UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

**FORM 10-K**

 

**x**Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934**
**For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2007**

 

**Commission File Number 0-26589**

 

**FIRST NATIONAL LINCOLN CORPORATION**

(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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

**Common Stock, $.01 par value per share**

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

**Yes [_]    No x
 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.

**Yes [_]    No x
 

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

**[_]**

 

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
 

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.

**Common Stock, $.01 par value per share: $149,597,000**

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock as of March 14, 2008

**Common Stock: 9,707,096 shares**

**Table of Contents**

 

 

 
 
ITEM 1. Discussion of Business

1
 
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

6
 
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

8
 
ITEM 2. Properties

8
 
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

8
 
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

8
 
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters

9
 
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data

11
 
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

12
 
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

26
 
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data

28
 
ITEM 9. Changes in and/or Disagreements with Accountants  on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

54
 
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

54
 
ITEM 9B. Other Information

55
 
ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

55
 
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

55
 
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

55
 
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

55
 
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

55
 
ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

56

 
 
SIGNATURES

57

 
 
Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer

58
 
Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer

59
 
Exhibit 32.1 Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

60
 
Exhibit 32.2 Certification of Periodic Financial Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

60

**ITEM 1. Discussion of Business**

 

First National Lincoln Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maine on January 15, 1985, for the purpose of becoming the parent holding company of The First National Bank of Damariscotta, which was chartered as a national bank under the laws of the United States on May 30, 1864. On January 14, 2005, the acquisition of FNB Bankshares (“FNB”) of Bar Harbor, Maine, was completed, adding seven banking offices and one investment management office in Hancock and Washington counties of Maine. FNB’s subsidiary, The First National Bank of Bar Harbor, was merged into The First National Bank of Damariscotta at closing, and as of January 31, 2005, the combined banks have operated under a new name: The First, N.A. (the “Bank”). 

As of December 31, 2007, the Company’s securities consisted of one class of common stock, $.01 par value per share, of which there were 9,732,493 shares outstanding and held of record by approximately 2,200 shareholders. The common stock of the Bank is the principal asset of the Company, which has no other subsidiaries. The Bank’s capital stock consists of one class of common stock of which 120,000 shares, par value $2.50 per share, are authorized and outstanding. All of the Bank’s common stock is owned by the Company. 

The Bank emphasizes personal service, and customers are primarily small businesses and individuals for whom the Bank offers a wide variety of services, including deposit accounts, consumer and commercial and mortgage loans. The Bank has not made any material changes in its mode of conducting business during the past five years. The banking business in the Bank’s market area is seasonal with lower deposits in the winter and spring and higher deposits in the summer and fall. This swing is predictable and has not had a materially adverse effect on the Bank.

In addition to providing traditional banking services, the Company provides investment management and private banking services through First Advisors, which is an operating division of the Bank. First Advisors is focused on taking advantage of opportunities created as the larger banks have altered their personal service commitment to clients not meeting established account criteria. First Advisors is able to offer a comprehensive array of private banking, financial planning, investment management and trust services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and municipalities of varying asset size, and to provide the highest level of personal service. The staff includes investment and trust professionals with extensive experience.

The financial services landscape has changed considerably over the past five years in the Bank’s primary market area. Two large out-of-state banks have continued to experience local change as a result of mergers and acquisitions at the regional and national level. Credit unions have continued to expand their membership and the scope of banking services offered. Non-banking entities such as brokerage houses, mortgage companies and insurance companies are offering very competitive products. Many of these entities and institutions have resources substantially greater than those available to the Bank and are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions as the Company and the Bank. 

In November of 1999, Congress adopted the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act (“GLBA”). This legislation breaks down the firewalls separating related business in order to create more competition and a level playing field. The Act eliminated depression-era restrictions which separate the business of banking from the business of insurance and securities underwriting, and also resulted in modifications to protect consumers and streamline regulation. While the Company views this legislation as an opportunity to offer a more comprehensive range of financial products and services, at the same time it has provided additional competition in the marketplace.

The Company believes that there will continue to be a need for a bank in the Bank’s primary market area with local management having decision-making power and emphasizing loans to small and medium-sized businesses and to individuals. The Bank has concentrated on extending business loans to such customers in the Bank’s primary market area and to extending investment and trust services to clients with accounts of all sizes. The Bank’s Management also makes decisions based upon, among other things, the knowledge of the Bank’s employees regarding the communities and customers in the Bank’s primary market area. The individuals employed by the Bank, to a large extent, reside near the branch offices and thus are generally familiar with their communities and customers. This is important in local decision-making and allows the Bank to respond to customer questions andconcerns on a timely basis and fosters quality customer service.

The Bank has worked and will continue to work to position itself to be competitive in its market area. The Bank’s ability to make decisions close to the marketplace, Management’s commitment to providing quality banking products, the caliber of the professional staff, and the community involvement of the Bank’s employees are all factors affecting the Bank’s ability to be competitive. If the Company and the Bank are unable to compete successfully, however, the business and operations could be adversely affected.

 

**Supervision and Regulation**

 

The Company is a financial holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “Act”), and section 225.82 of Regulation Y issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 

 

Form 10-K • Page 1

System (the “Federal Reserve Board”), and is required to file with the Federal Reserve Board an annual report and other information required pursuant to the Act. The Company is subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board.

The Act requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board for a financial holding company to acquire or hold more than a 5% voting interest in any bank, and controls interstate banking activities. The Act restricts First National Lincoln Corporation’s non-banking activities to those which are determined by the Federal Reserve Board to be closely related to banking. The Act does not place territorial restrictions on the activities of non-bank subsidiaries of financial holding companies. The majority of the Company’s cash revenues are generally derived from dividends paid to the Company by the Bank. These dividends are subject to various legal and regulatory restrictions which are summarized in Note 19 to the accompanying financial statements.

The Bank is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and is subject to the provisions of the National Bank Act. As a result, it must meet certain liquidity and capital requirements, which are discussed in the following sections.

 

***Customer Information Security***

The FDIC, the OCC and other bank regulatory agencies have published guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding nonpublic personal information about customers that implement provisions of the GLBA (the “Guidelines”). Among other things, the Guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its Board of Directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, and to protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.

 

***Privacy***

The FDIC, the OCC and other regulatory agencies have published privacy rules pursuant to provisions of the GLBA (“Privacy Rules”). The Privacy Rules, which govern the treatment of nonpublic personal information about consumers by financial institutions, require a financial institution to provide notice to customers (and other consumers in some circumstances) about its privacy policies and practices, describe the conditions under which a financial institution may disclose nonpublic personal information to nonaffiliated third parties, and provide a method for consumers to prevent a financial institution from disclosing that information to most nonaffiliated third parties by “opting-out” of that disclosure, subject to certain exceptions.

 

***USA Patriot Act***

The USA Patriot Act of 2001, designed to deny terrorists and others the ability to obtain anonymous access to the U.S. financial system, has significant implications for depository institutions, broker-dealers and other businesses involved in the transfer of money. The USA Patriot Act, together with the implementing regulations of various federal regulatory agencies, have caused financial institutions, including the Bank, to adopt and implement additional or amend existing policies and procedures with respect to, among other things, anti-money laundering compliance, suspicious activity and currency transaction reporting, customer identity verification and customer risk analysis. The statute and its underlying regulations also permit information sharing for counter-terrorist purposes between federal law enforcement agencies and financial institutions, as well as among financial institutions, subject to certainconditions, and require the Federal Reserve Board (and other federal banking agencies) to evaluate the effectiveness of an applicant in combating money laundering activities when considering applications filed under Section 3 of the BHC Act or under the Bank Merger Act.

 

***The Sarbanes-Oxley Act***

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) implements a broad range of corporate governance and accounting measures for public companies (including publicly-held bank holding companies such as the Company) designed to promote honesty and transparency in corporate America and better protect investors from the type of corporate wrongdoings that occurred at Enron and WorldCom, among other companies. SOX principal provisions, many of which have been implemented through regulations released and policies and rules adopted by the securities exchanges in 2003 and 2004, provide for and include, among other things:

**•**

The creation of an independent accounting oversight board;

**•**

Auditor independence provisions which restrict non-audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients;

**•**

Additional corporate governance and responsibility measures, including the requirement that the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of a public company certify financial statements;

 

Form 10-K • Page 2

**•**

The forfeiture of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by directors and senior officers in the twelve-month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement;

**•**

An increase in the oversight of, and enhancement of certain requirements relating to, audit committees of public companies and how they interact with  the public company’s independent auditors;

**•**

Requirements that audit committee members must be independent and are barred from accepting consulting, advisory or other compensatory fees from the issuer;

**•**

Requirements that companies disclose whether at least one member of the audit committee is a ‘financial expert’ (as such term is defined by the SEC) and if not, why not;

**•**

Expanded disclosure requirements for corporate insiders, including  accelerated reporting of stock transactions by insiders and a prohibition on insider trading during pension blackout periods;

**•**

A prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured financial institutions, such as the Bank, on nonpreferential terms and in compliance with other bank regulatory  requirements;

**•**

Disclosure of a code of ethics and filing a Form 8-K in the event of a change or waiver  of such code; and

**•**

A range of enhanced penalties for fraud and other violations.

The Company complies with, the provisions of SOX and its underlying regulations. Management believes that such compliance efforts have strengthened the Company’s overall corporate governance structure and does not expect that such compliance has to date, or will in the future have, a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or financial condition.

 

***Capital Requirements and FDICIA***

The OCC has established guidelines with respect to the maintenance of appropriate levels of capital by FDIC-insured banks. The Federal Reserve Board has established substantially identical guidelines with respect to the maintenance of appropriate levels of capital, on a consolidated basis, by bank holding companies. If a banking organization’s capital levels fall below the minimum requirements established by such guidelines, a bank or bank holding company will be expected to develop and implement a plan acceptable to the FDIC or the Federal Reserve Board, respectively, to achieve adequate levels of capital within a reasonable period, and may be denied approval to acquire or establish additional banks or non-bank businesses, merge with other institutions or open branch facilities until such capital levels are achieved. Federal legislation requires federal bank regulators to take “prompt correctiveaction” with respect to insured depository institutions that fail to satisfy minimum capital requirements and imposes significant restrictions on such institutions. See “Prompt Corrective Action” below.

 

***Leverage Capital Ratio***

The regulations of the OCC require national banks to maintain a minimum “Leverage Capital Ratio” or “Tier 1 Capital” (as defined in the Risk-Based Capital Guidelines discussed in the following paragraphs) to Total Assets of 4.0%. Any bank experiencing or anticipating significant growth is expected to maintain capital well above the minimum levels. The Federal Reserve Board’s guidelines impose substantially similar leverage capital requirements on bank holding companies on a consolidated basis.

 

***Risk-Based Capital Requirements***

The regulations of the OCC also require national banks to maintain minimum capital levels measured as a percentage of such banks’ risk-adjusted assets. A bank’s qualifying total capital (“Total Capital”) for this purpose may include two components: “Core” (Tier 1) Capital and “Supplementary” (Tier 2) Capital. Core Capital consists primarily of common stockholders’ equity, which generally includes common stock, related surplus and retained earnings, certain non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus, and minority interests in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, and (subject to certain limitations) mortgage servicing rights and purchased credit card relationships, less all other intangible assets (primarily goodwill). Supplementary Capital elements include, subject to certain limitations, a portion of the allowance for losses on loansand leases, perpetual preferred stock that does not qualify for inclusion in Tier 1 capital, long-term  preferred stock with an original maturity of at least 20 years and related surplus, certain forms of perpetual debt and mandatory convertible securities, and certain forms of subordinated debt and intermediate-term preferred stock.

The risk-based capital rules assign a bank’s balance sheet assets and the credit equivalent amounts of the bank’s off-balance sheet obligations to one of four risk categories, weighted at 0%, 20%, 50% or 100%, respectively. Applying these risk-weights to each category of the bank’s balance sheet assets and to the credit equivalent amounts of the bank’s off-balance sheet obligations and summing the totals results in the amount of the bank’s total Risk-Adjusted Assets for purposes of the risk-based capital requirements. Risk-Adjusted Assets can either exceed or be less than reported balance sheet assets, depending on the risk profile of the banking organization. Risk-Adjusted Assets for institutions such as the Bank will generally be less than reported balance sheet assets because its retail banking activities include proportionally 

 

Form 10-K • Page 3

more residential mortgage loans and certain investment securities with a lower risk weighting and relatively smaller off-balance sheet obligations.

The risk-based capital regulations require all banks to maintain a minimum ratio of Total Capital to Risk-Adjusted Assets of 8.0%, of which at least one-half (4.0%) must be Core (Tier 1) Capital. For the purpose of calculating these ratios: (i) a banking organization’s Supplementary Capital eligible for inclusion in Total Capital is limited to no more than 100% of Core Capital; and (ii) the aggregate amount of certain types of Supplementary Capital eligible for inclusion in Total Capital is further limited. For example, the regulations limit the portion of the allowance for loan losses eligible for inclusion in Total Capital to 1.25% of Risk-Adjusted Assets. The Federal Reserve Board has established substantially identical risk-based capital requirements, which are applied to bank holding companies on a consolidated basis. The risk-based capital regulations explicitly provide for theconsideration of interest rate risk in the overall evaluation of a bank’s capital adequacy to ensure that banks effectively measure and monitor their interest rate risk, and that they maintain capital adequate for that risk. A bank deemed by its federal banking regulator to have excessive interest rate risk exposure may be required to maintain additional capital (that is, capital in excess of the minimum ratios discussed above). The Bank believes, based on its level of interest rate risk exposure, that this provision will not have a material adverse effect on it.

On December 31, 2007, the Company’s consolidated Total and Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratios were 11.07% and 10.21%, respectively, and its Leverage Capital Ratio was 7.22%. Based on the above figures and accompanying discussion, the Company exceeds all regulatory capital requirements and is considered well capitalized.

 

***Prompt Corrective Action.***

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) requires, among other things, that the federal banking regulators take “prompt corrective action” with respect to, and imposes significant restrictions on, any bank that fails to satisfy its applicable minimum capital requirements. FDICIA establishes five capital categories consisting of “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” Under applicable regulations, a bank that has a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 6.0% or greater and a Leverage Capital Ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not subject to any written agreement, order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain a specific capitallevel for any capital measure is deemed to be “well capitalized.” A bank that has a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio of 4.0% or greater and a Leverage Capital Ratio of 4.0% (or 3% for banks with the highest regulatory examination rating that are not experiencing or anticipating significant growth or expansion) or greater and does not meet the definition of a well capitalized bank is considered to be “adequately capitalized.” A bank that has a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of less than 8.0% or has a Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio that is less than 4.0%, except as noted above, a Leverage Capital Ratio of less than 4.0% is considered “undercapitalized.” A bank that has a Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio of less than 6.0%, or a Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio that is less than 3.0% or a Leverage Capital Ratio that is less than 3.0% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized,” and a bankthat has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets equal to or less than 2% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.” A bank may be deemed to be in a capital category lower than is indicated by its actual capital position if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or receives an unsatisfactory examination rating. FDICIA generally prohibits a bank from making capital distributions (including payment of dividends) or paying management fees to controlling stockholders or their affiliates if, after such payment, the bank would be undercapitalized.

Under FDICIA and the applicable implementing regulations, an undercapitalized bank will be (i) subject to increased monitoring by its primary federal banking regulator; (ii) required to submit to its primary federal banking regulator an acceptable capital restoration plan (guaranteed, subject to certain limits, by the bank’s holding company) within 45 days of being classified as undercapitalized; (iii) subject to strict asset growth limitations; and (iv) required to obtain prior regulatory approval for certain acquisitions, transactions not in the ordinary course of business, and entries into new lines of business. In addition to the foregoing, the primary federal banking regulator may issue a “prompt corrective action directive” to any undercapitalized institution. Such a directive may (i) require sale or re-capitalization of the bank, (ii) impose additional restrictions ontransactions between the bank and its affiliates, (iii) limit interest rates paid by the bank on deposits, (iv) limit asset growth and other activities, (v) require divestiture of subsidiaries, (vi) require replacement of directors and officers, and (vii) restrict capital distributions by the bank’s parent holding company. In addition to the foregoing, a significantly undercapitalized institution may not award bonuses or increases in compensation to its senior executive officers until it has submitted an acceptable capital restoration  plan and received approval from its primary federal banking regulator.

