 5 years
    3,096       7.07 %     4,720       6.25 %
 Due in 5 to 10 years
    2,364       7.36 %     14,128       6.49 %
 Due after 10 years
    30,272       6.21 %     30,879       6.32 %
  Total
    35,732       6.36 %     50,772       6.38 %
 Corporate Securities
                               
 Due in 1 year or less
    -       0.00 %     150       1.50 %
 Due in 1 to 5 years
    -       0.00 %     -       0.00 %
 Due in 5 to 10 years
    -       0.00 %     -       0.00 %
 Due after 10 years
    847       1.61 %     -       0.00 %
  Total
    847       1.61 %     150       1.50 %
 Equity Securities
    385       3.07 %     -       0.00 %
    $ 232,075       4.57 %   $ 121,341       5.17 %

Impaired Securities

The securities portfolio contains certain securities that the amortized cost of which exceeds fair value, which at September 30, 2010 amounted to $2.1 million, or 0.6% of the amortized cost of the total securities portfolio. At December 31, 2009 this amount was $2.1 million, or 0.8% of the total securities portfolio. As a part of the Company’s ongoing security monitoring process, the Company identifies securities in an unrealized loss position that could potentially be other-than-temporarily impaired. If a decline in the fair value of a debt security is judged to be other-than-temporary, the decline related to credit loss is recorded in net realized securities losses while the decline attributable to other factors is recorded in other comprehensive income.
The Company’s evaluation of securities for impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investment securities should be recognized in current period earnings. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in the fair value of securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost or amortized cost and the expected recovery period of the security, (b) the financial condition, credit rating and future prospects of the issuer, (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, (d) the volatility of the securities market price, (e) the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery, which may be at maturity, and (f) any other information and observable data considered relevant in determining whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred.

 
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The Company’s best estimate of cash flows uses severe economic recession assumptions due to market uncertainty. The Company’s assumptions include but are not limited to delinquencies, foreclosure levels and constant
default rates on the underlying collateral, loss severity ratios, and constant prepayment rates. If the Company does not expect to receive 100% of future contractual principal and interest, an other-than-temporary impairment charge is recognized. Estimating future cash flows is a quantitative and qualitative process that incorporates information received from third party sources along with certain internal assumptions and judgments regarding the future performance of the underlying collateral.
As of September 30, 2010, the Company had temporarily impaired securities with a fair value of $145.9 million and unrealized losses of $2.1 million, as identified in the table below. Securities in a continuous unrealized loss position more than twelve-months amounted to $3.5 million as of September 30, 2010, compared with $2.2 million at December 31, 2009. The Company has concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired. This conclusion was based on the issuer’s continued satisfaction of the securities obligations in accordance with their contractual terms and the expectation that the issuer will continue to do so, Management’s intent and ability to hold these securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value which may be at maturity, the expectation that the Company will receive 100% of future contractual cash flows, as well as the evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuer’s financial condition and other objective evidence. The following table summarizes temporarily impaired securities and their approximate fair values at September 30, 2010.

   
Less than 12 months
   
12 months or more
   
Total
 
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
   
Fair
   
Unrealized
 
In thousands of dollars
 
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
   
Value
   
Losses
 
U.S. Treasury and agency
  $ 5,924     $ (8 )   $ -     $ -     $ 5,924     $ (8 )
Mortgage-backed securities
    136,212       (1,594 )     1,028       (20 )     137,240       (1,614 )
State and political subdivisions
    312       (3 )     1,561       (182 )     1,873       (185 )
Corporate securities
    -       -       848       (267 )     848       (267 )
Other equity securities
    -       -       48       (5 )     48       (5 )
    $ 142,448     $ (1,605 )   $ 3,485     $ (474 )   $ 145,933     $ (2,079 )

The following information was considered in determining securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired:

Securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and enterprises. As of September 30, 2010, the total unrealized losses on these securities amounted to $8,000, compared with $707,000 at December 31, 2009. All of these securities were credit rated “AAA” by the major credit rating agencies. Management believes that securities issued by the U.S. Treasury bear no credit risk because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and that securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and enterprises have minimal credit risk, as these agencies and enterprises play a vital role in the nation’s financial markets. Management believes that the unrealized losses at September 30, 2010 were attributed to changes in current market yields and spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, and does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010. The Company also has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity.

Mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises. As of September 30, 2010, the total unrealized losses on these securities amounted to $1,614,000, compared with $603,000 at December 31, 2009. All of these securities were credit rated “AAA” by the major credit rating agencies. Management believes that securities issued by U.S. Government agencies bear no credit risk because they are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States and that securities issued by U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises have minimal credit risk, as these agencies enterprises play a vital role in the nation’s financial markets. Management believes that the unrealized losses at September 30, 2010 were attributable to changes in current market yields and spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, and does not consider these securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010. The Company also has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity.

Obligations of state and political subdivisions. As of September 30, 2010, the total unrealized losses on municipal securities amounted to $185,000, compared with $484,000 at December 31, 2009. Municipal securities are supported

 
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by the general taxing authority of the municipality and, in the cases of school districts, are supported by state aid. At September 30, 2010 all municipal bond issuers were current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments. The Company attributes the unrealized losses at September 30, 2010 to changes in prevailing market yields and pricing spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, combined with current market liquidity conditions and the disruption in the financial markets in general. Accordingly, the Company does not consider these municipal securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010. The Company also has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity.

Corporate securities. As of September 30, 2010, the total unrealized losses on corporate securities amounted to $267,000, compared with $302,000 at December 31, 2009. Corporate securities are dependent on the operating performance of the issuers. At September 30, 2010 all corporate bond issuers were current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments except for one General Motors holding. The Company attributes the unrealized losses at September 30, 2010 to changes in prevailing market yields and pricing spreads since the date the underlying securities were purchased, combined with current market liquidity conditions and the disruption in the financial markets in general. Accordingly, the Company does not consider these corporate securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2010. The Company also has the ability and intent to hold these securities until a recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Boston. The FHLB is a cooperatively owned wholesale bank for housing and finance in the six New England States. Its mission is to support the residential mortgage and community-development lending activities of its members, which include over 450 financial institutions across New England. As a requirement of membership in the FHLB, the Bank must own a minimum required amount of FHLB stock, calculated periodically based primarily on its level of borrowings from the FHLB. The Bank uses the FHLB for much of its wholesale funding needs. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, the Bank’s investment in FHLB stock totaled $14.0 million. FHLB stock is a non-marketable equity security and therefore is reported at cost, which equals par value. Shares held in excess of the minimum required amount are generally redeemable at par value. However, in the first quarter of 2009 the FHLB announced a moratorium on such redemptions in order to preserve its capital in response to current market conditions and declining retained earnings. The minimum required shares are redeemable, subject to certain limitations, five years following termination of FHLB membership. The Bank has no intention of terminating its FHLB membership.
The FHLB has announced that dividend payments for 2010 are unlikely and the Company will likely have no dividend income on its FHLB stock in 2010. FHLB’s net income for the third quarter of 2010 was $41.3 million, a $146.8 million increase from a net loss of $105.4 million in the third quarter of 2009. The increase was primarily due to a $168.3 million decrease in the credit-related other-than-temporary impairment charges on certain private-label mortgage-backed securities, partially offset by factors including a $6.6 million decrease in net interest income after provision for credit losses, a $10.3 million increase in REFCorp assessments, and a $4.6 million increase in Affordable Housing Program contributions. Credit-related other-than-temporary impairment charges on certain private-label mortgage-backed securities were $5.9 million for the third quarter of 2010, a $168.3 million, or 96.6%, decrease from the $174.2 million recorded in the third quarter of 2009. The $5.9 million charge resulted from an increase in projected losses on the collateral underlying 37 private-label mortgage-backed securities with a combined par value of $715.9 million. The reduction in credit losses attributable to other-than-temporary impairment, compared with the third quarter of 2009, primarily reflects the relative stabilization in projected factors, such as home prices and unemployment rates that affect the expected performance of the mortgage loans underlying FHLB’s private-label mortgage-backed securities. FHLB’s total regulatory capital-to-asset ratio was 6.4% at September 30, 2010, exceeding the regulatory minimum requirement by 2.4%. FHLB’s permanent capital was $4.0 billion.
The Bank periodically evaluates its investment in FHLB stock for impairment based on, among other things, the capital adequacy of the FHLB and its overall financial condition. No impairment losses have been recorded through September 30, 2010. The Bank will continue to monitor its investment in FHLB stock.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value, with a balance of $1.0 million at September 30, 2010 compared with $2.9 million at December 31, 2009 and $2.8 million at September 30, 2009. No recourse
obligations have been incurred in connection with the sale of loans.
 
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Loans

The loan portfolio declined in the first nine months of 2010, with total loans at $918.5 million at September 30, 2010, down $34.0 million or 3.6% from total loans of $952.5 million at December 31, 2009. Commercial loans decreased $4.3 million or 1.1% between December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2010, municipal loans decreased by $20.2 million or 44.0%. Residential term loans decreased $14.4 million or 3.9% during the same period as a result of borrowers refinancing home mortage loans which were sold to the secondary market.
Commercial loans are comprised of three major categories, commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans and other commercial loans. Commercial real estate is primarily comprised of loans to small businesses collateralized by owner-occupied real estate, while other commercial is primarily comprised of loans to small businesses collateralized by plant and equipment, commercial fishing vessels and gear, and limited inventory-based lending. Commercial real estate loans typically have a maximum loan-to-value of 75% based upon current appraisal information at the time the loan is made. Land and land development loans typically have a maximum loan-to-value of 65% to 75% based upon current appraisal information at the time the loan is made. Construction loans comprise a very small portion of the portfolio, and at 44.6% of capital are well under the regulatory guidance of 100.0% of capital. Construction and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans are at 98.5% of total capital, well under the regulatory guidance of 300.0% of capital. Municipal loans are comprised of loans to municipalities in the State of Maine for capitalized expenditures, construction projects or tax-anticipation notes. All municipal loans are considered general obligations of the municipality and as such are collateralized by the taxing ability of the municipality for repayment of debt.
Residential loans are also comprised of two categories, term loans, which include traditional amortizing home mortgages, home equity loans and lines of credit, and construction loans, which include loans for owner-occupied residential construction. Residential loans typically have a 75% to 80% loan to value based upon current appraisal information at the time the loan is made. Consumer loans are primarily amortizing loans to individuals collateralized by automobiles, pleasure craft and recreation vehicles, with a maximum loan to value of 80%-90% of the purchase price of the collateral. Consumer loans also include a small amount of unsecured short-term time notes to individuals. The following table summarizes the loan portfolio at September 30, 2010 and 2009 and December 31, 2009.

Dollars in thousands
 
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2009
 
Commercial
                                   
   Real estate
  $ 251,767       27.4 %   $ 240,178       25.2 %   $ 236,807       24.3 %
   Construction
    40,304       4.4 %     48,714       5.1 %     50,601       5.2 %
   Other
    106,993       11.6 %     114,486       12.0 %     118,151       12.1 %
Municipal
    25,737       2.8 %     45,952       4.8 %     55,889       5.7 %
Residential
                                               
   Term
    352,872       38.4 %     367,267       38.7 %     381,718       39.3 %
   Construction
    18,380       2.0 %     17,361       1.8 %     17,056       1.8 %
Home equity line of credit
    104,434       11.4 %     94,324       9.9 %     88,830       9.1 %
Consumer
    18,051       2.0 %     24,210       2.5 %     24,771       2.5 %
Total loans
  $ 918,538       100.0 %   $ 952,492       100.0 %   $ 973,823       100.0 %


 
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The following table sets forth certain information regarding the contractual maturities of the Bank’s loan portfolio as of September 30, 2010:

In thousands of dollars
 
< 1 Year
   
1 - 5 Years
   
5 - 10 Years
   
> 10 Years
   
Total
 
Commercial
                             
   Real estate
  $ 12,161     $ 13,653     $ 20,280     $ 205,673     $ 251,767  
   Construction
    12,634       5,766       276       21,628       40,304  
   Other
    17,398       24,235       31,105       34,255       106,993  
Municipal
    8,004       2,996       7,905       6,832       25,737  
Residential
                                       
   Term
    7,331       13,919       28,134       303,488       352,872  
   Construction
    9,011       874       301       8,194       18,380  
Home equity line of credit
    1,380       363       1,050       101,641       104,434  
Consumer
    6,919       7,679       1,147       2,306       18,051  
Total loans
  $ 74,838     $ 69,485     $ 90,198     $ 684,017     $ 918,538  

The following table provides a listing of loans by category, excluding loans held for sale, between variable and fixed rates as of September 30, 2010.