Not later than 90 days after an institution becomes critically undercapitalized, the primary federal banking regulator for the institution must appoint a receiver or, with the concurrence of the FDIC, a conservator, unless the agency, with the concurrence of the FDIC, determines that the purpose of the prompt corrective action provisions would be better served by another course of action. FDICIA requires that any alternative determination be “documented” and reassessed 

 

Form 10-K • Page 4

on a periodic basis. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a receiver must be appointed after 270 days unless the appropriate federal banking agency and the FDIC certify that the institution is viable and not expected to fail.

 

***Deposit Insurance Assessments.***

The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Bank Insurance Fund of the FDIC to the legal maximum of $100,000 generally ($250,000 for retirement accounts) for each insured depositor. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended by the Federal Deposit Insurance Reform Act of 2005, provides that the FDIC shall set deposit insurance assessment rates. In 2006, the former Bank Insurance Fund merged with the Savings Association Insurance Fund to create the Deposit Insurance Fund, or DIF. The Act eliminated the requirement that the FDIC set deposit insurance assessment rates on a semi-annual basis at a level sufficient to increase the ratio of BIF reserves to BIF-insured deposits to at least 1.25%. Under the Act, the FDIC annually sets the designated reserve ratio (DRR) of DIF reserves to DIF-insured deposits between 1.15% and 1.50%, subject to public comment, based on appropriate considerations including risk oflosses, economic conditions such that the ratio would increase during favorable economic conditions and decrease during less favorable conditions, thus avoiding sharp swings in assessment rates. For 2007, the FDIC set the DRR at 1.25%. Although current assessment levels are low, DIF insurance assessments may be increased in the future if necessary to maintain DIF reserves at the level determined by the FDIC. 

 

***Brokered Deposits and Pass-Through Deposit Insurance Limitations.***

Under FDICIA, a bank cannot accept brokered deposits unless it either (i) is “Well Capitalized” or (ii) is “Adequately Capitalized” and has received a written waiver from its primary federal banking regulator. For this purpose, “Well Capitalized” and “Adequately Capitalized” have the same definitions as in the Prompt Corrective Action regulations. See “Prompt Corrective Action” above. Banks that are not in the “Well Capitalized” category are subject to certain limits on the rates of interest they may offer on any deposits (whether or not obtained through a third-party deposit broker). Pass-through insurance coverage is not available in banks that do not satisfy the requirements for acceptance of brokered deposits for deposits of certain employee benefit plans, except that pass-through insurance coverage will be provided for employee benefit plandeposits in institutions which at the time of acceptance of the deposit meet all applicable regulatory capital requirements and send written notice to their depositors that their funds are eligible for pass-through deposit insurance. The Bank currently accepts brokered deposits.

 

***Real Estate Lending Standards.***

FDICIA requires the federal bank regulatory agencies to adopt uniform real estate lending standards. The FDIC and the OCC have adopted regulations which establish supervisory limitations on Loan-to-Value (“LTV”) ratios in real estate loans by FDIC-insured banks, including national banks. The regulations require banks to establish LTV ratio limitations within or below the prescribed uniform range of supervisory limits.

 

***Standards for Safety and Soundness.***

Pursuant to FDICIA the federal bank regulatory agencies have prescribed, by regulation, standards and guidelines for all insured depository institutions and depository institution holding companies relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) interest rate risk exposure; (v) asset growth; and (vi) compensation, fees and benefits. The compensation standards prohibit employment contracts, compensation or benefit arrangements, stock option plans, fee arrangements or other compensatory arrangements that would provide “excessive” compensation, fees or benefits, or that could lead to material financial loss. In addition, the federal bank regulatory agencies are required by FDICIA to prescribe standards specifying; (i) maximum classified assets to capital ratios; (ii) minimum earnings sufficient to absorb losseswithout impairing capital; and (iii) to the extent feasible, a minimum ratio of market value to book value for publicly-traded shares of depository institutions and depository institution holding companies.

 

***Consumer Protection Provisions.***

FDICIA also includes provisions requiring advance notice to regulators and customers for any proposed branch closing and authorizing (subject to future appropriation of the necessary funds) reduced insurance assessments for institutions offering “lifeline” banking accounts or engaged in lending in distressed communities. FDICIA also includes provisions requiring depository institutions to make additional and uniform disclosures to depositors with respect to the rates of interest, fees and other terms applicable to consumer deposit accounts.

 

***FDIC Waiver of Certain Regulatory Requirements.***

The FDIC issued a rule, effective on September 22, 2003, that includes a waiver provision which grants the FDIC Board of Directors extremely broad discretionary authority to waive FDIC regulatory provisions that are not specifically mandated by statute or by a separate regulation.

 

Form 10-K • Page 5

***Impact of Monetary Policy***

The monetary policies of regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board, have a significant effect on the operating results of banks and bank holding companies. Through open market securities transactions and changes in its discount rate and reserve requirements, the Board of Governors exerts considerable influence over the cost and availability of funds for lending and investment. The nature of future monetary policies and the effect of such policies on the future business and earnings of the Company and the Bank cannot be predicted. See Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, regarding the Bank’s net interest margin and the effect of interest-rate volatility on future earnings.

 

***Employees***

At December 31, 2007, the Company had 211 employees and full-time equivalency of 207 employees. The Company enjoys good relations with its employees. A variety of employee benefits, including health, group life and disability income, a defined contribution retirement plan, and an incentive bonus plan, are available to qualifying officers and employees.

 

***Company Website***

The Company maintains a website at www.fnlc.com where it makes available, free of charge, its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as well as all Section 16 reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5, as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. The Company’s reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC are also available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information contained on the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this report. 

 

**ITEM 1A. Risk Factors**

 

The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently deem immaterial, also may become important factors that affect us and our business. If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. 

 

***Competition***

We face significant competition for banking services in coastal Maine, the primary market in which we operate. Competition in the local banking industry may limit our ability to attract and retain customers. We may face competition now and in the future from the following: other banking institutions, including larger regional and national commercial banking organizations; savings banks; credit unions; other financial institutions; and non-bank financial services companies. 

In particular, our competitors include major financial companies whose greater resources may afford them a marketplace advantage by enabling them to maintain numerous banking locations and mount extensive promotional and advertising campaigns. Additionally, banks and other financial institutions with larger capitalization and financial intermediaries not subject to bank regulatory restrictions have larger lending limits, which enable them to serve the credit needs of larger customers. We also face competition from out-of-state financial intermediaries that have opened loan production offices or solicit deposits through the internet. If we are unable to attract and retain banking customers we may be unable to continue our loan growth and level of deposits and our results of operations and financial condition may otherwise be negatively affected. 

In the past, we have expanded our operations into non-banking activities such as asset management and wealth advisory services. We may have difficulty competing with more established providers of these products and services due to the intense competition in these service sectors. In addition, we may be unable to attract and retain non-banking customers due to our lack of market and product knowledge or other industry specific matters or an inability to attract and retain qualified, experienced employees. Our failure to attract and retain customers with respect to these non-banking activities could negatively impact our future earnings. 

 

***Interest Rate Risk***

Our main source of income is net interest income, which is equal to the difference between the interest income received on loans, investment securities and other interest-bearing assets and the interest expense incurred in connection with deposits, borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities. As a result, our net interest income can be affected by changes in market interest rates. These rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including general economic conditions, both domestic and foreign, and the monetary and fiscal policies of various governmental and 

 

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regulatory authorities. We have asset and liability management policies that attempt to minimize the potential adverse effects of changes in interest rates on our net interest income, primarily by altering the mix and maturity of loans, investments and funding sources. However, even with these policies in place, we cannot provide assurance that changes in interest rates will not negatively impact our operating results. For a further discussion on the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk, see Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Furthermore, our banking business is affected not only by general economic conditions, but also by the monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board. Changes in monetary or legislative policies may affect the interest rates we must offer to attract deposits and the interest rates we can charge on our loans, as well as the manner in which we offer deposits and make loans. These monetary policies have had, and are expected to continue to have, significant effects on the operating results of depository institutions, including the Bank. Increases in interest rates also may reduce the demand for loans and, as a result, the amount of loan and commitment fees the Bank receives.

 

***Credit Risk***

A number of factors can impact the ability of borrowers to repay their current loan obligations, which could not only result in increased loan defaults, foreclosures and write-offs, but also necessitate further increases to our allowance for loan losses. If customers default on the repayment of their loans, our profitability could be adversely affected. A borrower’s default on its obligations under one or more of our loans may result in lost principal and interest income and increased operating expenses as a result of the allocation of management time and resources to the collection and work-out of the loans. If collection efforts are unsuccessful or acceptable workout arrangements cannot be reached, we may have to write-off the loans in whole or in part. Although we may acquire any real estate or other assets that secure the defaulted loans through foreclosure or other similar remedies, the amount owedunder the defaulted loans may exceed the value of the assets acquired. 

Management periodically makes a determination of our allowance for loan losses based on available information, including the quality of our loan portfolio, economic conditions, the value of the underlying collateral and the level of our non-accruing loans. If assumptions prove to be incorrect, our allowance may not be sufficient. Increases in this allowance will result in an expense for the period. If, as a result of general economic conditions or an increase in non-performing loans, Management determines that an increase in our allowance for loan losses is necessary, we may incur additional expenses. 

As an integral part of their examination process, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and the value we attribute to real estate acquired through foreclosure or other similar remedies. These regulatory agencies may require us to adjust our determination of the value of these items. These adjustments could negatively impact our results of operations or financial condition. 

Because we serve primarily individuals and smaller businesses located in coastal Maine, the ability of customers to repay their loans is impacted by the economic conditions in this area. In addition, our ability to continue to originate loans may be impaired by adverse changes in local and regional economic conditions. These events also could have an adverse effect on the value of our collateral and our financial condition. 

In the course of business, we may acquire, through foreclosure, properties securing loans that are in default. In commercial real estate lending, there is a risk that hazardous substances could be discovered on these properties. In this event, we might be required to remove these substances from the affected properties at our sole cost and expense. The cost of this removal could exceed the value of the affected properties. We may not have adequate remedies against the prior owners or other responsible parties and could find it difficult or impossible to sell the affected properties. The occurrence of one or more of these events could adversely affect our financial condition or operating results. 

 

***Liquidity and Funding***

We have traditionally obtained funds principally through deposits and borrowings. As a general matter, deposits are a lower cost source of funds than borrowings, because interest rates paid for deposits are typically less than interest rates charged for borrowings. If, as a result of competitive pressures, market interest rates, general economic conditions or other events, the balance of our deposits decreases relative to our overall banking operations, we may have to rely more heavily on borrowings as a source of funds in the future. Such an increased reliance on borrowings could have a negative impact on our results of operations or financial condition. 

In addition, fluctuations in interest rates may result in disintermediation, which is the flow of funds away from depository institutions into direct investments that pay higher rates of return, and may affect the value of our investment securities and other interest-earning assets.

 

***Regulation***

Bank holding companies and nationally chartered banks operate in a highly regulated environment and are subject to supervision and examination by various regulatory agencies. The Company is subject to the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board, or FRB. The Bank is subject to regulation and supervision by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, or the OCC. The cost of compliance 

 

Form 10-K • Page 7

with regulatory requirements may adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition. Federal and state laws and regulations govern numerous matters including: changes in the ownership or control of banks and bank holding companies; maintenance of adequate capital and the financial condition of a financial institution; permissible types, amounts and terms of extensions of credit and investments; permissible non-banking activities; the level of reserves against deposits; and restrictions on dividend payments. 

The OCC possesses cease and desist powers to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law by banks subject to their regulation, and the Federal Reserve Board possesses similar powers with respect to bank holding companies. These and other restrictions limit the manner in which we may conduct our business and obtain financing. 

Under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and other regulatory requirements, we must meet guidelines that include quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items, subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. If we fail to meet these minimum capital guidelines and other regulatory requirements, our financial condition would be materially and adversely affected. Our failure to maintain the status of “well capitalized” under our regulatory framework could affect the confidence of our customers in us, thus compromising our competitive position. In addition, failure to maintain the status of “well capitalized” under our regulatory framework or “well managed” under regulatory examination procedures could compromise our status as a bank holding company and related eligibilityfor a streamlined review process for acquisition proposals. 

 

***Electronic Systems***

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure or interruptions or breach in security of these systems could result in disruptions to our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposits, servicing or loan origination systems. The occurrence of any failures or interruptions could result in a loss of customer business and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. 

 

**ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments** 

 

None 

 

**ITEM 2. Properties**

 

The principal office of the Company and the Bank is located in Damariscotta, Maine. The Bank operates 14 full-service banking offices in four counties in the Mid-Coast and Down East regions of Maine:

**Lincoln County**

**Knox County**

**Hancock County**

**Washington County**

Boothbay Harbor

Camden

Bar Harbor

Eastport

Damariscotta

Rockland

Blue Hill

Calais

Waldoboro

Rockport

Ellsworth

Wiscasset

Northeast Harbor

 

Southwest Harbor

First Advisors, the investment management and trust division of the Bank, operates from two offices in Bar Harbor, and Damariscotta. The Bank also maintains an Operations Center in Damariscotta.

The Company owns all of its facilities except for the land on which the Ellsworth branch is located, and except for the Camden, Calais, Northeast Harbor, and Southwest Harbor drive-up facilities, for which the Bank entered into long-term leases. Management believes that the Bank’s current facilities are suitable and adequate in light of its current needs and its anticipated needs over the near term.

 

**ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings**

 

There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or the Bank is a party or to which any of its property is subject, other than routine litigation incidental to the business of the Bank. None of these proceedings is expected to have a material effect on the financial condition of the Company or of the Bank.

 

**ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders**

 

None

 

Form 10-K • Page 8

**ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters**

 

The common stock of First National Lincoln Corporation (ticker symbol FNLC) trades on the NASDAQ National Market System. The following table reflects the high and low prices of actual sales in each quarter of 2007 and 2006. Such quotations do not reflect retail mark-ups, mark-downs or brokers’ commissions.

 

 

**2007**

2006

 

**High**

**Low**

High

Low

1st Quarter

**$16.84**

**$15.64**

$17.89

$17.10

2nd Quarter

**17.00**

**15.50**

17.72

16.45

3rd Quarter

**17.50**

**13.60**

17.99

16.62

4th Quarter

**15.95**

**14.20**

17.40

16.39

 

The last transaction of the Company’s stock on the NASDAQ National Market System during 2007 was on December 31 at $14.64 per share. There are no warrants outstanding with respect to the Company’s common stock, and the Company has no securities outstanding which are convertible into common equity.

The table below sets forth the cash dividends declared in the last two fiscal years:

 

**Date Declared**

**Amount Per Share**

**Date Payable**

March 16, 2006

$0.145

April 28, 2006

June 15, 2006

$0.150

July 31, 2006

September 21, 2006

$0.155

October 31, 2006

December 21, 2006

$0.160

January 31, 2007

March 22, 2007

$0.165

April 30, 2007

June 21, 2007

$0.170

July 31, 2007

September 19, 2007

$0.175

October 31, 2007

December 20, 2007

$0.180

January 31, 2008

 

The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends depends on receipt of dividends from the Bank. Dividends may be declared by the Bank out of its net profits as the 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 plus retained net profits of the preceding two years. Based upon this restriction, the amount available for dividends in 2008 will be that year’s net income plus $9.9 million. The payment of dividends from the Bank to the Company may be additionally restricted if the payment of such dividends resulted in the Bank failing to meet regulatory capital requirements.