   
Fixed-Rate
   
Adjustable-Rate
   
Total
 
Dollars in thousands
 
Amount
   
% of total
   
Amount
   
% of total
   
Amount
   
% of total
 
Commercial
                                   
   Real estate
  $ 49,875       5.4 %   $ 201,892       22.0 %   $ 251,767       27.4 %
   Construction
    6,857       0.7 %     33,447       3.6 %     40,304       4.4 %
   Other
    49,319       5.4 %     57,674       6.3 %     106,993       11.6 %
Municipal
    22,093       2.4 %     3,644       0.4 %     25,737       2.8 %
Residential
                                               
   Term
    127,447       13.9 %     225,425       24.5 %     352,872       38.4 %
   Construction
    5,124       0.6 %     13,256       1.4 %     18,380       2.0 %
Home equity line of credit
    2,309       0.3 %     102,125       11.1 %     104,434       11.4 %
Consumer
    14,934       1.6 %     3,117       0.3 %     18,051       2.0 %
Total loans
  $ 277,958       30.3 %   $ 640,580       69.7 %   $ 918,538       100.0 %

Loan Concentrations

As of September 30, 2010, the Bank did not have any concentration of loans in one particular industry that exceeded 10% of its total loan portfolio.

Credit Risk Management and Allowance for Loan Losses

Credit risk is the risk of loss arising from the inability of a borrower to meet its obligations. We manage credit risk by evaluating the risk profile of the borrower, repayment sources, the nature of the underlying collateral, and other support given current events, conditions, and expectations. We attempt to manage the risk characteristics of our loan portfolio through various control processes, such as credit evaluation of borrowers, establishment of lending limits, and application of lending procedures, including the holding of adequate collateral and the maintenance of compensating balances. However, we seek to rely primarily on the cash flow of our borrowers as the principal source of repayment. Although credit policies and evaluation processes are designed to minimize our risk, Management recognizes that loan losses will occur and the amount of these losses will fluctuate depending on the risk characteristics of our loan portfolio, as well as general and regional economic conditions.
We provide for loan losses through the establishment of an allowance for loan losses which represents an

 
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estimated reserve for existing losses in the loan portfolio. We deploy a systematic methodology for determining our allowance that includes a quarterly review process, risk rating, and adjustment to our allowance. We classify our portfolios as either consumer or commercial and monitor credit risk separately as discussed below. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance continually based on a review of all significant loans, with a particular emphasis on nonaccruing, past due, and other loans that we believe require special attention.
The allowance consists of three elements: (1) specific reserves and valuation allowances for individual credits; (2) general reserves for types or portfolios of loans based on historical loan loss experience, judgmentally adjusted for current conditions and credit risk concentrations; and (3) unallocated reserves. Combined specific reserves and general reserves by loan type are considered allocated reserves. All outstanding loans are considered in evaluating the adequacy of the allowance.
Adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is determined using a consistent, systematic methodology, which analyzes the risk inherent in the loan portfolio. In addition to evaluating the collectability of specific loans when determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, Management also takes into consideration other factors such as changes in the mix and size of the loan portfolio, historic loss experience, the amount of delinquencies and loans adversely classified, economic trends, changes in credit policies, and experience, ability and depth of lending management. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is assessed by an allocation process whereby specific loss allocations are made against certain adversely classified loans, and general loss allocations are made against segments of the loan portfolio which have similar attributes. The Company’s historical loss experience, industry trends, and the impact of the local and regional economy on the Company’s borrowers, are considered by Management in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is increased by provisions charged against current earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when Management believes that the collectability of the loan principal is unlikely. Recoveries on loans previously charged off are credited to the allowance. While Management uses available information to assess possible losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on increases in non-performing loans, changes in economic conditions, growth in loan portfolios, or for other reasons. Any future additions to the allowance would be recognized in the period in which they were determined to be necessary. In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses as an integral part of their examination process. Such agencies may require the Company to record additions to the allowance based on judgments different from those of Management.

Commercial
Our commercial portfolio includes all secured and unsecured loans to borrowers for commercial purposes, including commercial lines of credit and commercial real estate. Our process for evaluating commercial loans includes performing updates on loans that we have rated for risk. Our non-performing commercial loans are generally reviewed individually to determine impairment, accrual status, and the need for specific reserves. Our methodology incorporates a variety of risk considerations, both qualitative and quantitative. Quantitative factors include our historical loss experience by loan type, collateral values, financial condition of borrowers, and other factors. Qualitative factors include judgments concerning general economic conditions that may affect credit quality, credit concentrations, the pace of portfolio growth, and delinquency levels; these qualitative factors are also considered in connection with our unallocated portion of our allowance for loan losses.
The process of establishing the allowance with respect to our commercial loan portfolio begins when a loan officer initially assigns each loan a risk rating, using established credit criteria. Approximately 50% of our outstanding loans and commitments are subject to review and validation annually by an independent consulting firm, as well as periodically by our internal credit review function. Our methodology employs Management’s judgment as to the level of losses on existing loans based on our internal review of the loan portfolio, including an analysis of the borrowers’ current financial position, and the consideration of current and anticipated economic conditions and their potential effects on specific borrowers and or lines of business. In determining our ability to collect certain loans, we also consider the fair value of any underlying collateral. We also evaluate credit risk concentrations, including trends in large dollar exposures to related borrowers, industry and geographic concentrations, and economic and environmental factors.

Residential and Consumer
Consumer and residential mortgage loans are generally segregated into homogeneous pools with similar risk characteristics. Trends and current conditions in consumer and residential mortgage pools are analyzed and historical loss experience is adjusted accordingly. Quantitative and qualitative adjustment factors for the consumer and

 
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residential mortgage portfolios are consistent with those for the commercial portfolios. Certain loans in the consumer and residential portfolios identified as having the potential for further deterioration are analyzed individually to confirm the appropriate risk rating and accrual status, and to determine the need for a specific reserve. Consumer loans that are greater than 120 days past due are generally charged off. Residential loans that are greater than 90 days past due are evaluated for collateral adequacy and if deficient are placed on non-accrual status..

Unallocated
The unallocated portion of the allowance is intended to provide for losses that are not identified when establishing the specific and general portions of the allowance and is based upon Management’s evaluation of various conditions that are not directly measured in the determination of the portfolio and loan specific allowances. Such conditions include general economic and business conditions affecting our lending area, credit quality trends (including trends in delinquencies and nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio categories, recent loss experience in particular loan categories, duration of the current business cycle, bank regulatory examination results, findings of external loan review examiners, and Management’s judgment with respect to various other conditions including loan administration and management and the quality of risk identification systems. Management reviews these conditions quarterly. We have risk management practices designed to ensure timely identification of changes in loan risk profiles; however, undetected losses may exist inherently within the loan portfolio. The judgmental aspects involved in applying the risk grading criteria, analyzing the quality of individual loans, and assessing collateral values can also contribute to undetected, but probable, losses.

The allowance for loan losses includes reserve amounts to assigned individual loans on the basis of loan impairment. Certain loans are evaluated individually and are judged to be impaired when Management believes it is probable that the Company will not collect all of the contractual interest and principal payments as scheduled in the loan agreement. Under this method, loans are selected for evaluation based on internal risk ratings or non-accrual status. A specific reserve is allocated to an individual loan when that loan has been deemed impaired and when the amount of a probable loss is estimable on the basis of its collateral value, the present value of anticipated future cash flows, or its net realizable value. At September 30, 2010, impaired loans with specific reserves totaled $9.2 and the amount of such reserves was $1.1 million. This compares to impaired loans with specific reserves of $12.2 million at December 31, 2009 and the amount of such reserves was $2.2 million.
All of these analyses are reviewed and discussed by the Directors’ Loan Committee, and recommendations from these processes provide Management and the Board of Directors with independent information on loan portfolio condition. Our total allowance at September 30, 2010 is considered by Management to be adequate to address the credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio at that date. Management views the level of the allowance for loan losses as adequate. However, our determination of the appropriate allowance level is based upon a number of assumptions we make about future events, which we believe are reasonable, but which may or may not prove valid. Thus, there can be no assurance that our charge-offs in future periods will not exceed our allowance for loan losses or that we will not need to make additional increases in our allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses totaled $14.2 million at September 30, 2010, compared to $13.6 million and $12.8 million as of December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, respectively. Management’s ongoing application of methodologies to establish the allowance include an evaluation of non-accrual loans for specific reserves. These specific reserves decreased $1.1 million in the first nine months of 2010 from $2.2 million at December 31, 2009 to $1.1 million at September 30, 2010. The specific loans that make up those categories change from period to period. Impairment on those loans, which would be reflected in the allowance for loan losses, might or might not exist, depending on the specific circumstances of each loan. The portion of the reserve based upon homogeneous pools of loans increased by $493,000 in the first nine months of 2010. This was attributable to higher losses in the past two years, which results in higher reserve loss factors applied to these pools. The portion of the reserve based on qualitative factors decreased by $601,000 during 2010 as a result of slight improvements in the national and local economies. Despite the shifts in specific, pooled and qualitative reserves, Management feels that market trends and other internal factors justified the $1.9 million increase in unallocated reserves in the first nine months of 2010 from $1.9 million on December 31, 2009 to $3.7 million on September 30, 2010.

 
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The following table summarizes our allocation of allowance by loan type as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and December 31, 2009. The percentages are the portion of each loan type to total loans.

Dollars in thousands
 
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2009
 
Commercial
                                   
   Real estate
  $ 4,992       27.4 %   $ 5,297       25.2 %   $ 4,822       24.3 %
   Construction
    780       4.4 %     896       5.1 %     752       5.2 %
   Other
    2,330       11.6 %     3,095       12.0 %     2,950       12.1 %
Municipal
    20       2.8 %     23       4.8 %     22       5.7 %
Residential
                                               
   Term
    1,221       38.4 %     1,197       38.7 %     1,100       39.3 %
   Construction
    47       2.0 %     43       1.8 %     40       1.8 %
Home equity line of credit
    506       11.4 %     515       9.9 %     534       9.1 %
Consumer
    638       2.0 %     716       2.5 %     646       2.5 %
Unallocated
    3,711       0.0 %     1,855       0.0 %     1,934       0.0 %
Total
  $ 14,245       100.0 %   $ 13,637       100.0 %   $ 12,800       100.0 %

Based upon Management’s evaluation, provisions are made to maintain the allowance as a best estimate of inherent losses within the portfolio. The provision for loan losses to maintain the allowance was $6.3 million for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to $7.7 million for the first nine months of 2009. Net chargeoffs were $5.7 million in the first nine months of 2010 compared to net chargeoffs of $3.7 million in the first nine months of 2009. Our allowance as a percentage of outstanding loans has increased from 1.43% as of December 31, 2009 to 1.55% as of September 30, 2010, reflecting the changes in our loss estimates and the increases resulting from the application of our loss estimate methodology.

 
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The following table summarizes the activities in our allowance for loan losses:

Dollars in thousands
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
   
September 30,
2009
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 13,637     $ 8,800     $ 8,800  
Loans charged off:
                       
Commercial
                       
   Real estate
    3,351       2,430       1,405  
   Construction
    175       -       -  
   Other
    1,028       2,329       1,058  
Municipal
    -       -       -  
Residential
                       
   Term
    315       1,767       696  
   Construction
    402       47       47  
Home equity line of credit
    8       177       117  
Consumer
    637       826       494  
Total
    5,916       7,576       3,817  
Recoveries on loans previously charged off
                       
Commercial
                       
   Real estate
    3       -       -  
   Construction
    -       -       -  
   Other
    38       79       72  
Municipal
    -       -       -  
Residential
                       
   Term
    3       59       3  
   Construction
    -       -       -  
Home equity line of credit
    -       1       -  
Consumer
    180       114       82  
Total
    224       253       157  
Net loans charged off
    5,692       7,323       3,660  
Provision for loan losses
    6,300       12,160       7,660  
Balance at end of period
  $ 14,245     $ 13,637     $ 12,800  
Ratio of net loans charged off to average loans outstanding
    0.82 %     0.75 %     0.49 %
Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans outstanding
    1.55 %     1.43 %     1.31 %

Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate as of September 30, 2010. In Management’s opinion, the level of the provision for loan losses and the corresponding increase in the allowance for loan losses is directionally consistent with the overall credit quality of our loan portfolio and corresponding levels of nonperforming loans and unallocated reserves, as well as with the performance of the national and local economies, higher levels of unemployment and the outlook for the recession continuing for some time to come.