The Bank is also required to maintain minimum amounts of capital-to-total-risk-weighted-assets, as defined by banking regulators. At December 31, 2007, the Bank was required to have minimum Tier 1 and Tier 2 risk-based capital ratios of 4.00% and 8.00%, respectively. The Bank’s actual ratios were 10.13% and 10.99%, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.

 

Form 10-K • Page 9

***Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities***

The Company issues shares to the Bank’s 401k Investment and Savings Plan pursuant to an exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), contained in Section 3(a)(11) thereof and Rule 147 promulgated thereunder. Sales in 2007 are presented in the following table:

 

**Month**

**Shares**

**Average Price**

**Proceeds**

January 2007

1,191

16.61

19,785

February 2007

1,381

16.54

22,848

March 2007

776

16.19

12,555

April 2007

957

16.02

15,327

May 2007

484

16.13

7,812

June 2007

353

16.18

5,705

July 2007

320

16.48

5,268

August 2007

535

15.17

8,115

September 2007

319

14.95

4,773

October 2007

317

15.25

4,837

November 2007

243

15.15

3,674

December 2007

186

14.72

2,738

**Total**

**7,061**

**$16.06**

**$113,000**

 

***Repurchase of Shares and Use of Proceeds***

On July 21, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a program for the repurchase of up to 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock or approximately 2.5% of the outstanding shares. This program ended in August of 2007, with 126,334 shares repurchased under the program at an average price of $16.93 and at a total cost of $2.1 million.

On August 16, 2007, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized a new program for the repurchase of up to 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock or approximately 3.1% of the outstanding shares. The Company expects such repurchases to be effected from time to time, in the open market, in private transactions or otherwise, during a period of up to 24 months. The amount and timing of shares to be purchased will be subject to market conditions and will be based on several factors, including the price of the Company’s stock and the level of stock issuances under the Company’s employee stock plans. No assurance can be given as to the specific timing of the share repurchases or as to whether and to what extent the share repurchase will be consummated. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had repurchased 90,564 shares under the new repurchase plan at anaverage price of $15.17 and at a total cost of $1.4 million.

The following table details repurchases under both programs for the year ended December 31, 2007:

 

**Month**

**Total**

**Number of**

**Shares Purchased**

**Average Price Paid Per Share**

**Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Plan or Program**

**Maximum Number of Shares that may yet be Purchased under the Plan or Program**

January 2007

5,210

16.49

5,210

137,753

February 2007

808

16.50

808

136,945

March 2007

650

16.31

650

136,295

April 2007

91

15.97

91

136,204

May 2007

11,803

16.13

11,803

124,401

June 2007

735

15.66

735

123,666

July 2007

-

-

-

123,666

August 2007

3,859

15.73

3,859

299,994

September 2007

1

15.08

1

299,993

October 2007

1

15.35

1

299,992

November 2007

76,655

15.21

76,655

223,337

December 2007

10,047

14.65

10,047

213,290

**Total**

**109,860**

**15.35**

**109,860**

**213,290**

 

Form 10-K • Page 10

**ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data**

 

 

*Dollars in thousands,*

*except for per share amounts***

Years ended December 31,

**2007**

2006

2005

2004

2003

**Summary of Operations**

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Income

**$71,721**

$ 64,204

$ 50,431 

$ 30,528

$ 27,540

Interest Expense

**39,885**

33,589

18,848 

9,024

9,796

Net Interest Income

**31,836**

30,615

31,583 

21,504

17,744

Provision for Loan Losses

**1,432**

1,325

200 

880

907

Non-Interest Income

**10,145**

10,306

9,034 

4,667

5,148

Non-Interest Expense

**22,183**

22,439

22,518 

13,371

11,600

Net Income

**13,101**

12,295

12,843 

8,509

7,427

**Per Common Share Data**

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

**$     1.34**

$     1.25

$    1.32

$    1.16

$    1.02

Diluted

**1.34**

1.25

1.30

1.14

1.00

Cash Dividends (Declared)

**0.69**

0.61

0.53

0.45

0.38

Book Value

**11.58**

10.98

10.52

7.18

6.57

Market Value

**14.64**

16.72

17.58

17.45

16.63

**Financial Ratios**

 

 

 

 

 

Return on Average Equity

**11.89%**

11.63%

12.98%

17.10%

16.39%

Return on Average Tangible Equity

**15.89**

15.75

17.81

17.36

16.39

Return on Average Assets

**1.13**

1.14

1.36

1.41

1.41

Average Equity to Average Assets

**9.53**

9.81

10.44

8.22

8.58

Average Tangible Equity to Average Assets

**7.13**

7.24

7.61

8.27

8.58

Net Interest Margin (Tax-Equivalent)

**3.13**

3.24

3.84

3.94

3.73

Dividend Payout Ratio (Declared)

**51.49**

48.80

40.15

38.62

37.13

Allowance for Loan Losses/Total Loans

**0.74**

0.76

0.79

0.99

1.05

Non-Performing Loans to Total Loans

**0.31**

0.42

0.40

0.34

0.39

Non-Performing Assets to Total Assets

**0.23**

0.32

0.30

0.25

0.29

Efficiency Ratio (Tax-equivalent)

**50.16**

52.12

52.89

48.78

48.32

**At Year End**

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

**$1,223,250**

$1,104,869

$1,042,209

$ 634,238

$ 568,812

Total Loans

**920,164**

838,145

772,338

478,332

398,895

Total Investment Securities

**221,815**

180,549

183,981

126,827

136,689

Total Deposits

**781,280**

805,235

713,964

369,844

359,077

Total Borrowings

**316,719**

179,862

215,189

207,206

157,822

Total Shareholders’ Equity

**112,668**

107,327

103,452

52,815

47,718

 

 

 

 

High 

Low 

Market price per common share of stock during 2007

 

 

$17.50

$13.60

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 11

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

 

First National Lincoln Corporation (the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Maine on January 15, 1985, and is the parent holding company of The First, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Company generates almost all of its revenues from the Bank, which was chartered as a national bank under the laws of the United States on May 30, 1864. The Bank, which has fourteen offices along coastal Maine, emphasizes personal service to the communities it serves, concentrating primarily on small businesses and individuals.

The Bank offers a wide variety of traditional banking services and derives the majority of its revenues from net interest income – the spread between what it earns on loans and investments and what it pays for deposits and borrowed funds. While net interest income typically increases as earning assets grow, the spread can vary up or down depending on the level and direction of movements in interest rates. Management believes the Bank has modest exposure to changes in interest rates, as discussed in “Interest Rate Risk Management” elsewhere in Management’s Discussion. In addition, the banking business in the Bank’s market area historically has been seasonal with lower deposits in the winter and spring and higher deposits in the summer and fall. This seasonal swing is fairly predictable and has not had a materially adverse effect on the Bank.

Non-interest income is the Bank’s secondary source of revenue and includes fees and service charges on deposit accounts, fees for processing merchant credit card receipts, income from the sale and servicing of mortgage loans, and income from investment management and private banking services through First Advisors, a division of the Bank.

 

***Critical Accounting Policies***

Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations 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, the valuation of mortgage servicing rights, goodwill and the valuation of stock options. 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 for making judgmentsabout the carrying values of assets that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results are likely to differ from the amounts derived from Management’s estimates and assumptions, and such differences could be substantial.

The allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting policy that requires the most significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The allowance for loan losses is based on Management’s evaluation of the level of the allowance required in relation to the estimated loss exposure in the loan portfolio. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is a significant estimate and therefore 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 probable losses. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different provisions for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is discussed in more detail in the Assets and Asset Quality section of this report.

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 which is recorded on the balance sheet. This includes an evaluation for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights, which can vary depending uponcurrent 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.

The valuation of goodwill is a critical accounting policy. Intangible assets include the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) from the acquisition of FNB Bankshares in 2005 as well as the core deposit intangible related to the same acquisition. The core deposit intangible is amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years. The straight-line basis is used because the Company does not expect significant run off in the core deposits which were acquired. The Company periodically evaluates intangible assets for impairment on the basis of whether these assets are fully recoverable from projected, undiscounted net cash flows of the acquired company. 

The value of stock options is a critical accounting policy. The Company established a shareholder-approved stock option plan in 1995, under which the Company may grant options to its employees for up to 600,000 shares of common stock. Only incentive stock options may be granted under the plan. The option price of each option grant is determined 

 

Form 10-K • Page 12

by the Options Committee of the Board of Directors, and in no instance shall be less than the fair market value on the date of the grant. An option’s maximum term is 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 this plan had been granted. The Company applies the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”, to stock-based employee compensation for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2006. 

 

**Results of Operations**

 

For First National Lincoln Corporation, 2007 operating results were greatly improved over 2006. The driving force for our increase in earnings was net interest income. A primary factor for this was growth in earning assets.  At the same time, the lowering of rates by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) was positive for the Company. As in previous years, expense control continued to be a major factor in our performance in 2007.

 

***Net Interest Income***

Net interest income in 2007 was $31.8 million, an increase of $1.2 million or 4.0% from the $30.6 million posted by the Company in 2006. The primary factor for the increase in net interest income during 2007 compared to 2006 was the $124.6 million or 12.2% growth in earning assets in 2007, with total loans increasing $82.0 million or 9.8% and investments increasing $41.3 million or 22.9%. In addition, the lowering of rates by the FOMC in 2007 was positive for FNLC, resulting in lower funding costs from a restructuring of a significant portion of our wholesale funding and improved net interest margins in the third and fourth quarters. 

The following tables present changes in interest income and expense attributable to changes in interest rates, volume, and rate/volume1 for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Tax-exempt income is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis, using a 35.0% tax rate.

 

**Year ended December 31, 2007 compared to 2006**

 

 

*Dollars in thousands***

Volume

Rate

Rate/Volume1

Total

**Interest on earning assets**

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits

$               (64)

$               (64)

$                64

$                (64)

Investment securities

1,044

482

46

1,572

Loans held for sale

5

15

31

51

Loans  

4,165

1,761

133

6,059

Total interest income

5,150

2,194

274

7,618

**Interest expense**

 

 

 

 

Deposits

1,067

2,760

114

3,941

Borrowings

1,897

368

90

2,355

Total interest expense

2,964

3,128

204

6,296

**Change in net interest income**

$           2,186

$             (934)

$                70

$            1,322

 

**Year ended December 31, 2006 compared to 2005**

 

 

*Dollars in thousands***

Volume

Rate

Rate/Volume1

Total

**Interest on earning assets**

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits

$                23

$                 10

$                18

$                 51

Investment securities

1,749

109

21

1,879

Loans held for sale

(3)

4

(1)

-

Loans  

6,266

5,017

730

12,013

Total interest income

8,035

5,140

768

13,943

**Interest expense**

 

 

 

 

Deposits

2,868

7,791

1,656

12,315

Borrowings

(185)

2,705

(94)

2,426

Total interest expense

2,682

10,496

1,562

14,741

**Change in net interest income**

$          5,353

$         (5,356)

$            (794)

$            (798)

1*Represents the change attributable to a combination of change in rate and change in volume.*

 

Form 10-K • Page 13

The following table presents, for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, the interest earned on or paid for each major asset and liability category, respectively, the average yield for each major asset and liability category, and the net yield between assets and liabilities. Tax-exempt income has been calculated on a tax-equivalent basis using a 35% rate. Unrecognized interest on non-accrual loans is not included in the amount presented, but the average balance of non-accrual loans is included in the denominator when calculating yields.

 

* *

**2007**

2006

2005

*Dollars in thousands***

**Amount of interest**

**Average Yield/Rate**

**Amount of interest**

**Average Yield/Rate**

Amount of interest

Average Yield/Rate

Interest on earning assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-bearing deposits

**$           -**

**0.00%**

$         64

5.41%

$          13

3.00%

Investments

**12,582**

**5.98%**

11,010

5.73%

9,131

5.66%

Loans held for sale

**53**

**8.43%**

14

6.93%

14

5.63%

Loans  

**61,167**

**7.01%**

55,096

6.79%

43,083

6.08%

Total interest-earning assets

**73,802**

**6.81%**

66,184

6.58%

52,241

6.00%

Interest-bearing liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deposits

**29,745**

**3.93%**

25,804

3.55%

13,489

2.25%

Other borrowings

**10,140**

**4.71%**

7,785

4.49%

5,359

2.99%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

**39,885**

**4.10%**

33,589

3.73%

18,848

2.42%

Net interest income

**$ 33,917**

 

$ 32,595

 

$ 33.393

 

Interest rate spread

 

**2.71%**

 

2.85%

 

3.58%

Net interest margin

 

**3.13%**

 

3.24%

 

3.84%

 

Tax-exempt interest income amounted to $3.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, and $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. The following table presents the effect of tax-exempt income on the calculation of the net interest margin, using a 35.0% tax rate in 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

*Dollars in thousands*

**2007**

2006

2005

Net interest income as presented

**$31,836**

$30,615 

$31,583 

Effect of tax-exempt income

**2,081**

1,980 

1,810 

Net interest income, tax equivalent

**$33,917**

$32,595 

$33,393 

 

***Non-Interest Income***

Non-interest income decreased $0.2 million or 1.6% from $10.3 million in 2006 to $10.1 million in 2007. The decrease in non-interest income was due to lower investment management and fiduciary income, which decreased by 11.0%, service charges on deposit accounts, which decreased by 0.4%, and other operating income, which decreased by 0.5%. 

 

***Non-Interest Expense***

Non-interest expense declined $0.2 million or 1.1% in 2007 from $22.4 million in 2006 to $22.2 million in 2007.  During 2007, the Company aggressively sought to control operating expense. The Company saw a decrease in furniture and equipment expense as well as in other operating expense.

 

***Provision to the Allowance for Loan Losses***

The Company’s provision to the allowance for loan losses was $1.4 million in 2007 compared to $1.3 million in 2006. The amount of provision made during the years ending 2007 and 2006 was to maintain the allowance for loan losses at an adequate level given continued growth in our loan portfolio and our level of chargeoffs. The Company’s level of chargeoffs as a percentage of loans outstanding was lower in 2007 than in 2006, remaining historically low at 0.11% of total loans. 

 

Form 10-K • Page 14

***Net Income***

Net income for 2007 was $13.1 million – a 6.6% or $0.8 million increase from net income of $12.3 million that was posted in 2006. Earnings per share on a fully diluted basis were $1.34, up $0.09 or 7.2% from the $1.25 reported for the year ended December 31, 2006. Higher net interest income and lower non-interest expense were the primary factors for the increase in net income. 

 

***Key Ratios***

Return on average assets in 2007 was 1.13%, down from the 1.14% posted in 2006. Return on average tangible equity was 15.89% in 2007, compared to 15.75% in 2006 and 17.81% in 2005, while return on average equity was 11.89% in 2007, compared to 11.63% in 2006 and 12.98% in 2005. The substantial difference between return on average tangible equity and average equity is due to the addition of goodwill related to the acquisition of FNB Bankshares in 2005. In 2007, the Company’s dividend payout ratio (the ratio of dividends declared to net income) was 51.49%, compared to 48.80% in 2006 and 40.15% in 2005.

The Company’s efficiency ratio – a benchmark measure of the amount spent to generate a dollar of income – was 50.16% in 2007 compared to 59.47% for the Bank’s peer group, on average. In 2006, the Bank’s efficiency ratio was 52.12%  compared to 56.21% for the Bank’s peer group, on average The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing the Company’s operating expenses (which excludes the provision for loan losses) by the total of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis before provision for loan losses and other operating income (which excludes securities gains). 