Nonperforming Loans

Nonperforming loans are comprised of loans placed on non-accrual status when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When a loan becomes 90 days past due, it is evaluated for collateral dependency based upon the most recent appraisal. If the collateral value is lower than the outstanding loan balance plus accrued interest and estimated selling costs, the loan is placed on non-accrual status, all accrued interest is reversed from interest income, and a specific reserve is established for the difference between the loan balance and the collateral value less selling costs. At the same time, a new independent, third-party appraisal may be ordered, based on the currency of the most recent

 
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appraisal and the size of the loan, and upon receipt of the revised appraisal – typically 30 days for residential loans and 60-90 days for commercial loans – the loan may have an additional specific reserve or write down based upon the new appraisal information.
On an ongoing basis, if a non-performing loan is collateral dependent as its source of repayment, we may have an independent appraisal done periodically, based on the currency of the most recent appraisal and the size of the loan, and an additional specific reserve or write down based upon the new appraisal information will be made if needed. Once a loan is placed on nonaccrual, it remains in nonaccrual status until the loan is current as to payment of both principal and interest and the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay and remain current. All payments made on nonaccrual loans are applied to the principal balance of the loan. Nonperforming loans, expressed as a percentage of total loans, totaled 2.36% at September 30, 2010 compared to 1.95% at December 31, 2009 and 1.80% at September 30, 2009. The following table shows the distribution of nonperforming loans as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and December 31, 2009:

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2009
 
Commercial
                 
   Real estate
  $ 6,946     $ 6,198     $ 6,706  
   Construction
    438       458       485  
   Other
    2,424       2,638       2,954  
Municipal
    -       -       -  
Residential
                       
   Term
    9,772       5,868       5,567  
   Construction
    1,738       3,182       1,701  
Home equity line of credit
    280       143       88  
Consumer
    107       75       71  
Total nonperforming loans
  $ 21,705     $ 18,562     $ 17,572  

Total nonperforming loans does not includes loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest. These are loans in which we expect to collect all amounts due, including past-due interest. As of September 30, 2010, loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest totaled $0.7 million, compared to $1.2 million and $4.6 million at December 31, 2009 and September 30, 2009, respectively.

Troubled Debt Restructured

A restructuring of debt constitutes a troubled debt restructured (“TDR”) if the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. To determine whether or not a loan should be classified as a TDR, Management evaluates a loan based upon the following criteria:
·  
The borrower demonstrates financial difficulty; common indicators include past due status with bank obligations, substandard credit bureau reports, an inability to refinance with another lender, and
·  
The Bank has granted a concession; common concession types include maturity date extension, interest rate adjustments to below market pricing, and deferment of payments.
As of September, 2010 we had 32 loans with a value of $5.1 million that have been restructured. This compares to 52 loans with a value of $8.4 million classified as TDRs as of December 31, 2009 and 37 loans with a balance of $5.6 million classified as TDRs as of September 30, 2009. As of September 30, 2010, seven of the loans classified as TDRs with a total balance of $0.8 million were greater than 30 days past due. As of that date, there was one loan with a balance of $38,000 in the current TDRs in which the borrower had filed for bankruptcy.

Impaired Loans

Impaired loans include non-accrual loans and troubled debt restructured. Impaired loans totaled $25.4 million at September 30, 2010, and have decreased $468,000 from December 31, 2009. The number of loans increased by two loans from 183 to 185 during the same period. Impaired commercial loans increased $514,000 from December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010. The specific allowance for impaired commercial loans decreased from $1.9 million at

 
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December 31, 2009 to $633,000 as of September 30, 2010, which represented the fair value deficiencies for those loans for which the net fair value of the collateral was estimated at less than our carrying amount of the loan. From December 31, 2009 to September 30, 2010, impaired residential loans decreased $1.2 million, impaired home equity lines of credit increased $137,000, and impaired consumer loans increased $32,000.

Past Due Loans

The Bank’s overall loan delinquency ratio was 2.50% at September 30, 2010, versus 3.14% at December 31, 2009 and 2.89% at September 30, 2009. Loans 90 days delinquent and accruing decreased from $1.2 million at December 31, 2009 to $0.7 million as of September 30, 2010. This total is made up of 6 loans, with the largest loan totaling $307,000. We expect to collect all amounts due on these loans, including interest. The following table sets forth loan delinquencies as of September 30, 2010 and 2009 and December 31, 2009:

Dollars in thousands
 
September 30,
2010
   
December 31,
2009
   
September 30,
 2009
 
Commercial
                 
   Real estate
  $ 6,337     $ 9,443     $ 9,732  
   Construction
    234       458       574  
   Other
    2,135       3,607       4,309  
Municipal
    -       -       -  
Residential
                       
   Term
    11,762       11,747       11,034  
   Construction
    423       3,182       1,818  
Home equity line of credit
    1,800       682       357  
Consumer
    339       775       298  
Total
  $ 23,030     $ 29,894     $ 28,122  
Loans 30-89 days past due to total loans
    0.86 %     1.26 %     0.98 %
Loans 90+ days past due and accruing to total loans
    0.08 %     0.12 %     0.47 %
Loans 90+ days past due on non-accrual to total loans
    1.56 %     1.76 %     1.44 %
Total past due loans to total loans
    2.50 %     3.14 %     2.89 %

Potential Problem Loans and Loans in Process of Foreclosure

Potential problem loans consist of classified accruing commercial and commercial real estate loans that were between 30 and 89 days past due. Such loans are characterized by weaknesses in the financial condition of borrowers or collateral deficiencies. Based on historical experience, the credit quality of some of these loans may improve due to changes in collateral values or the financial condition of the borrowers, while the credit quality of other loans may deteriorate, resulting in some amount of loss. These loans are not included in the analysis of non-accrual loans above. At September 30, 2010, there were 25 potential problem loans with a balance of $1.6 million or 0.17% of total loans. This compares to 28 loans with a balance of $8.7 million or 0.9% of total loans at December 31, 2009.
As of September 30, 2010, there were 37 loans in the process of foreclosure with a total balance of $10.5 million. The Bank’s foreclosure process begins when a loan becomes 45 days past due at which time a preliminary foreclosure letter is sent to the borrower. If the loan becomes 80 days past due, copies of the promissory note and mortgage deed are forwarded to the Bank’s attorney for review and an affidavit for a Motion for Summary Judgment is then prepared. An authorized Bank officer signs the affidavit certifying the validity of the documents and verification of the past due amount which is then forwarded to the court. Once a Motion for Summary Judgment is granted, a Period of Redemption (POR) begins which gives the customer 90 days to cure the default. A foreclosure auction date is then set 30 days from the POR expiration date if the default is not cured.
In October 2010, the Bank conducted a self-audit of its loans in foreclosure and its foreclosure process and found there were no deficiencies or areas to improve. For loans sold to the secondary market on which servicing is retained, the Bank follows Freddie Mac’s and Fannie Mae’s published guidelines and regularly reviews these guidelines for updates and changes to process. All secondary market loans have been sold without recourse in a non-securitized, one-on-one basis. As a result, the Bank has no liability for these loans in the event of a foreclosure.