 

***Investment Management and Fiduciary Activities***

As of December 31, 2007, First Advisors, the Bank’s private banking and investment management division, had assets under management with a market value of $261.0 million, consisting of 1,020 trust accounts, estate accounts, agency accounts, and self-directed individual retirement accounts. This compares to December 31, 2006, when 1,054 accounts with a market value of $351.2 million were under management. The decline in market value and number of accounts during 2007 was the result of a reorganization of this part of the Bank that included downsizing the number of offices and officers, which in turn led to an anticipated loss of assets under management.

Form 10-K • Page 15

***Average Daily Balance Sheets***

The following table shows the Company’s average daily balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005.

 

 

Years ended December 31,

*In thousands of dollars***

**2007**

2006

2005

**Assets**

 

 

 

Cash and due from banks

**$     19,978**

$    21,227 

$    21,895 

Interest-bearing deposits

**-**

1182

432

**Investments**

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury securities & government agency securities

**110,637**

88,132

66,674

Obligations of states and political subdivisions

**61,189**

57,241

52,524

Other securities

**38,537**

46,780

42,068

Total investments

**210,363**

192,153

161,266

Loans held for sale

**623**

202

257

**Loans**

 

 

 

Commercial

**354,235**

329,195

286,754

Consumer

**59,711**

47,578

35,464

State and municipal

**26,722**

22,107

21,833

Real estate

**432,342**

412,785

364,557

Total loans

**873,010**

811,665

708,608

Allowance for loan losses

**(6,634)**

(6,176)

(6,450)

Net loans

**866,376**

805,489

702,158

Premises and equipment, net

**15,664**

16,250

16,670

Goodwill

**15,037**

14,020

26,815

Other assets

**27,684**

27,684

18,059

**Total assets**

**$ 1,155,725**

$ 1,078,207 

$ 947,552 

**Liabilities and shareholders’ equity**

 

 

 

**Deposits**

 

 

 

Demand

**$      61,678**

$    62,571 

$   60,102 

NOW

**102,083**

101,103

109,048

Money market

**125,370**

126,837

115,359

Savings

**91,967**

102,683

112,376

Certificates of deposit

**323,367**

164,988

119,595

Certificates of deposit over $100,000

**114,764**

231,867

143,557

Total deposits

**819,229**

790,049

660,037

Borrowed funds

**215,403**

173,200

179,409

Other liabilities

**10,951**

9,199

9,189

**Total liabilities**

**$ 1,045,583**

$ 972,448

$ 848,635

Common stock

**98**

99

98

Additional paid-in capital

**45,644**

46,776

46,599

Retained earnings

**64,085**

58,275

50,689

Unrealized gain on securities available for sale

**574**

609

1,531

Unrealized loss on post-retirement benefit cost

**(259)**

-

-

**Total shareholders’ equity**

**110,142**

105,759

98,917

**Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity**

**$ 1,155,725**

$ 1,078,207 

$ 947,552 

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 16

**Assets and Asset Quality**

 

Asset growth was strong in 2007, with the loan portfolio increasing by $82.0 million or 9.8%, while the investment portfolio increased $41.3 million or 22.9% over December 31, 2006. Total assets increased by 10.7% or $118.4 million from $1.10 billion at December 31, 2006, to $1.22 billion at December 31, 2007.  This increase in earning assets contributed to net interest income increasing $1.2 million or 4.0% during 2007 when compared to 2006. 

Although the Bank’s loan delinquency ratio increased to 2.27% in 2007, compared to 1.50% on December 31, 2006 and 1.17% on December 31, 2005, it compares well to its peers. In Management’s opinion, there has been no pattern or trend in loan delinquencies which is of concern.

 

***Investment Activities***

During 2007, the Company’s investment portfolio increased 22.9% to end the year at $221.8 million, compared to $180.5 million on December 31, 2006. 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, changes in prepayment risk, changes in 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.

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, banker’s acceptances, corporate bonds and commercial paper with one of the three highest ratings given by a nationally recognized rating agency.

The Company’s investment portfolio is 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 December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005.

 

*Dollars in thousands***

**2007**

2006

2005

**Securities available for sale**

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and agency

**$                -**

$         4,967

$         9,101

Mortgage-backed securities

**1,322**

1,571

1,980

State and political subdivisions

**10,855**

11,073

11,782

Corporate securities

**14,727**

18,349

20,353

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

**12,569**

7,586

10,294

Federal Reserve Bank stock

**662**

662

653

Other equity securities

**326**

607

580

 

**$      40,461**

$      44,815

$      54,743

**Securities to be held to maturity**

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and agency

**$      95,009**

$      46,192

$      42,274

Mortgage-backed securities

**30,786**

33,379

33,670

State and political subdivisions

**53,914**

47,549

44,685

Corporate securities

**1,645**

8,614

8,609

 

**181,354**

135,734

129,238

Total securities

**$    221,815**

$    180,549

$    183,981

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 17

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the yields and expected maturities of the Company’s investment securities as of December 31, 2007. 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.

 

 

**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%

3,000

4.03%

Due in 5 to 10 years 

-

0.00%

7,000

5.26%

Due after 10 years 

-

0.00%

85,009

6.49%

Total 

-

0.00%

95,009

6.32%

**Mortgage-Backed Securities**

 

 

 

 

Due in 1 year or less 

5

11.68%

60

3.26%

Due in 1 to 5 years 

249

1.61%

2,241

3.80%

Due in 5 to 10 years 

155

7.00%

3,871

4.51%

Due after 10 years 

913

3.00%

24,615

5.36%

Total 

1,322

3.24%

30,787

5.14%

**State & Political Subdivisions**

 

 

 

 

Due in 1 year or less 

-

0.00%

-

0.00%

Due in 1 to 5 years 

494

6.71%

4,602

7.27%

Due in 5 to 10 years 

10,361

7.39%

11,397

6.62%

Due after 10 years 

-

0.00%

37,914

6.50%

Total 

10,855

7.36%

53,913

6.59%

**Corporate Securities**

 

 

 

 

Due in 1 year or less 

1,001

7.03%

495

8.10%

Due in 1 to 5 years 

11,572

7.74%

150

4.00%

Due in 5 to 10 years 

1,095

7.90%

1,000

4.00%

Due after 10 years 

1,059

6.28%

-

0.00%

Total 

14,727

7.60%

1,645

5.23%

**Equity Securities**

13,557

5.94%

-

-

 

$40,461

6.84%

$181,354

6.19%

 

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 18

***Lending Activities***

The loan portfolio experienced solid growth during 2007, with the most significant increase seen in commercial real estate loans. Total loans were $920.2 million at December 31, 2007, a 9.8% increase from total loans of $838.1 million at December 31, 2006. This continues the loan growth trend experienced by the Company over the past ten years. The following tables summarize the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

 

*Dollars in thousands***

As of December 31,

**2007**

2006

2005

2004

2003

Commercial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real estate

**$119,675**

**13.0%**

$  94,765

11.3%

$  79,135

10.2%

$  47,082

9.8%

$  40,521

10.2%

Other

**251,489**

**27.3%**

236,637

28.2%

233,806

30.3%

110,811

23.2%

97,487

24.4%

Residential real estate

Term

**442,407**

**48.1%**

421,967

50.4%

390,995

50.6%

278,879

58.3%

223,251

56.0%

Construction

**5,269**

**0.6%**

5,394

0.6%

8,997

1.2%

1,067

0.2%

2,483

0.6%

Consumer

**66,539**

**7.2%**

55,658

6.7%

39,135

5.1%

26,769

5.6%

26,123

6.5%

Municipal

**34,785**

**3.8%**

23,724

2.8%

20,270

2.6%

13,724

2.9%

9,030

2.3%

Total loans

**$920,164**

**100%** 

$838,145

100% 

$772,338

100% 

$478,332

100%

$398,895

100% 

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the contractual maturities of the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2007.

 

*Dollars in thousands***

< 1 Year 

1 - 5 Years 

5 - 10 Years 

> 10 Years 

Total 

Commercial real estate

$    468

$    1,154

$   5,338

$ 106,749

$ 113,709

commercial other

8,209

70,368

39,147

139,668

257,392

Residential real estate

530

3,726

28,874

409,980

443,110

Residential construction

-

4,739

-

-

4,739

Consumer

214

21,733

11,402

33,080

66,429

Municipal

-

14,375

6,013

14,397

34,785

Totals

$ 9,421

$ 116,095

$ 90,774

$ 703,874

$ 920,164

 

The following table provides a listing of loans by category, excluding loans held for sale, between variable and fixed rates as of December 31, 2007.

 

*Dollars in thousands***

Amount

% of total

Variable-rate loans

 

 

Commercial loans

$  322,837 

35.1%

State and municipal loans

4,729 

0.5%

Consumer loans

3,053 

0.3%

Equity loans

71,749 

7.8%

Residential adjustable-rate mortgages

278,456 

30.3%

Total variable-rate loans

680,824 

74.0%

Fixed-rate loans

239,340 

26.0%

Total loans

$  920,164 

100.00%

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 19

***Loan Concentrations***

As of December 31, 2007, the Bank did not have any concentration of loans in one particular industry that exceeded 10% of its total loan portfolio.

 

***Loans Held for Sale***

The volume of residential mortgages sold into the secondary market during 2007 was higher than that sold in 2006 due to higher origination. This resulted in higher levels of non-interest income for mortgage origination and servicing. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market value, with a balance of $1.8 million at December 31, 2007 compared with $0.5 million at December 31, 2006.

 

***Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Loss Experience***

The allowance for loan losses represents the amount available for credit losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio. Loans are charged off when they are deemed uncollectible, after giving consideration to factors such as the customer’s financial condition, underlying collateral and guarantees, as well as general and industry economic conditions.

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 collectibility 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, and economic trends. 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 theCompany’s borrowers, were 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 collectibility 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 allowancebased on judgments different from those of Management. 

Credit quality of the commercial portfolios is quantified by a corporate credit rating system designed to parallel regulatory criteria and categories of loan risk. Individual loan officers monitor their loans to ensure appropriate rating assignments and adjustments are made on a timely basis. Risk ratings and quality of the commercial loan portfolio are also assessed on a regular basis by an independent loan review consulting firm. Ongoing portfolio trend analyses and individual credit reviews to evaluate loan risk and compliance with corporate lending policies are also performed. The level of allowance allocable to each group of risk-rated loans is then determined by applying a loss factor that estimates the amount of probable loss in each category. The assigned loss factor for each risk rating is based upon Management’s assessment of historical loss data, portfolio characteristics,economic trends, overall market conditions and past experience. 

Consumer loans, which include residential mortgages, home equity loans/lines, and direct/indirect loans, are generally evaluated as a group based on product type and on the basis of delinquency data and other credit data available due to the large number of such loans and the relatively small size of individual credits. Allocations for these loan categories are principally determined by applying loss factors that represent Management’s estimate of inherent losses. In each category, inherent losses are estimated based upon Management’s assessment of historical loss data, portfolio characteristics, economic trends, overall market conditions and past experience. In addition, certain loans in these categories may be individually risk-rated if considered necessary by Management. 

The other method used to allocate the allowance for loan losses entails the assignment of reserve amounts to 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 December 31, 2007, impaired loans with specific reserves totaled $1.3 million (all of these loans were on non-accrual status) and theamount of such reserves was $0.6 million. This compares to impaired loans with specific reserves of $1.1 million at December 31, 2006 (all of these loans were on non-accrual status) and the amount of such reserves was $0.2 million.

 

Form 10-K • Page 20

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. As a result of these analyses, the Company has concluded that the level of the allowance for loan losses was adequate as of December 31, 2007. Although the level of the allowance for loan losses is lower than the average of the Bank’s peers as a percentage of total loans, Management views the level of the allowance for loan losses as adequate as a result of the relatively high percentage of residential real estate loans in the portfolio in comparison to the peer group’s average and overall credit quality in the portfolio.

The following table reflects the Bank’s allowance for loan losses by category of loan as of December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, and 2003. The unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses is a general reserve that is not allocated to a specific portion of the loan portfolio. The commercial category includes commercial real estate loans. The percentages represent the proportion of each category to the total amount of loans outstanding at each date.

 

*Dollars in thousands***

As of December 31,

**2007**

2006

2005

2004

2003

Real estate

**$  781**

**49%**

$  749

51%

$   798

52%

$   856

58%

$   690

56%

Commercial

**4,678**

**44%**

4,503

42%

3,983

43%

2,509

36%

2,237

37%

Consumer

**1,098**

**7%**

1,008

7%

1,043

5%

711

6%

752

7%

Unallocated

**243**

**-**

104

-

262

-

638

-

521

-

Total

**$6,800**

**100%**

$6,364

100%

$6,086

100%

$4,714

100%

$4,200

100%

 

During 2007, a provision of $1.4 million was made to the allowance for loan losses, compared to a provision of $1.3 million in 2006, and $0.2 million in 2005. In Management’s opinion, the level of provision in 2007 was appropriate given the overall credit quality of the portfolio. Net loans charged off in 2007 were $1.0 million, or 0.11% of average loans outstanding for the year. This compares to net loan chargeoffs of $1.0 million or 0.13% in 2006 and $0.9 million or 0.12% in 2005. 

The following table summarizes the activity with respect to loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

* *

Years ended December 31,

*Dollars in thousands*

**2007**

2006

2005 

2004 

2003 

Balance at beginning of year

**$6,364**

$6,086

$4,714

$4,200

$3,700

Acquisition of FNB Bankshares

**-**

-

2,066

 

 

Loans charged off:

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial1

**867**

851

501

260

184

Real estate mortgage

**13**

42

270

-

19

Consumer2

**457**

420

281

180

352

Total

**1,337**

1,313

1,052

440

555

Recoveries on loans previously charged off

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial1

**145**

93

51

14

52

Real estate mortgage

**4**

16

-

-

2

Consumer

**192**

157

107

60

94

Total

**341**

266

158

74

148

Net loans charged off

**996**

1,047

894

366

407

Provision for loan losses

**1,432**

1,325

200

880

907

Balance at end of year

**$6,800**

$6,364

$6,086

$4,714

$4,200

Ratio of net loans charged off to average loans outstanding

**0.11%**

0.13%

0.12%

0.08%

0.10%

Ratio of allowance for loan losses to total loans outstanding

**0.74%**

0.76%

0.79%

0.99%

1.05%

1*Includes commercial real estate loans*

2 *Includes home equity lines of credit*

 

Form 10-K • Page 21

***Non-Performing Assets***

The Bank’s overall loan delinquency ratio increased to 2.27% at December 31, 2007, versus 1.50% at December 31, 2006. In Management’s opinion, there has been no pattern or trend in non-performing assets of concern. The increase in 2007 was related to isolated circumstances involving a small number of borrowers, and the levels at December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003 are in line with Management’s opinion of a normal range of delinquency rates for the Bank. 

The following table sets forth a summary of loans delinquent more than ninety days by category, total loans carried on a non-accrual basis, and income not recognized from non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004 and 2003.

 

* *

As of December 31,

*Dollars in thousands*

**2007**

2006

2005

2004

2003

Commercial real estate and business

**$  2,745**

$  3,390

$  2,022

$  1,580

$  1,320

Residential real estate

**2,055**

540

934

270

517

Consumer

**354**

302

464

32

78

Total

**$  5,154**

$  4,232

$  3,420

$  1,882

$  1,915

Non-accrual loans included in above total

**$  2,867**

$  3,485

$  3,095

$  1,601

$  1,537

Income not recognized from non-accrual loans

**283**

396

202

189

85

 

The Bank places a loan on non-accrual status only after a careful review of the loan circumstances and a determination that payment in full of principal and/or interest is not expected. Income not recognized from non-accrual loans represents the interest income, as of the end of each period, that would have been recorded on loans placed on non-accrual status if they were current in accordance with their original terms. None of these amounts were included in interest income for the same periods.

At December 31, 2007, there were two properties owned with a net OREO balance of $0.8 million compared to December 31, 2006 when there were also two properties owned with a net OREO balance of $1.1 million and December 31, 2005 as of which no properties were 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. 

 

**Funding, Liquidity and Capital Resources**

 

The Company’s principal sources of funding are deposits and borrowed funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. The Company has a comprehensive liquidity management program. It maintains adequate funding for its assets by acquiring deposits in its local market as well as through wholesale sources. The Bank’s liquidity position is further supplemented with securities repurchase agreements with certain brokers and $10.0 million in credit lines with correspondent banks.

While the Bank maintains a securities available for sale portfolio to enhance its overall liquidity position, its present policy is not to liquidate securities to meet short-term liquidity needs. Instead, the Bank uses Federal Home Loan Bank advances or securities repurchase agreements for this purpose. At December 31, 2007, the Company had a net unrealized gain of $0.4 million (net of $0.2 million in deferred income taxes) on securities available for sale.

Deposit balances generally increase during the summer and autumn months of each year due to increased seasonal business activity and also fluctuate throughout the year as a result of changes in volume of wholesale certificates of deposit due to variations in rates available from several wholesale funding sources. In 2007, the maximum amount of deposits at any month end was $877.4 million on July 31, 2007. This balance is somewhat higher than the $781.3 million on December 31, 2007, as a result of regular seasonal inflows of core deposits and shifts in the Bank’s wholesale funding mix.

As of December 31, 2007, the Bank had primary sources of liquidity of $84.5 million, or 7.07% of its assets. It is Management’s opinion that this is adequate. The Bank has established guidelines for liquidity management, with policies and procedures prescribed in its funds management policy. The Bank has not experienced any recent significant deposit trends which would have a material effect on the Bank’s liquidity position.

 

***Deposits***

Although average deposits increased slightly in 2007, the Bank saw a $24.0 million or 3.0% decrease in deposits from year end 2006 to year end 2007, compared to a 12.8% increase in 2006.  The decline in deposits from December 31, 2006 to December 31, 2007 was the result of a shift from wholesale certificates of deposit to repurchase agreements and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings because of more favorable interest rates available with these sources of funding.

 

Form 10-K • Page 22

The following table sets forth the average daily balance for the Bank’s principal deposit categories for each period:

 

* *

Years ended December 31,

% growth

*Dollars in thousands*

**2007**

2006

2005

2007 vs. 2006

Demand deposits

**$     61,678**

$     62,571 

$   60,102 

-1.45%

NOW accounts

**102,083**

101,103 

109,048 

0.96%

Money market accounts

**125,370**

126,837 

115,359 

-1.17%

Savings

**91,967**

102,683 

112,376 

-11.65%

Certificates of deposit

**438,131**

396,855 

263,152

9.42%

Total Deposits

**$   819,229**

$   790,049 

$ 660,037 

3.56%

 

The Bank’s average cost of deposits (including non-interest-bearing accounts) was 3.75% for the year ended December 31, 2007, compared to 3.27% for the year ended December 31, 2006 and 2.04% for the year ended December 31, 2005. This rise in average cost realized during 2007 is consistent with the interest rate policy and actions of the FOMC. The following table sets forth the average cost of each category of interest-bearing deposits for the periods indicated. 

 

 

Years ended December 31,

 

**2007**

2006

2005

NOW

**0.66%**

0.54%

0.55%

Money market

**4.82%**

4.64%

2.89%

Savings

**1.12%**

1.09%

0.97%

Certificates of deposit

**5.12%**

4.60%

3.21%

Total interest-bearing deposits

**3.93%**

3.55%

2.25%

 

Of all certificates of deposit, $354.3 million or 86.8% will mature by December 31, 2008. As of December 31, 2007, the Bank held a total of $107.0 million in certificate of deposit accounts with balances in excess of $100,000. The following table summarizes the time remaining to maturity for these certificates of deposit:

 

 

As of December 31,

*Dollars in thousands***

**2007**

2006

Within 3 Months

**$   36,997**

$   70,856

3 Months through 6 months

**21,093**

66,039

6 months through 12 months

**30,139**

76,667

Over 12 months

**18,726**

29,840

Total

**$  106,955**

$  243,402

 

***Borrowed Funds***

Borrowed funds consists mainly of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB) which are secured by FHLB stock, funds on deposit with FHLB, U.S. Treasury and Agency notes and mortgage-backed securities and qualifying first mortgage loans. As of December 31, 2007, the Bank’s total FHLB borrowing capacity was $310.9 million, of which $37.3 million was unused. As of December 31, 2007, advances totaled $273.6 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.20% and remaining maturities ranging from two days to 16 years. This compares to advances totaling $137.6 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 5.08% and remaining maturities ranging from three days to 17 years, as of December 31, 2006. During 2007, the Bank shifted a portion of its funding from wholesale certificates of deposit to borrowed funds in response to pricing available in the market. The increase in the weightedaverage rate paid on borrowed funds in 2007 compared to 2006 is consistent with the interest rate policy and actions of the FOMC. 

The Bank offers securities repurchase agreements to municipal and corporate customers as an alternative to deposits. The balance of these agreements as of December 31, 2007 was $41.1 million, compared to $39.8 million on December 31, 2006, and $39.9 million on December 31, 2005. The weighted average rates of these agreements were 3.46% as of December 31, 2007, compared to 3.60% as of December 31, 2006 and 2.66% as of December 31, 2005.

The Bank participates in the Note Option Depository which is offered by the U.S. Treasury Department. Under the Treasury Tax and Loan Note program, the Bank accumulates tax deposits made by its customers and is eligible to receive additional Treasury Direct investments up to an established maximum balance of $5.0 million. The balances 

 

Form 10-K • Page 23

invested by the Treasury are increased and decreased at the discretion of the Treasury. The deposits are generally made at interest rates that are favorable in comparison to other borrowings. The balances on the Treasury Tax and Loan note at December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005 were $2.0 million, $2.5 million, and $2.7 million, respectively.

The maximum amount of borrowed funds outstanding at any month-end during each of the last three years was $316.7 million at the end of December during 2007, $180.9 million at the end of May for the year 2006, and $222.3 million at the end of May for the year 2005. The average amount outstanding during 2007 was $215.4 million with a weighted average interest rate of 4.71%. This compares to an average outstanding amount of $173.2 million with a weighted average interest rate of 4.49% in 2006, and an average outstanding amount of $179.4 million with a weighted average interest rate of 2.99% in 2005. This rise in average cost realized during 2007 is consistent with the interest rate policy and actions of the FOMC.

 

***Capital Resources***

Capital at December 31, 2007 was sufficient to meet the requirements of regulatory authorities. Leverage capital of the Company, or total shareholders’ equity divided by average total assets for the current quarter less goodwill and any net unrealized gain or loss on securities available for sale, stood at 6.91% on December 31, 2007 and 7.15% at December 31, 2006. To be rated “well-capitalized”, regulatory requirements call for a minimum leverage capital ratio of 5.00%. At December 31, 2007, the Company had tier-one risk-based capital of 10.21% and tier-two risk-based capital of 11.07%, versus 10.40% and 11.26%, respectively, at December 31, 2006. To be rated “well-capitalized”, regulatory requirements call for minimum tier-one and tier-two risk-based capital ratios of 6.00% and 10.00%, respectively. The Company’s actual levels of capitalization were comfortably above thestandards to be rated “well-capitalized” by regulatory authorities. 

During 2007, the Company declared cash dividends of $0.165 per share for the first quarter, $0.170 per share for the second quarter, $0.175 per share for the third quarter, and $0.180 per share for the fourth quarter. The Company’s dividend payout ratio was 51.49% of earnings in 2007, 48.80% in 2006, and 40.15% in 2005. The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends to its shareholders depends on receipt of dividends from its subsidiary, the Bank. A total of $7.8 million in dividends was declared in 2007 from the Bank to the Company. 

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 Bank may pay dividends to the Company 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. Based upon this restriction, the amount available for dividends in 2008 will be that year’s net income plus $9.9 million. The payment of dividends from the Bank to the Company may be additionally restricted if the payment of such dividends resulted in the Bank failing to meet regulatory capital requirements. 

On January 14, 2005, the Company completed its merger with FNB Bankshares. As part of the merger, the Company issued 2.35 shares of its common stock to the shareholders of FNB Bankshares in exchange for each of the 1,048,814 shares of the common stock of FNB Bankshares outstanding. The total number of shares issued for the FNB acquisition was 2,464,598, with cash in lieu of fractional shares paid at the rate of $17.87 per share

At the time of the merger, there were outstanding options to purchase 126,208 shares of FNB under the FNB Bankshares Stock Option Plan assumed by the Company. Of these, options to acquire 40,630 FNB shares were converted in accordance with the merger agreement into options to acquire an aggregate of 95,479 common shares of the Company at a purchase price of $3.80 per share. Holders of unexercised options to purchase FNB shares that were not converted were paid cash to retire their options at the rate of $42.00 for each share subject to the option, less the option exercise price per share. The total amount paid to retire the remaining options was approximately $2.6 million.

In 2007, 33,500 shares of common stock were issued in conjunction with the exercise of stock options for consideration totaling $0.2 million and 38,061 shares were issued via employee stock programs and the dividend reinvestment plan during the year for consideration totaling $0.6 million. The Company also purchased 109,860 shares of common stock for total consideration of $1.7 million during the year.

Management knows of no present trends, events or uncertainties that will have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect on capital resources, liquidity, or results of operations.

 

Form 10-K • Page 24

***Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Activities***

The following table sets forth the contractual obligations and commitments to extend credit of the Company as of December 31, 2007:

 

*Dollars in thousands***

**Total**

**Less than**

**1 year**

**1-3 years**

**3-5 years**

**More than 5 years**

Borrowed funds 

**$      316,719**

199,528 

77,000 

10,000 

30,191 

Operating leases 

**329**

119 

153 

55 

2 

Certificates of deposit 

**408,319**

354,312 

50,194 

3,813 

- 

Total 

**$      725,367**

553,959 

127,347 

13,868 

30,193 

Unused lines, collateralized by residential real estate 

**$        55,694**

55,694 

-

-

-

Other unused commitments 

**$        56,904**

56,904

-

-

-

Standby letters of credit 

**$          2,594**

2,594

-

-

-

Commitments to extend credit 

**$        15,098**

15,098

-

-

-

Total loan commitments and unused lines of credit 

**$      130,290**

130,290

-

-

-

 

The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These include commitments to originate loans, commitments for unused lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Commitments for unused lines are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract and generally have fixed expiration dates. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee a customer’s performance to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. As of December 31, 2007, the Company’soff-balance-sheet activities consisted entirely of commitments to extend credit.

 

***Capital Purchases***

In 2007, the Company made capital purchases totaling $2.1 million. This cost will be amortized over an average of seven years, adding approximately $250,000 to pre-tax operating costs per year. The capital purchases included real estate improvements for branch premises and equipment related to technology.

 

***Effect of Future Interest Rates on Post-retirement Benefit Liabilities***

In evaluating the Company’s post-retirement benefit liabilities, Management believes changes in discount rates which have occurred pursuant to newly enacted Federal legislation will not have a significant impact on future operating results or financial condition.

 

**Other Information**

 

***Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards***

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and early application is encouraged. This Statement does not require any new fair value measurements and the Company does not expect application of this Statement to change current practice. 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of the new pronouncement is to improve financial reporting by providing companies with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company in 2008. The Company has not yet made a determination if it will elect to apply the options available in SFAS No. 159.

 

***Forward-Looking Statements***

Certain disclosures in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain certain forward-looking statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). In preparing these disclosures, Management must make assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions concerning the level 

 

Form 10-K • Page 25

of future interest rates, general local, regional and national economic conditions, competitive pressures, prepayments on loans and investments, required levels of capital, needs for liquidity, and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. These forward-looking statements may be subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, those matters referred to in the preceding sentence.

Although First National Lincoln Corporation 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 factors which affect the Company’s business.

 

**ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk**

 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, and First National Lincoln Corporation’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 present 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 which reprice within a specified time period. The cumulative one-year gap, at year-end, was -12.90% of total assets, which compares to -14.17% of assets at December 31, 2006. ALCO’s policy limit for the one-year gap is plus or minus 20% of total assets. Core deposits with non-contractual maturities are presented based upon historical patterns of balance attrition 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.

The Company’s summarized static gap, as of December 31, 2007, 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             

$   48,182

$   16,938

$   60,406

$   95,618

Loans held for sale                  

-

-

-

1,817

Loans                            

317,522

141,486

356,459

104,697

Other interest-earning assets  

8,804

-

-

-

Non-rate-sensitive assets             

1,041

-

-

70,280

**Total assets**

**375,549**

**158,424**

**416,865**

**272,412**

Interest-bearing deposits        

285,126

199,875

54,021

181,621

Borrowed funds                  

169,350

30,174

97,064

20,131

Non-rate-sensitive liabilities and equity           

1,750

5,550

37,200

141,388

**Total liabilities and equity**

**456,226**

**235,599**

**188,285**

**343,140**

Period gap   

**$  (80,677)**

**$  (77,175)**

**$ 228,580**

**(70,728)**

Percent of total assets   

-6.60%

-6.31%

18.69%

-5.78%

Cumulative gap (current)  

(80,677)

(157,852)

70,728

-

Percent of total assets 

-6.60%

-12.90%

5.78%

0.00%

 

The earnings simulation model forecasts one- and two-year net interest income under 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 

 

Form 10-K • Page 26

the yield curve and changes in interest rate relationships. Management evaluates the effects on income of alternative interest rate 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 most recent simulation model projects net interest income would increase by approximately 4.7% of stable-rate net interest income if short-term rates fall gradually by two percentage points over the next year, and decrease by approximately 7.3% if short-term rates rise gradually by two percentage points. Both scenarios are 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, in the first year. Management believes this reflects a reasonable interest rate risk position. Within a two-year horizon and assuming no additional change in interest rates, the model forecasts that net interest income would be higher than that earned in a stable rate environment by 15.8% in a falling rate scenario and decrease by 15.0% in a rising rate scenario. 

The change in net interest income projections between December 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006, is attributable to the change in the Company’s mix of assets and liabilities, as well as lowering of interest rates by the FOMC and the corresponding steepening of the yield curve which occurred in 2007. A summary of the Company’s interest rate risk simulation modeling, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 is presented in the following table:

 

Changes in Net Interest Income

**2007**

2006

**Year 1**

 

 

Projected changes if rates decrease by 2.0%

**+4.7%**

+7.5%

Projected change if rates increase by 2.0%

**-7.3%**

-8.8%

**Year 2**

 

 

Projected changes if rates decrease by 2.0%

**+15.8%**

+24.0%

Projected change if rates increase by 2.0%

**-15.0%**

-17.1%

 

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.

A variety of financial instruments can be used to manage interest rate sensitivity. These may include the securities in the investment portfolio, 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 December 31, 2007, the Company was using interest rate caps for interest rate risk management to mitigate its exposure to deterioration of net interest income in a rising rate environment.

Management believes that the current level of interest rate risk is acceptable as of December 31, 2007. 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 December 31, 2007, there were no significant differences between the views of the independent consultant and Management regarding the Company’s interest rate risk exposure.