 
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Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned and repossessed assets (“OREO”) are comprised of properties or other assets acquired through a foreclosure proceeding, or acceptance of a deed or title in lieu of foreclosure. Real estate acquired through foreclosure is carried at the lower of fair value less estimated cost to sell or the cost of the asset and is not included as part of the allowance for loan loss totals. At September 30, 2010, there were 18 properties owned with a net OREO balance of $5.3 million, net of an allowance for losses of $0.7 million, compared to December 31, 2009 when there were 18 properties owned with a net OREO balance of $5.3 million, net of an allowance for losses of $0.6 million and September 30, 2009 when there were ten properties owned with a net OREO balance of $3.0 million, net of an allowance for losses of $0.7 million.
The following table presents the composition of other real estate owned:

In thousands of dollars
 
September 30, 2010
   
December 31, 2009
   
September 30, 2009
 
Carrying Value
                 
Commercial
                 
   Real estate
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
   Construction
    1,420       1,182       1,152  
   Other
    1,056       1,920       1,528  
Municipal
    -       -       -  
Residential
                       
   Term
    3,532       2,826       990  
   Construction
    -       -       -  
Home equity line of credit
    -       -       -  
Consumer
    -       -       -  
Total
  $ 6,008     $ 5,928     $ 3,670  
Related Allowance
                       
Commercial
                       
   Real estate
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
   Construction
    400       476       477  
   Other
    43       -       142  
Municipal
    -       -       -  
Residential
                       
   Term
    227       107       56  
   Construction
    -       -       -  
Home equity line of credit
    -       -       -  
Consumer
    -       -       -  
Total
  $ 670     $ 583     $ 675  
Net Value
                       
Commercial
                       
   Real estate
  $ -     $ -     $ -  
   Construction
    1,020       706       675  
   Other
    1,013       1,920       1,386  
Municipal
    -       -       -  
Residential
                       
   Term
    3,305       2,719       934  
   Construction
    -       -       -  
Home equity line of credit
    -       -       -  
Consumer
    -       -       -  
Total
  $ 5,338     $ 5,345     $ 2,995  

 
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Goodwill

On January 14, 2005, the Company acquired FNB Bankshares of Bar Harbor, Maine, and its subsidiary, The First National Bank of Bar Harbor, which was merged into the Bank. The total value of the transaction was $48.0 million, and all of the voting equity interest of FNB Bankshares was acquired in the transaction. As of December 31, 2009, the Company completed its annual review of goodwill and determined there has been no impairment.

Liquidity Management

As of September 30, 2010, the Bank had primary sources of liquidity of $274.4 million. It is Management’s opinion this is adequate. The Bank has an additional $180.2 million in contingent sources of liquidity, including the Federal Reserve Borrower in Custody program, municipal and corporate securities, and correspondent bank lines of credit. The Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) establishes guidelines for liquidity in its Asset/Liability policy and monitors internal liquidity measures to manage liquidity exposure. Based on its assessment of the liquidity considerations described above, Management believes the Company’s sources of funding will meet anticipated funding needs.
Liquidity is the ability of a financial institution to meet maturing liability obligations and customer loan demand.  The Bank’s primary source of liquidity is deposits, which funded 70.9% of total average assets in the first nine months of 2010. While the generally preferred funding strategy is to attract and retain low-cost deposits, the ability to do so is affected by competitive interest rates and terms in the marketplace. Other sources of funding include discretionary use of purchased liabilities (e.g., FHLB term advances and other borrowings), cash flows from the securities portfolios and loan repayments. Securities designated as available for sale may also be sold in response to short-term or long-term liquidity needs although Management has no intention to do so at this time.
The Bank has a detailed liquidity funding policy and a contingency funding plan that provide for the prompt and comprehensive response to unexpected demands for liquidity. Management has developed quantitative models to estimate needs for contingent funding that could result from unexpected outflows of funds in excess of “business as usual” cash flows. In Management’s estimation, risks are concentrated in two major categories: runoff of in-market deposit balances and the inability to renew wholesale sources of funding. Of the two categories, potential runoff of deposit balances would have the most significant impact on contingent liquidity. Our modeling attempts to quantify deposits at risk over selected time horizons. In addition to these unexpected outflow risks, several other “business as usual” factors enter into the calculation of the adequacy of contingent liquidity including payment proceeds from loans and investment securities, maturing debt obligations and maturing time deposits. The Bank has established collateralized borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and also maintains additional collateralized borrowing capacity with the FHLB in excess of levels used in the ordinary course of business as well as Fed Funds lines with two correspondent banks and availability through the Federal Reserve Bank Borrower in Custody program.

Deposits

During the first nine months of 2010, total deposits increased by $64.3 million or 7.0% from December 31, 2009 levels. Low-cost deposits (demand, NOW, and savings accounts) increased by $35.4 million or 13.0% in the first nine months of 2010, money market deposits declined $25.3 million or 26.8%, and certificates of deposit increased $54.2 million or 9.7%. Between September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2010, total deposits increased by $26.9 million or 2.8%. Low-cost deposits increased by $28.0 million or 10.%, money market accounts decreased $32.2 million or 31.8%, and certificates of deposit increased $31.1 million or 5.4%. The majority of the change in certificates of deposit, both year-to-date and year-over-year, was primarily from wholesale and brokered sources, resulting from a shift in funding between borrowed funds and certificates of deposit. The increase in low-cost deposits is higher than the usual seasonal flow we experience each year in our marketplace.

Borrowed Funds

The Company uses funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and repurchase agreements, enabling it to grow its balance sheet and its revenues. This funding may also be used to balance seasonal deposit flows or to carry out interest rate risk management strategies, and is increased to replace or supplement other sources of funding, including core deposits and certificates of deposit. During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, borrowed funds decreased $27.1 million or 10.9% from December 31, 2009, as a result of a shift
to wholesale certificates of deposit from Federal Home Loan Bank advances. Between September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2009, borrowed funds increased by $9.6 million or 4.5%.
 