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 27

**ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data** 

 

**Consolidated Balance Sheets**

*First National Lincoln Corporation and Subsidiary*

 

*As of December 31,***

**2007**

2006

**Assets**

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

**$      17,254,000**

$      24,188,000

Securities available for sale

**40,461,000**

44,815,000

Securities to be held to maturity, fair value of $181,132,000 at December 31, 2007, and $134,649,000 at December 31, 2006

**181,354,000**

135,734,000

Loans held for sale

**1,817,000**

460,000

Loans

**920,164,000**

838,145,000

Less allowance for loan losses

**6,800,000**

6,364,000

Net loans

**913,364,000**

831,781,000

Accrued interest receivable

**6,585,000**

6,140,000

Premises and equipment, net

**16,481,000**

15,845,000

Other real estate owned

**827,000**

1,144,000

Goodwill

**27,684,000**

27,684,000

Other assets

**17,423,000**

17,078,000

**Total assets**

**$ 1,223,250,000**

$ 1,104,869,000

**Liabilities**

 

 

Demand deposits

**$      60,637,000**

$      62,157,000

NOW deposits

**101,680,000**

99,612,000

Money market deposits

**124,033,000**

137,163,000

Savings deposits

**86,611,000**

98,131,000

Certificates of deposit under $100,000

**301,364,000**

164,770,000

Certificates of deposit $100,000 or more

**106,955,000**

243,402,000

Total deposits

**781,280,000**

805,235,000

Borrowed funds

**316,719,000**

179,862,000

Other liabilities

**12,583,000**

12,445,000

**Total liabilities**

**1,110,582,000**

997,542,000

Commitments and contingent liabilities (notes 13, 15, 19 and 20)

 

 

**Shareholders’ equity**

 

 

Common stock, one cent par value

**97,000**

98,000

Additional paid-in capital

**44,762,000**

45,587,000

Retained earnings

**67,647,000**

61,298,000

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale, 

net of tax of $234,000 in 2007 and $370,000 in 2006

**436,000**

696,000

Net unrealized loss on post-retirement benefit costs, 

net of tax benefit of $147,000 in 2007 and $190,000 in 2006

**(274,000)**

(352,000)

**Total shareholders’ equity**

**112,668,000**

107,327,000

**Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity**

**$ 1,223,250,000**

1,104,869,000

**Common stock**

 

 

Number of shares authorized

**18,000,000**

18,000,000

Number of shares issued

**9,732,493**

9,770,792

Number of shares outstanding 

**9,732,493**

9,770,792

Book value per share

**$11.58**

$10.98

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

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 28

**Consolidated Statements of Income**

*First National Lincoln Corporation and Subsidiary*

 

*Years ended December 31,***

**2007**

2006

2005

**Interest and dividend income**

 

 

 

Interest and fees on loans (includes tax-exempt income 

of $1,179,000 in 2007, $975,000 in 2006, and $879,000 in 2005)

**$60,585,000**

$54,585,000

$42,623,000

Interest on deposits with other banks

**-**

64,000

13,000

Interest and dividends on investments (includes tax-exempt income of $2,685,000 in 2007, $2,703,000 in 2006, and $2,482,000 in 2005)

**11,136,000**

9,555,000

7,795,000

Total interest and dividend income

**71,721,000**

64,204,000

50,431,000

**Interest expense**

 

 

 

Interest on deposits

**29,745,000**

25,804,000

13,489,000

Interest on borrowed funds

**10,140,000**

7,785,000

5,359,000

Total interest expense

**39,885,000**

33,589,000

18,848,000

Net interest income

**31,836,000**

30,615,000

31,583,000

Provision for loan losses

**1,432,000**

1,325,000

200,000

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

**30,404,000**

29,290,000

31,383,000

**Non-interest income**

 

 

 

Fiduciary and investment management income

**1,737,000**

1,951,000

1,686,000

Service charges on deposit accounts

**2,740,000**

2,752,000

2,438,000

Net securities gains

**2,000**

18,000

-

Mortgage origination and servicing income

**589,000**

503,000

616,000

Other operating income

**5,077,000**

5,082,000

4,294,000

Total non-interest income

**10,145,000**

10,306,000

9,034,000

**Non-interest expense**

 

 

 

Salaries and employee benefits

**11,037,000**

10,826,000

11,099,000

Occupancy expense

**1,438,000**

1,421,000

1,395,000

Furniture and equipment expense

**1,944,000**

2,124,000

2,136,000

Amortization of core deposit intangible

**283,000**

283,000

271,000

Other operating expenses

**7,481,000**

7,785,000

7,617,000

Total non-interest expense

**22,183,000**

22,439,000

22,518,000

Income before income taxes

**18,366,000**

17,157,000

17,899,000

Income tax expense

**5,265,000**

4,862,000

5,056,000

**Net income**

**$13,101,000**

12,295,000

12,843,000

**Earnings per common share**

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

**$           1.34**

$           1.25

$           1.32

Diluted earnings per share

**1.34**

1.25

1.30

Cash dividends declared per share

**0.69**

0.61

0.53

Weighted average number of shares outstanding

**9,787,287**

9,816,307

9,745,456

Incremental shares

**25,731**

49,476

114,751

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

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 29

**Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity**

*First National Lincoln Corporation and Subsidiary*

 

 

Number of common 

shares outstanding

Common stock

Additional 

paid-in 

capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total shareholders’ equity

Balance at December 31, 2004

7,356,836

$ 74,000

$  3,973,000

$ 46,809,000

$ 1,959,000

$ 52,815,000

Net income

-

-

-

12,843,000

-

12,843,000

Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of tax benefit of $631,000

-

-

-

-

(1,225,000)

(1,225,000)

Comprehensive income

-

-

-

12,843,000

(1,225,000)

11,618,000

Cash dividends declared

-

-

-

(5,212,000)

-

(5,212,000)

Payment to repurchase common stock

(176,247)

(2,000)

(3,030,000)

-

-

(3,032,000)

Proceeds from sale of common stock

187,590

2,000

1,414,000

-

-

1,416,000

Tax benefit of disqualifying disposition of incentive stock option shares

-

-

-

461,000

-

461,000

Acquisition of FNB Bankshares

2,464,598

25,000

45,361,000

-

-

45,386,000

Balance at December 31, 2005

9,832,777

99,000

47,718,000

54,901,000

734,000

103,452,000

Net income

-

-

-

12,295,000

-

12,295,000

Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of tax 

benefit of $3,000

-

-

-

-

(38,000)

(38,000)

Adjustment to initially apply Statement No. 158, net of tax benefit of $190,000

-

-

-

-

(352,000)

(352,000)

Comprehensive income

-

-

-

12,295,000

(390,000)

11,905,000

Cash dividends declared

-

-

-

(5,983,000)

-

(5,983,000)

Equity compensation expense

-

-

60,000

-

-

60,000

Payment to repurchase common stock

(179,176)

(1,000)

(3,051,000)

-

-

(3,052,000)

Proceeds from sale of common stock

117,191

-

860,000

-

-

860,000

Tax benefit of disqualifying disposition of incentive stock option shares

-

-

-

85,000

-

85,000

Balance at December 31, 2006

9,770,792

98,000

45,587,000

61,298,000

344,000

107,327,000

Net income

-

-

-

13,101,000

-

13,101,000

Net unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of tax benefit of $100,000

-

-

-

-

(260,000)

(260,000)

Unrecognized actuarial gainfor post-retirement benefits, 

net of taxes of $42,000

-

-

-

-

78,000

78,000

Comprehensive income

-

-

-

13,101,000

(182,000)

12,919,000

Cash dividends declared

-

-

-

(6,752,000)

-

(6,752,000)

Equity compensation expense

-

-

59,000

-

-

59,000

Payment to repurchase common stock

(109,860)

(1,000)

(1,686,000)

-

-

(1,687,000)

Proceeds from sale of common stock

71,561

-

802,000

-

-

802,000

**Balance at December 31, 2007**

**9,732,493**

**$ 97,000**

**$ 44,762,000**

**$67,647,000**

**$ 162,000**

**$112,668,000**

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

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 30

**Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows**

*First National Lincoln Corporation and Subsidiary*

 

*For the years ended December 31,***

**2007**

2006

2005

**Cash flows from operating activities**

 

 

 

Net income 

**$13,101,000**

$12,295,000

$12,843,000

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 

Depreciation 

**1,224,000**

1,400,000

1,469,000

Change in deferred income taxes 

**(464,000)**

(424,000)

392,000

Provision for loan losses 

**1,432,000**

1,325,000

200,000

Loans originated for resale 

**(24,081,000)**

(17,435,000)

(24,524,000)

Proceeds from sales of loans 

**22,724,000**

16,975,000

25,115,000

Net (gain) loss on sale of other real estate owned

**20,000**

(10,000)

-

Net gain on sale of premises and equipment

**(34,000)**

-

-

Equity compensation expense

**59,000**

60,000

-

Net gain on sale or call of securities available for sale

**(2,000)**

(18,000)

-

Net change in other assets and accrued interest receivable 

**(926,000)**

(1,444,000)

(2,721,000)

Net change in other liabilities 

**486,000**

2,542,000

2,257,000

Net (accretion of discounts) amortization of premiums on investments 

**(2,996,000)**

(253,000)

68,000

Net acquisition amortization 

**228,000**

252,000

319,000

Provision for losses on other real estate owned

**56,000**

269,000

-

Net cash provided by operating activities 

**10,827,000**

15,534,000

15,418,000

**Cash flows from investing activities**

 

 

 

Proceeds from maturities, payments, calls of securities available for sale 

**9,062,000**

10,019,000

4,723,000

Proceeds from maturities, payments, calls of securities held to maturity 

**90,261,000**

20,040,000

22,590,000

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned 

**978,000**

561,000

-

Purchases of securities available for sale 

**(4,983,000)**

(58,000)

(7,423,000)

Purchases of securities to be held to maturity 

**(133,008,000)**

(26,339,000)

(52,405,000)

Net increase in loans 

**(83,804,000)**

(68,961,000)

(109,943,000)

Capital expenditures 

**(2,108,000)**

(872,000)

(1,353,000)

Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment 

**282,000**

339,000

-

Cash for acquisition, net of cash received

**-**

-

3,493,000

Net cash used in investing activities 

**(123,320,000)**

(65,271,000)

(140,318,000)

**Cash flows from financing activities**

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in transaction and savings accounts 

**(24,102,000)**

(11,415,000)

30,102,000

Net increase in certificates of deposit 

**231,000**

102,837,000

121,383,000

Advances on long-term borrowings 

**100,000,000**

30,000,000

-

Repayments on long-term borrowings 

**(62,000,000)**

-

(47,118,000)

Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings 

**98,880,000**

(65,304,000)

38,088,000

Payments to repurchase common stock 

**(1,687,000)**

(3,052,000)

(3,032,000)

Proceeds from sale of common stock 

**802,000**

860,000

1,416,000

Dividends paid 

**(6,565,000)**

(5,983,000)

(4,727,000)

Net cash provided by financing activities 

**105,559,000**

47,943,000

136,112,000

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

**(6,934,000)**

(1,794,000)

11,212,000

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

**24,188,000**

25,982,000

14,770,000

**Cash and cash equivalents at end of year**

**$17,254,000**

$24,188,000

$25,982,000

Interest paid 

**$39,265,000**

$32,934,000

$18,386,000

Income taxes paid 

**5,919,000**

4,443,000

4,957,000

Non-cash transactions:

 

 

 

Non-cash assets acquired with common stock

**-**

-

254,984,000

Less liabilities assumed

**-**

-

213,091,000

Transfer from loans to other real estate owned

**737,000**

1,964,000

-

Net decrease in unrealized gain on securities available for sale

**360,000**

41,000

1,856,000

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

Form 10-K • Page 31

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

 

***Nature of Operations***

First National Lincoln Corporation (the “Company”) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The First, N.A. (“the Bank”), provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers from fourteen offices in coastal Maine. First Advisors, a division of the Bank, provides investment management, private banking and financial planning services. On January 14, 2005, the Company completed the acquisition of FNB Bankshares (“FNB”) of Bar Harbor, Maine, and 2005 operating results include the effect of the FNB acquisition only after the closing date.

 

**Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies**

 

***Principles of Consolidation***

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

***Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements***

In preparing the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of mortgage servicing rights, and goodwill.

 

***Investment Securities***

Investment securities are classified as available for sale or held to maturity when purchased. There are no trading account securities. 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 Bank’s funds management strategy, and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates or prepayment risk, changes in liquidity needs, or for other reasons. They are accounted for at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses adjusted through shareholders’ equity, net of related income taxes. Securities to be held to maturity consist primarily of debt securities which Management has acquired solely for long-term investment purposes, rather than for purposes of trading or future sale. For securities to be held to maturity, Management has the intent and the Bank has the ability to hold such securitiesuntil their respective maturity dates. Such securities are carried at cost adjusted for the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Investment securities transactions are accounted for on a settlement date basis; reported amounts would not be materially different from those accounted for on a trade date basis. Gains and losses on the sales of investment securities are determined using the amortized cost of the security.

 

***Loans Held for Sale***

Loans held for sale consist of residential real estate mortgage loans and are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value, as determined by current investor yield requirements.

 

***Loans***

Loans are generally reported at their outstanding principal balances, adjusted for chargeoffs, the allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs to originate loans. Loan commitments are recorded when funded.

 

***Loan Fees and Costs***

Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized in interest income as an adjustment to the loan yield over the life of the related loans. The unamortized net deferred fees and costs are included on the balance sheets with the related loan balances, and the amortization is included with the related interest income.

 

***Allowance for Loan Losses***

Loans considered to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level determined by Management to be adequate to absorb probable losses. This allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expenses and recoveries on loans previously charged off. Arriving at an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment. In determining the appropriate level of allowance for loan losses, Management takes into consideration several factors, including reviews of individual non-performing loans and performing loans listed on the watch report requiring periodic evaluation, loan portfolio size by category, recent loss experience, delinquency trends and current economic conditions. Loans more than 30 days past 

 

Form 10-K • Page 32

due are considered delinquent. Impaired loans, including restructured loans, are measured at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Management takes into consideration impaired loans in addition to the above mentioned factors in determining the appropriate level of allowance for loan losses.

 

***Goodwill & Identified Intangible Assets***

Intangible assets include the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) from the acquisition of FNB Bankshares as well as the core deposit intangible related to the same acquisition. The core deposit intangible is amortized on a straight-line basis over ten years. Amortization expense for 2007 was $283,000 and the amortization expense for each year until fully amortized will be $283,000. The straight-line basis is used because the Company does not expect significant run off in the core deposits acquired. The Company annually evaluates goodwill, and periodically evaluates other intangible assets for impairment on the basis of whether these assets are fully recoverable from projected, undiscounted net cash flows of the acquired company. At December 31, 2007, the Company determined goodwill was not impaired.

 

***Income Taxes***

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period the change is enacted.

 

***Accrual of Interest Income and Expense***

Interest on loans and investment securities is taken into income using methods which relate the income earned to the balances of loans and investment securities outstanding. Interest expense on liabilities is derived by applying applicable interest rates to principal amounts outstanding. Recording of interest income on problem loans, which includes impaired loans, ceases when collectibility of principal and interest within a reasonable period of time becomes doubtful. Cash payments received on non-accrual loans, which includes impaired loans, are applied to reduce the loan’s principal balance until the remaining principal balance is deemed collectible, after which interest is recognized when collected. As a general rule, a loan may be restored to accrual status when payments are current and repayment of the remaining contractual amounts is expected or when it otherwise becomes well secured and in theprocess of collection.

 

***Premises and Equipment***

Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed by straight-line and accelerated methods over the asset’s estimated useful life.

 

***Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)***

Real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is transferred to OREO and recorded at the lower of cost or fair market value, less estimated costs to sell, based on appraised value at the date actually or constructively received. Loan losses arising from the acquisition of such property are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent provisions to reduce the carrying value of a property are recorded to the allowance for OREO losses and a charge to operations on a specific property basis.

 

***Earnings Per Share***

Basic earnings per share data are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to the stock options outstanding, determined by the treasury stock method. 

 

***Post-Retirement Benefits***

The cost of providing post-retirement benefits is accrued during the active service period of the employee or director.

 

***Comprehensive Income***

Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income (loss),which is comprised of the change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of tax, and unrealized loss related to post-retirement benefit costs, net of tax, is disclosed in the consolidated statements of changes in shareholders’ equity.