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Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity as of September 30, 2010 was $152.2 million, compared to $147.9 million as of December 31, 2009 and $147.6 million as of September 30, 2009. The Company’s earnings in the first nine months of 2010, net of dividends paid, added to shareholders’ equity. The net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities, presented in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740 “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities”, increased by $1.5 million from December 31, 2009.
A cash dividend of 19.5 cents per share was declared in the third quarter of 2010 compared to 19.5 cents in the third quarter of 2009. The dividend payout ratio, which is calculated by dividing dividends declared per share by diluted earnings per share, was 67.24% in the third quarter of 2010 compared to 75.00% in the third quarter of 2009. The .lower dividend payout ratio in 2010 was due to higher earnings and the resulting impact on earnings per common share. In determining future dividend payout levels, the Board of Directors carefully analyzes capital requirements and earnings retention, as set forth in the Company’s Dividend Policy. The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends to its shareholders depends on receipt of dividends from its subsidiary, the Bank. The subsidiary may pay dividends to its parent out of so much of its net profits as the Bank’s directors deem appropriate, subject to the limitation that the total of all dividends declared by the Bank in any calendar year may not exceed the total of its net profits of that year combined with its retained net profits of the preceding two years. The amount available for dividends in 2010 is this year’s net income plus $11.8 million.
On November 21, 2008, the Company received approval for a $25 million preferred stock investment by the U.S. Treasury under the Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”). The Company completed the CPP investment transaction on January 9, 2009. The CPP Shares call for cumulative dividends at a rate of 5.0% per year for the first five years, and at a rate of 9.0% per year in following years. The CPP Shares qualify as Tier 1 capital on the Company’s books for regulatory purposes and will rank senior to the Company’s common stock and senior or at an equal level in the Company’s capital structure to any other shares of preferred stock the Company may issue in the future. During the first three years these securities remain outstanding, the Company may increase the dividend on shares of its common stock only with the consent of the U.S. Treasury. As a consequence of the Company’s issuance of securities under the U.S. Treasury’s CPP, its ability to repurchase stock while such securities remain outstanding is restricted to purchases from employee benefit plans. In the first three months of 2010, the Company repurchased no common stock.
Regulatory leverage capital ratios for the Company were 9.20% and 9.44% at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The Company had a tier one risk-based capital ratio of 14.72% and a tier two risk-based capital ratio of 15.98% at September 30, 2010, compared to 13.70% and 14.96%, respectively, at December 31, 2009. The increase in risk-based capital ratios is the result of addition to retained earnings from net income and a reduction in the Company’s risk-based assets. These ratios are comfortably above the standards to be rated “well-capitalized” by regulatory authorities – qualifying for lower deposit-insurance premiums.

 Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

No material off-balance sheet risk exists that requires a separate liability presentation.

Contractual Obligations

The following table sets forth the contractual obligations of the Company as of September 30, 2010:

In thousands of dollars
 
Total
   
Less than
1 year
   
1-3
years
   
3-5
years
   
More than
5 years
 
 Borrowed funds
  $ 222,672       92,500       20,000       60,000       50,172  
 Operating leases
    774       145       289       109       231  
 Certificates of deposit
    610,308       396,758       52,014       161,536       -  
 Total
  $ 833,754       489,403       72,303       221,645       50,403  
 Total loan commitments and unused lines of credit
  $ 131,282       131,282       -       -       -  


 
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Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market-Risk Management

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates. The First Bancorp, Inc.’s market risk is composed primarily of interest rate risk. The Bank’s Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO) is responsible for reviewing the interest rate sensitivity position of the Company and establishing policies to monitor and limit exposure to interest rate risk. All guidelines and policies established by ALCO have been approved by the Board of Directors.

Asset/Liability Management

The primary goal of asset/liability management is to maximize net interest income within the interest rate risk limits set by ALCO. Interest rate risk is monitored through the use of two complementary measures: static gap analysis and earnings simulation modeling. While each measurement has limitations, taken together they represent a reasonably comprehensive view of the magnitude of interest rate risk in the Company, the level of risk through time, and the amount of exposure to changes in certain interest rate relationships.
Static gap analysis measures the amount of repricing risk embedded in the balance sheet at a point in time. It does so by comparing the differences in the repricing characteristics of assets and liabilities. A gap is defined as the difference between the principal amount of assets and liabilities that reprice within a specified time period. The Company’s cumulative one-year gap at September 30, 2010 was +11.92% of total assets compared to +0.72% of total assets at December 31, 2009. Core deposits with non-contractual maturities are presented based upon historical patterns of balance attrition and pricing behavior, which are reviewed at least annually.
The gap repricing distributions include principal cash flows from residential mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities in the time frames in which they are expected to be received. Mortgage prepayments are estimated by applying industry median projections of prepayment speeds to portfolio segments based on coupon range and loan age.
A summary of the Company’s static gap, as of September 30, 2010, is presented in the following table:

      0-90       90-365       1-5       5+  
Dollars in thousands 
 
Days
   
Days
   
Years
   
Years
 
Investment securities at amortized cost
  $ 40,173     $ 63,617     $ 150,410     $ 99,216  
Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank Stock
    -       -       14,031       1,412  
Loans held for sale
    -       -       -       1,031  
Loans
    451,430       167,742       247,952       51,414  
Other interest-earning assets
    -       9,754       -       -  
Non-rate-sensitive assets
    6,256       -       -       70,186  
 Total assets
    497,859       241,113       412,393       223,259  
Interest-bearing deposits
    287,460       187,433       204,518       226,826  
Borrowed funds
    92,504       9       80,050       50,109  
Non-rate-sensitive liabilities and equity
    1,850       5,850       38,800       199,215  
 Total liabilities and equity
    381,814       193,292       323,368       476,150  
Period gap
  $ 116,045     $ 47,821     $ 89,025     $ (252,891 )
Percent of total assets
    8.44 %     3.48 %     6.48 %     -18.40 %
Cumulative gap (current)
    116,045       163,866       252,891       (0 )
Percent of total assets
    8.44 %     11.92 %     18.40 %     0.00 %

The earnings simulation model forecasts capture the impact of changing interest rates on one-year and two-year net interest income. The modeling process calculates changes in interest income received and interest expense paid on all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities reflected on the Company’s balance sheet. None of the assets used in the simulation are held for trading purposes. The modeling is done for a variety of scenarios that incorporate changes in the absolute level of interest rates as well as basis risk, as represented by changes in the shape of the yield curve and changes in interest rate relationships. Management evaluates the effects on income of alternative interest rate

 
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scenarios against earnings in a stable interest rate environment. This analysis is also most useful in determining the short-run earnings exposures to changes in customer behavior involving loan payments and deposit additions and withdrawals.
The Company’s most recent simulation model projects net interest income would decrease by approximately 0.2% of stable-rate net interest income if short-term rates affected by Federal Open Market Committee actions fall gradually by one percentage point over the next year, and decrease by approximately 0.1% if rates rise gradually by two percentage points. Both scenarios are well within ALCO’s policy limit of a decrease in net interest income of no more than 10.0% given a 2.0% move in interest rates, up or down. Management believes this reflects a reasonable interest rate risk position. In year two, and assuming no additional movement in rates, the model forecasts that net interest income would be lower than that earned in a stable rate environment by 2.5% in a falling-rate scenario, and lower than that earned in a stable rate environment by 0.6% in a rising rate scenario, when compared to the year-one base scenario. A summary of the Bank’s interest rate risk simulation modeling, as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 is presented in the following table:

Changes in Net Interest Income                                 September 30, 2010                            December 31, 2009
Year 1
Projected change if rates decrease by 1.0%                             -0.2%                                                  -0.1%
Projected change if rates increase by 2.0%                              -0.1%                                                  -1.0%
Year 2
Projected change if rates decrease by 1.0%                             -2.5%                                                   -0.8%
Projected change if rates increase by 2.0%                              -0.6%                                                   -4.4%

This dynamic simulation model includes assumptions about how the balance sheet is likely to evolve through time and in different interest rate environments. Loans and deposits are projected to maintain stable balances. All maturities, calls and prepayments in the securities portfolio are assumed to be reinvested in similar assets. Mortgage loan prepayment assumptions are developed from industry median estimates of prepayment speeds for portfolios with similar coupon ranges and seasoning. Non-contractual deposit volatility and pricing are assumed to follow historical patterns. The sensitivities of key assumptions are analyzed annually and reviewed by ALCO.
This sensitivity analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions including, among others, the nature and timing of interest rate levels, yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and reinvestment/ replacement of asset and liability cash flows. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the predictive ability of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

Interest Rate Risk Management

A variety of financial instruments can be used to manage interest rate sensitivity. These may include investment securities, interest rate swaps, and interest rate caps and floors. Frequently called interest rate derivatives, interest rate swaps, caps and floors have characteristics similar to securities but possess the advantages of customization of the risk-reward profile of the instrument, minimization of balance sheet leverage and improvement of liquidity. As of September 30, 2010, the Company was using no interest rate derivatives for interest rate risk management.
The Company engages an independent consultant to periodically review its interest rate risk position, as well as the effectiveness of simulation modeling and reasonableness of assumptions used. As of September 30, 2010, there were no significant differences between the views of the independent consultant and Management regarding the Company’s interest rate risk exposure. Management expects interest rates will remain stable in the next two-to-four quarters and believes that the current level of interest rate risk is acceptable.


 
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Item 4: Controls and Procedures


As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of September 30, 2010, the end of the quarter covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. In designing and evaluating the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Company and its management recognize that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and the Company’s management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating and implementing possible controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company reviews its disclosure controls and procedures, which may include its internal controls over financial reporting on an ongoing basis, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that the Company’s systems evolve with its business.

 
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Part II – Other Information

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

The Company was not involved in any legal proceedings requiring disclosure under Item 103 of Regulation S-K during the reporting period.

Item 1A – Risk Factors

The Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations may adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Act”) was enacted on July 21, 2010. The Act creates a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with power to promulgate and enforce consumer protection laws. Smaller institutions, those with $10 billion or less in assets, will be subject to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rule-writing authority, and existing depository institution regulatory agencies will retain examination and enforcement authority for such institutions. The Act also establishes a Financial Stability Oversight Council chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury with authority to identify institutions and practices that might pose a systemic risk and, among other things, includes provisions affecting (1) corporate governance and executive compensation of all companies whose securities are registered with the SEC, (2) FDIC insurance assessments, (3) interchange fees for debit cards, which would be set by the Federal Reserve under a restrictive “reasonable and proportional cost” per transaction standard, (4) minimum capital levels for bank holding companies, subject to a grandfather clause for financial institutions with less than $15 billion in assets, (5) derivative and proprietary trading by financial institutions, and (6) the resolution of large financial institutions. At this time, it is difficult to predict the extent to which the Act or the resulting regulations may adversely impact us. However, compliance with these new laws and regulations may increase our costs, limit our ability to pursue attractive business opportunities, cause us to modify our strategies and business operations and increase our capital requirements and constraints, any of which may have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
Other than the additional risk factor mentioned above, there have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

a. None

b. None

c. As a consequence of the Company’s issuance of securities under the U.S. Treasury’s CPP, its ability to repurchase stock while such securities remain outstanding is restricted to purchases from employee benefit plans. In the first nine months of 2010, the Company repurchased no common stock.

Item 3 – Default Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4 – Other Information

A.  None.

B.  None.

 
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Item 5 – Exhibits

 
Exhibit 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger With FNB Bankshares Dated August 25, 2004, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K dated August 25, 2004, filed under item 1.01 on August 27, 2004.
 
Exhibit 3.1 Conformed Copy of the Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 5.03 on October 7, 2004).
 
Exhibit 3.2 Amendment to the Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 5.03 on May 1, 2008).
 
Exhibit 3.3 Amendment to the Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to the Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s 2008 Annual Meeting filed on March 14, 2008).
 
Exhibit 3.4 Amendment to the Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation authorizing issuance of preferred stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 29, 2008).
 
Exhibit 3.5 Conformed Copy of the Company’s Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 5.03 on October 7, 2004).
 
Exhibit 10.2(a) Specimen Employment Continuity Agreement entered into with Mr. McKim, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 1.01 on January 14, 2005.
 
Exhibit 10.2(b) Specimen Amendment to Employment Continuity Agreement entered into with Mr. McKim, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(b) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 1.01 on January 14, 2005.
 
Exhibit 10.2(c) Specimen Amendment to Employment Continuity Agreement entered into with Mr. McKim, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 1.01 on January 31, 2006.
 
Exhibit 10.3(a) Specimen Split Dollar Agreement entered into with Mr. McKim with a death benefit of $250,000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(a) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 1.01 on January 14, 2005.
 
Exhibit 10.3(b) Specimen Amendment to Split Dollar Agreement entered into with Mr. McKim, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3(b) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 1.01 on January 14, 2005.
 
Exhibit 10.4 Specimen Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan entered into with Messrs. Daigneault and Ward changing the normal retirement age to receive the full benefit under the Plan from age 65 to age 63, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed under item 1.01 on December 30, 2008.
 
Exhibit 14.1 Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, adopted by the Board of Directors on September 19, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2006.
 
Exhibit 14.2 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, adopted by the Board of Directors on April 15, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2006.
 
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13A-14(A) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Exhibit 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 
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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 thereunto duly authorized.



THE FIRST BANCORP, INC.



/s/ Daniel R. Daigneault
Daniel R. Daigneault
President & Chief Executive Officer

Date: November 8, 2010



/s/ F. Stephen Ward
F. Stephen Ward
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 8, 2010

 
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