 

***Segments***

First National Lincoln Corporation, through the branches of its subsidiary, The First, N.A., provides a broad range of financial services to individuals and companies in coastal Maine. These services include demand, time, and savings deposits; lending; credit card servicing; ATM processing; and investment management and trust services. Operations 

 

Form 10-K • Page 33

are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a corporate-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Company’s banking operations are considered by Management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

 

***Loan Servicing***

Servicing rights are recognized when they are acquired through sale of loans. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and 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. Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual stratum, to the extent that fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the stratum.

 

***Stock Options***

The Company established a shareholder-approved stock option plan in 1995, under which the Company may grant options to its employees for up to 600,000 shares of common stock. The Company believes that such awards align the interests of its employees with those of its shareholders. Only incentive stock options may be granted under the plan. The option price of each option grant is determined by the Options Committee of the Board of Directors, and in no instance shall be less than the fair market value on the date of the grant. An option’s maximum term is 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 this plan had been granted. 

In addition, options to acquire 40,630 FNB shares were converted into options to acquire an aggregate of 95,479 common shares of the Company at a purchase price of $3.80 per share as a result of the FNB acquisition. As of December 31, 2006, all options converted as a result of the FNB acquisition had been exercised. 

The Company applies the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”, to stock-based employee compensation for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2006. As a result, $59,000 and $60,000 in compensation cost was included in the Company’s financial statements for 2007 and 2006, respectively. The unrecognized compensation cost to be amortized over a weighted average remaining vesting period of  3.0 years is $111,000 for 21,000 options granted in 2005. 

The weighted average fair market value per share was $4.41 for options granted in 2005. 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. Volatility is 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 status of the Company’s non-vested options as of December 31, 2007.

 

 

Number of Shares

Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

Non-vested at December 31, 2006

58,500

$3.95

Granted in 2007

-

-

Vested in 2007

(37,500)

3.69

Forfeited in 2007

-

-

Non-vested at December 31, 2007

21,000

$4.41

 

During 2007, 33,500 options were exercised, with total proceeds paid to the Company of $196,000. The excess of the fair value of the stock issued upon exercise over the exercise price was $346,000. A summary of the status of the Company’s Stock Option Plan as of December 31, 2007, and changes during the year then ended, is presented below.

 

 

Number of Shares

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term

Aggregate Intrinsic 

Value 

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

123,000

$ 10.53

 

 

Granted in 2007

-

-

 

 

Vested in 2007

37,500

3.69

 

 

Exercised in 2007

(33,500)

5.85

 

 

Forfeited in 2007

-

-

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2007

89,500

$ 12.28

4.5

$ 451,000

Exercisable at December 31, 2007

68,500

$ 10.53

3.7

$ 451,000

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 34

 

In 2005, the Company applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for the stock option plan(s). Accordingly, no compensation cost was recognized in prior years. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 in 2005.

 

*For the years ended December 31,***

**2007**

2006

2005

**Net income**

 

 

 

As reported

**$  13,101,000**

$  12,295,000

$  12,843,000

Value of option grants, net of tax

**-**

-

115,000

Pro forma

**$  13,101,000**

$  12,295,000

$  12,728,000

**Basic earnings per share**

 

 

 

As reported

**$             1.34**

$             1.25

$             1.32

Value of option grants, net of tax

**-**

-

0.01

Pro forma

**$             1.34**

$             1.25

$             1.31

**Diluted earnings per share**

 

 

 

As reported

**$             1.34**

$             1.25

$             1.30

Value of option grants, net of tax

**-**

-

0.01

Pro forma

**$             1.34**

$             1.25

$             1.29

 

 

**Note 2. Cash and Cash Equivalents**

 

For the purposes of reporting consolidated cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and federal funds sold. At December 31, 2007 the Company had a contractual clearing balance of $500,000 and a reserve balance requirement of $705,000 at the Federal Reserve Bank, which are satisfied by both cash on hand at branches and balances held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. The Company maintains a portion of its cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant risk with respect to these accounts.

 

**Note 3. Investment Securities**

 

The following tables summarize the amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2007 and 2006: 

 

 

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair Value

*As of December 31, 2007*

Cost

Gains

Losses

(Estimated)

**Securities available for sale**

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and agency

$               -

$               -

$               -

$               -

Mortgage-backed securities

1,309,000

40,000

(27,000)

1,322,000

State and political subdivisions

10,524,000

331,000

-

10,855,000

Corporate securities

14,393,000

638,000

(304,000)

14,727,000

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

12,569,000

-

-

12,569,000

Federal Reserve Bank stock

662,000

-

-

662,000

Other equity securities

334,000

5,000

(13,000)

326,000

 

$  39,791,000

$ 1,014,000

$   (344,000)

$     40,461,000

**Securities to be held to maturity**

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and agency

$  95,009,000

$      189,000

$   (935,000)

$   94,263,000

Mortgage-backed securities

30,786,000

219,000

(354,000)

30,651,000

State and political subdivisions

53,914,000

731,000

(81,000)

54,564,000

Corporate securities

1,645,000

9,000

-

1,654,000

 

$ 181,354,000

$    1,148,000

$ (1,370,000)

$ 181,132,000

 

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 35

 

 

Amortized

Unrealized

Unrealized

Fair Value

*As of December 31, 2006***

Cost

Gains

Losses

(Estimated)

**Securities available for sale**

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and agency

$    5,001,000

$                -

$     (34,000)

$     4,967,000

Mortgage-backed securities

1,573,000

36,000

(38,000)

1,571,000

State and political subdivisions

10,729,000

344,000

-

11,073,000

Corporate securities

17,600,000

810,000

(61,000)

18,349,000

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

7,586,000

-

-

7,586,000

Federal Reserve Bank stock

662,000

-

-

662,000

Other equity securities

594,000

18,000

(5,000)

607,000

 

$  43,745,000

$  1,208,000

$    (138,000)

$   44,815,000

**Securities to be held to maturity**

 

 

 

 

U.S. Treasury and agency

$  46,192,000

$       12,000

$    (787,000)

$   45,417,000

Mortgage-backed securities

33,379,000

99,000

(787,000)

32,691,000

State and political subdivisions

47,549,000

535,000

(169,000)

47,915,000

Corporate securities

8,614,000

12,000

-

8,626,000

 

$ 135,734,000

$     658,000

$ (1,743,000)

$ 134,649,000

 

The following table summarizes the contractual maturities of investment securities at December 31, 2007:

 

 

**Securities available for sale**

**Securities to be held to maturity**

 

**Amortized Cost**

**Fair Value (Estimated)**

**Amortized Cost**

**Fair Value (Estimated)**

Due in 1 year or less

$   1,005,000

$   1,006,000

$        555,000

$        563,000

Due in 1 to 5 years

12,007,000

12,315,000

9,993,000

10,064,000

Due in 5 to 10 years

11,148,000

11,611,000

23,268,000

23,479,000

Due after 10 years

2,066,000

1,972,000

147,538,000

147,026,000

Equity securities

13,565,000

13,557,000

-

-

 

$ 39,791,000

$ 40,461,000

$ 181,354,000

$ 181,132,000

 

At December 31, 2007, securities with a fair value of $139,108,000 were pledged to secure borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, public deposits, repurchase agreements, and for other purposes as required by law. This compares to securities with a fair value of $137,253,000, as of December 31, 2006 pledged for the same purpose.

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 Company’s gross securities gain in 2007, which originated from the call of a security by its issuer at a premium, was $2,000, with $1,000 of related tax expense. The Company’s gross securities gain in 2006, which originated from the call of a security by its issuer at a premium, was $18,000, with $6,000 of related tax expense.  

Management reviews securities with unrealized losses for other than temporary impairment. Federal Home Loan Bank stock and Federal Reserve Bank stock have been evaluated for impairment. As of December 31, 2007, there were 74 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 50 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. Information regarding securities temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 is summarized below: 

 

Form 10-K • Page 36

 

**Less than 12 months**

**12 months or more**

**Total**

 

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

*As of December 31, 2007*

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

U.S. Treasury and agency

$ 37,356,000

$ (719,000)

$ 13,575,000

$    (216,000)

$ 50,931,000

$    (935,000)

Mortgage-backed securities 

-

-

17,844,000

(381,000)

17,844,000

(381,000)

State and political subdivisions 

1,658,000

(21,000)

2,559,000

(60,000)

4,217,000

(81,000)

Corporate securities

2,529,000

(182,000)

930,000

(122,000)

3,459,000

(304,000)

Other equity securities

11,000

-

65,000

(13,000)

76,000

(13,000)

 

$ 41,554,000

$ (922,000)

$ 34,973,000

$ (792,000)

$ 76,527,000

$ (1,714,000)

 

 

**Less than 12 months**

**12 months or more**

**Total**

 

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

*As of December 31, 2006*

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

Value

Losses

U.S. Treasury and agency

$ 11,596,000

$    (195,000)

$ 31,776,000

$ (626,000)

$ 43,372,000

$   (821,000)

Mortgage-backed securities 

4,198,000

(55,000)

23,580,000

(770,000)

27,778,000

(825,000)

State and political subdivisions 

6,244,000

(36,000)

4,273,000

(133,000)

10,517,000

(169,000)

Corporate securities

-

-

1,004,000

(61,000)

1,004,000

(61,000)

Other equity securities

101,000

(2,000)

73,000

(3,000)

174,000

(5,000)

 

$ 22,139,000

$ (288,000)

$ 60,706,000

$ (1,593,000)

$ 82,845,000

$ (1,881,000)

 

 

**Note 4. Loan Servicing**

 

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Bank serviced loans for others totaling $168,001,000 and $162,151,000, respectively. Net gains from the sale of loans totaled $333,000 in 2007, $222,000 in 2006, and $300,000 in 2005.

In 2007, mortgage servicing rights of $325,000 were capitalized or acquired, and amortization for the year totaled $471,000. After deducting for an impairment reserve of $11,000 at December 31, 2007, mortgage servicing rights had a fair value of $832,000, which is included in other assets. In 2006, mortgage servicing rights of $579,000 were capitalized or acquired, and amortization for the year totaled $705,000. After deducting for an impairment reserve of $3,000 at December 31, 2006, mortgage servicing rights had a fair value of $985,000, which is included in other assets.

SFAS No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets”, requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. Servicing assets and servicing liabilities are reported using the amortization method or the fair value measurement 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 December 31, 2007, the prepayment assumption using thePSA model was 234, which translates into an anticipated prepayment rate of 14.03%. 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. 

 

**Note 5 – Derivative Financial Instruments**

 

During 2007, the Bank purchased an interest rate protection agreement (cap) as a cash flow hedge to eliminate the cash flow exposure of interest rate movements on money-market deposits. The premium paid for the cap is amortized over its life. Any cash payments received are recorded as an adjustment to net interest income. The Bank documents its risk management strategy and hedge effectiveness at the inception of and during the term of the hedge. The cap is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, and thus is recorded at fair value. SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, provides that a cash flow hedge is effective to the extent the variability in its cash flows offsets the variability in the cash flows of the hedged item, in this case the increase in cost of money market deposits.  Management has determined that the hedge relationship is 100 percenteffective. The amortized cost 

 

Form 10-K • Page 37

of the cap, $51,000 at December 31, 2007, is recorded on the balance sheet. This approximates the fair value of the derivative, and as a result, no unrealized gain or loss, net of applicable income taxes, is recorded in other comprehensive loss in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

**Note 6. Loans**

 

The following table shows the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2007 and 2006:

 

*As of December 31,*

**2007**

2006

Real estate loans

 

 

Residential

**$  442,407,000**

$  421,967,000

Commercial

**119,675,000**

94,765,000

Commercial and industrial loans

**251,489,000**

236,637,000

State and municipal loans

**34,785,000**

23,724,000

Consumer loans

**66,539,000**

55,658,000

Residential construction loans

**5,269,000**

5,394,000

Total loans

**$  920,164,000**

$  838,145,000

 

Loan balances include net deferred loan costs of $1,303,000  in 2007 and $1,261,000 in 2006. Pursuant to collateral agreements, qualifying first mortgage loans, which were valued at $349,797,000 and $341,702,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively, were used to collateralize borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

At December 31, 2007 and 2006, loans on non-accrual status totaled $2,867,000 and $3,485,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, interest income which would have been recognized on these loans, if interest had been accrued, was $283,000, $396,000, and $202,000, respectively. Loans past due greater than 90 days which are accruing interest totaled $2,287,000 at December 31, 2007 and $748,000 at December 31, 2006. The Company continues to accrue interest on these loans because it believes collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured. 

Transactions in the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005 were as follows: 

 

*For the years ended December 31,*

**2007**

2006

2005

Balance at beginning of year

**$  6,364,000**

$   6,086,000

$   4,714,000

Acquisition of FNB Bankshares

**-**

-

2,066,000

Provision charged to operating expenses

**1,432,000**

1,325,000

200,000

 

**7,796,000**

7,411,000

6,980,000

Loans charged off

**(1,337,000)**

(1,313,000)

(1,052,000)

Recoveries on loans

**341,000**

266,000

158,000

Net loans charged off

**(996,000)**

(1,047,000)

(894,000)

Balance at end of year

**$   6,800,000**

$   6,364,000

$   6,086,000

 

Information regarding impaired loans is as follows:

 

*As of December 31,*

**2007**

2006

2005

Average investment in impaired loans

**$  2,427,000**

$  3,391,000

2,690,000

Interest income recognized on impaired loans, all on cash basis

**163,000**

99,000

56,000

 

*As of December 31,*

**2007**

2006

Balance of impaired loans

**$  2,867,000**

$  3,485,000

Less portion for which no allowance for loan losses is allocated

**(1,589,000)**

(2,400,000)

Portion of impaired loan balance for which an allowance for loan losses is allocated

**$  1,278,000**

$  1,085,000

Portion of allowance for loan losses allocated to the impaired loan balance

**$    560,000**

$     211,000

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 38

Loans to directors, officers and employees totaled $34,510,000 at December 31, 2007 and $30,907,000 at December 31, 2006. A summary of loans to directors and executive officers, which in the aggregate exceed $60,000, is as follows:

 

*For the years ended December 31,*

**2007**

2006

Balance at beginning of year

**$   18,695,000**

$   17,016,000

New loans

**10,021,000**

3,389,000

Repayments

**(7,830,000)**

(1,710,000)

Balance at end of year

**$   20,886,000**

$   18,695,000

 

 

**Note 7. Premises and Equipment**

 

Premises and equipment are carried at cost and consist of the following:

 

*As of December 31,*

**2007**

2006

Land

**$    3,837,000**

$    3,635,000

Land improvements

**602,000**

602,000

Buildings

**13,115,000**

12,115,000

Equipment

**6,082,000**

11,503,000

 

**23,636,000**

27,855,000

Less accumulated depreciation

**7,155,000**

12,010,000

 

**$  16,481,000**

$  15,845,000

 

 

**Note 8. Other Real Estate Owned**

 

The following summarizes other real estate owned:

 

*As of  December 31,*

**2007**

2006

Real estate acquired in settlement of loans

**$   827,000**

$  1,144,000

 

 

Changes in the allowance for losses from other real estate owned were as follows:

 

*For the years ended December 31,*

**2007**

2006

2005

Balance at beginning of year

**$      269,000**

$                 -

$    -

Losses charged to allowance

**-**

-

-

Provision charged to operating expenses

**56,000**

269,000

-

Balance at end of year

**$      325,000**

$    269,000

$    -

 

 

**Note 9. Goodwill**

 

On August 25, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire FNB Bankshares of Bar Harbor, Maine, and its subsidiary, The First National Bank of Bar Harbor. This acquisition was completed on January 14, 2005. In its 2004 Strategic Plan, the Company identified certain markets in which it would consider future growth opportunities, including the area served by FNB Bankshares. Management expects that the products and services available in the FNB Bankshares market area will be enhanced as a result of the combination of the two companies, and this will also provide a larger capacity to lend money and a stronger overall funding base. It is expected that the combined entity will realize cost savings from redundant expenses, such as regulatory fees, audit costs, legal costs, and outsourced costs.

As part of the acquisition, the Company issued 2.35 shares of its common stock to the shareholders of FNB in exchange for each of the 1,048,814 shares of the common stock outstanding of FNB. Cash in lieu of fractional shares of the Company’s stock was paid at the rate of $17.87 per share, which was the average high/low price of the Company’s stock for the 30-day period ended January 9, 2005, under terms specified in the Merger Agreement. At the time of the acquisition, there were options to purchase 126,208 shares of FNB common stock under the FNB Bankshares Stock 

 

Form 10-K • Page 39

Option Plan. Of these, options to acquire 40,630 FNB shares were converted into options to acquire 95,479 common shares of the Company at a purchase price of $3.80 per share. Holders of unexercised options to purchase FNB shares that were not converted were paid cash to retire their options at the rate of $42.00 for each share subject to the option, less the option exercise price per share. The total amount paid to retire the remaining options was $2.6 million. 

The total value of the transaction was $47,955,000, and all of the voting equity interest of FNB was acquired in the transaction. The Company assumed all outstanding liabilities of FNB, including liabilities under certain Employment Continuity Agreements and Split Dollar Agreements with executive officers of FNB. The acquisition was intended to qualify as a reorganization for federal income tax purposes and provide for a tax-free exchange of shares.

The transaction was accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, the operations of FNB are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. The purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible assets acquired equaled $27,835,000 and was recorded as goodwill, none of which is expected to be deductible for tax purposes. During the fourth quarter of 2005, this amount was reduced $276,000, net of tax, as a result of pending changes in employment continuity agreements with FNB employees who became employees of the Bank, which resulted in lower reserves for these agreements. The portion of the purchase price related to the core deposit intangible is being amortized over its expected economic life, and goodwill is evaluated annually for possible impairmentunder the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. 

 

**Note 10. Income Taxes**

 

The current and deferred components of income tax expense (benefit) were as follows:

 

*For the years ended December 31,*

**2007**

2006

2005

**Federal income tax**

 

 

 

Current

**$ 5,500,000**

$ 5,075,000

$ 4,452,000

Deferred

**(464,000)**

(424,000)

392,000

 

**5,036,000**

4,651,000

4,844,000

State franchise tax

**229,000**

211,000

212,000

 

**$ 5,265,000**

$ 4,862,000

$ 5,056,000

 

The actual tax expense differs from the expected tax expense (computed by applying the applicable U.S. Federal corporate income tax rate to income before income taxes) as follows:

 

*For the years ended December 31,*

**2007**

2006

2005

Expected tax expense

**$ 6,428,000**

$ 6,005,000

$ 6,265,000

Non-taxable income

**(1,244,000)**

(1,209,000)

(1,168,000)

State franchise tax, net of federal tax benefit

**149,000**

137,000

139,000

Other

**(68,000)**

(71,000)

(180,000)

 

**$ 5,265,000**

$ 4,862,000

$ 5,056,000

 

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as other assets and other liabilities in the consolidate balance sheets. No valuation allowance is deemed necessary for the deferred tax asset. Items that give rise to the deferred income tax assets and liabilities and the tax effect of each at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:

 

Form 10-K • Page 40

 

**2007**

2006

Allowance for loan losses

**$2,328,000**

$2,136,000

Other real estate owned

**114,000**

94,000

Assets related to FNB acquisition

**24,000**

61,000

Accrued pension and post-retirement

**1,087,000**

1,073,000

Other assets

**120,000**

162,000

Total deferred tax asset

**3,673,000**

3,526,000

Net deferred loan costs

**(529,000)**

(524,000)

Depreciation

**(1,490,000)**

(1,539,000)

Unrealized gain on securities available for sale

**(234,000)**

(374,000)

Mortgage servicing rights

**(291,000)**

(346,000)

Core deposit intangible

**(699,000)**

(798,000)

Liabilities related to FNB acquisition

**(52,000)**

(93,000)

Other liabilities

**(8,000)**

(18,000)

Total deferred tax liability

**(3,303,000)**

(3,692,000)

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

**$370,000**

$(166,000)

 

 

**Note 11. Certificates of Deposit**

 

At December 31, 2007, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit are as follows:

 

Year of Maturity

Less than $100,000

Greater than $100,000

All Certificates of Deposit

2008

$265,265,000

$89,047,000

$354,312,000

2009

26,035,000

14,080,000

40,115,000

2010

7,883,000

2,196,000

10,079,000

2011

1,527,000

669,000

2,196,000

2012

654,000

963,000

1,617,000

 

$301,364,000

$106,955,000

$408,319,000

 

Interest on certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more was $11,885,000, $11,210,000, and $4,829,000 in 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

**Note 12. Borrowed Funds**

 

Borrowed funds consist of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLB), Treasury Tax & Loan Notes, and securities sold under agreements to repurchase with municipal and commercial customers.

Pursuant to collateral agreements, FHLB advances are collateralized by all stock in FHLB, qualifying first mortgage loans, U.S. Government and Agency securities not pledged to others, and funds on deposit with FHLB. As of December 31, 2007, the Bank’s total FHLB borrowing capacity was $310,886,000, of which $37,266,000 was unused and available for additional borrowings. All FHLB advances as of December 31, 2007, had fixed rates of interest until their respective maturity dates. Under the Treasury Tax & Loan Note program, the Bank accumulates tax deposits made by customers and is eligible to receive Treasury Direct investments up to an established maximum balance. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase include U.S. Treasury and Agency securities and other securities. Repurchase agreements have maturity dates ranging from one to 365 days. The Bank also has in place $10.0million in credit lines with correspondent banks which are currently not in use.

 

Form 10-K • Page 41

Borrowed funds at December 31, 2007 and 2006 have the following range of interest rates and maturity dates:

 

*As of December 31, 2007***

 

 

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

 

 

 

 

2008

3.00%

-

4.94%

$ 156,460,000

2009

4.79%

-

5.00%

27,000,000

2010

4.43%

-

5.41%

50,000,000

2011

 

 

 

-

2012

 

-

4.39%

10,000,000

2013 and thereafter

0.00%

-

3.89%

30,191,000

 

 

 

 

273,651,000

Treasury Tax & Loan Notes (rate at December 31, 2007 was 3.59%)

 

 

variable

1,961,000

Repurchase agreements

 

 

 

 

Municipal and commercial customers

2.71%

-

5.02%

41,107,000

Broker

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

$316,719,000

*As of December 31, 2006***

 

 

 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances

 

 

 

 

2007

3.99%

-

5.61%

$90,357,000

2008

4.86%

-

4.94%

30,000,000

2009

 

-

4.98%

2,000,000

2010 

4.95%

-

5.41%

15,000,000

2011

 

 

 

-

2012 and thereafter

 

 

0.00%

198,000

 

 

 

 

137,555,000

Treasury Tax & Loan Notes (rate at December 31, 2006 was 5.04%)

 

 

variable

2,512,000

Repurchase agreements

 

 

 

 

Municipal and commercial customers

2.71%

-

5.07%

39,795,000

Broker

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

$179,862,000

 

 

**Note 13. Employee Benefit Plans**

 

***401(k) Plan***

The Bank has a defined contribution plan available to substantially all employees who have completed six months of service. Employees may contribute up to $15,500 of their compensation if under age 50 and $20,500 if over age 50, and the Bank may provide a match to 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 2007, 2006, and 2005. The expense related to the 401(k) plan was $338,000, $315,000, and $298,000 in 2007, 2006, and 2005, respectively.

 

***Supplemental Retirement Plan***

The Bank also sponsors an unfunded, non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for certain officers. The agreement provides supplemental retirement benefits payable in installments over 20 years upon retirement or death. The costs for this plan are recognized over the service periods of the participating officers. The expense of this supplemental plan was $153,000 in 2007, $149,000 in 2006,and $166,000 in 2005. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, the accrued liability of this plan was $1,157,000 and $1,060,000, 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.

 

Form 10-K • Page 42

In December 2003, the federal Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the Act) was signed into law. The Act included two features to Medicare (Medicare Part D) that could affect the measurement of the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation and net periodic postretirement benefit costs: a subsidy to plan sponsors that is based on 28% of an individual beneficiary’s annual prescription drug costs between $250 and $5,000, and the opportunity for a retiree to obtain a prescription drug benefit under Medicare. During 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.” The FSP addresses employers’ accounting for the effects of the Act and waseffective for the Company in 2004. The accounting for the Act will depend on the Company’s assessment as to whether the prescription drug benefits available under its plan are actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D, among other factors. The Company’s Plan has not been actuarially determined to be equivalent to Medicare Part D. Accordingly, the impact of applying the FSP has not been reflected in the consolidated financial statements..

The following tables set forth the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation, funded status, and net periodic benefit cost: 

 

*At December 31,***

**2007**

2006

2005

**Change in benefit obligations**

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year:

**$2,005,000**

$   1,705,000

$     531,000

Service cost

**20,000**

13,000

11,000

Interest cost

**136,000**

125,000

119,000

Benefits paid

**(144,000)**

(157,000)

(121,000)

Actuarial (gain) loss

**(68,000)**

319,000

(24,000)

Plan change from FNB acquisition

**-**

-

1,189,000

Benefit obligation at end of year:

**$1,949,000**

$  2,005,000

$  1,705,000

**Funded status**

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

**$(1,949,000)**

$ (2,005,000)

$ (1,705,000)

Unamortized prior service credit

**-**

-

(11,000)

Unamortized net actuarial loss

**-**

-

56,000

Unrecognized transition obligation

**-**

-

208,000

Accrued benefit cost

**$(1,949,000)**

$ (2,005,000)

$ (1,452,000)

 

*For the years ended December 31,***

**2007**

2006

2005

**Components of net periodic benefit cost**

 

 

 

Service cost

**$    20,000**

$    13,000

$     11,000

Interest cost

**136,000**

125,000

119,000

Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation

**29,000**

29,000

29,000

Amortization of prior service credit

**(3,000)**

(3,000)

(3,000)

Amortization of accumulated losses

**26,000**

4,000

6,000

Net periodic benefit cost

**$  208,000**

$  168,000

$  162,000

**Weighted average assumptions as of December 31**

 

 

 

Discount rate

**7.0%**

7.0%

7.0%

 

The above discount rate assumption was used in determining both the accumulated benefit obligation as well as the net benefit cost. The measurement date for benefit obligations was as of year-end for all years presented. The estimated amount of benefits to be paid in 2008 is $141,000. For years ending 2009 through 2012 the estimated amount of benefits to be paid is $141,000, $142,000, $143,000 and $139,000 respectively, and the total estimated amount of benefits to be paid for years ended 2013 through 2017 is $600,000. Plan expense for 2008 is estimated to be $175,000.

In 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” On initial application, a $352,000 adjustment was recognized in the Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows: 

 

Form 10-K • Page 43

*At December 31,***

**2007**

2006

Portion to Be Recognized in 

Income in 2008

Unamortized prior service credit

**$     5,000**

$     8,000

$                  -

Unamortized net actuarial loss

**(276,000)**

(371,000)

-

Unrecognized transition obligation

**(150,000)**

(179,000)

29,000

 

**(421,000)**

(542,000)

29,000

Deferred tax benefit at 35%

**147,000**

190,000

(10,000)

Net unrecognized post-retirement benefits 

included in accumulated other comprehensive income

**$(274,000)**

$(352,000)

$ 19,000

 

 

**Note 14. Shareholders’ Equity**

 

The Company has reserved 700,000 shares of its common stock to be made available to directors and employees who elect to participate in the stock purchase or savings and investment plans. During 2006, the number of shares set aside for these plans was increased by the Board of Directors from 480,000 to 700,000. As of December 31, 2007, 445,957 shares had been issued pursuant to these plans, leaving 254,043 shares available for future use. The issuance price is based on the market price of the stock at issuance date. Sales of stock to directors and employees amounted to 17,828 shares in 2007, 17,410 shares in 2006, and  36,727 shares in 2005.

In 2001, the Company established a dividend reinvestment plan to allow shareholders to use their cash dividends for the automatic repurchase of shares in the Company. When the plan was established, 600,000 shares were registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as of December 31, 2007, 112,145 shares have been issued, leaving 487,855 shares for future use. Participation in this plan is optional and at the individual discretion of each shareholder. Shares are purchased for the plan from the Company at a price per share equal to the average of the daily bid and asked prices reported on the NASDAQ System for the five trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the dividend payment date. Sales of stock under the Dividend Reinvestment Plan amounted to 20,233 shares in 2007, 17,031 shares in 2006, and 13,633 shares in 2005.

 
 
**Note 15. Off-Balance-Sheet Financial Instruments and Concentrations of Credit Risk** 

 

The Bank is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to originate loans, commitments for unused lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. The instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.

Commitments for unused lines are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on Management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. The Bank did not incur any losses on its commitments in 2007, 2006 or 2005.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee a customer’s performance to a third party, with the customer being obligated to repay (with interest) any amounts paid out by the Bank under the letter of credit. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for loan commitments and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. At December 31, the Bank had the following off-balance-sheet financial instruments, whose contract amounts represent credit risk:

 

Form 10-K • Page 44

*As of December 31,*

**2007**

2006

Unused lines, collateralized by residential real estate

**$   55,694,000**

$   57,212,000

Other unused commitments

**56,904,000**

54,896,000

Standby letters of credit

**2,594,000**

1,659,000

Commitments to extend credit  

**15,098,000**

14,809,000

Total

**$ 130,290,000**

$ 128,576,000

 

The Bank grants residential, commercial and consumer loans to customers principally located in the Mid-Coast and Down East regions of Maine. Collateral on these loans typically consists of residential or commercial real estate, or personal property. Although the loan portfolio is diversified, a substantial portion of borrowers’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on the economic conditions in the area, especially in the real estate sector.

 

**Note 16. Earnings Per Share**

 

The following tables provide detail for basic earnings per share (EPS) and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005: 

 

 

Income

Shares

Per-Share

 

(Numerator)

(Denominator)

Amount

**For the year ended December 31, 2007**

 

 

 

Net income as reported

$13,101,000

 

 

Basic EPS: Income available to common shareholders

13,101,000

9,787,287

$   1.34

Effect of dilutive securities: incentive stock options

 

25,731

 

Diluted EPS: Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

$13,101,000

9,813,018

$   1.34

**For the year ended December 31, 2006**

 

 

 

Net income as reported

$12,295,000

 

 

Basic EPS: Income available to common shareholders

12,295,000

9,816,307

$   1.25

Effect of dilutive securities: incentive stock options

 

49,476

 

Diluted EPS: Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

$12,295,000

9,865,783

$   1.25

**For the year ended December 31, 2005**

 

 

 

Net income as reported

$  12,843,000

 

 

Basic EPS: Income available to common shareholders

12,843,000

9,745,456

$  1.32

Effect of dilutive securities: incentive stock options

 

114,751

 

Diluted EPS: Income available to common shareholders plus assumed conversions

$  12,843,000

9,860,207

$  1.30

 

All earnings per share calculations have been made using the weighted average number of shares outstanding for each year. All of the dilutive securities are incentive stock options granted to certain key members of Management. The dilutive number of shares has been calculated using the treasury method, assuming that all granted options were exercisable at each year end. 

 

**Note 17. Fair Value of Financial Instruments**

 

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

 

***Cash and Cash Equivalents***

The carrying values of cash equivalents, due from banks and federal funds sold 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 

 

Form 10-K • Page 45

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.

 

***Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance***

The fair value is based on the actual cash surrender value of life insurance policies.

 

***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.

 

***Derivatives***

The fair values of derivatives are based on quotations received from securities dealers.

 

***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 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 financialinstruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. 

 

Form 10-K • Page 46

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. 

The estimated fair values for financial instruments as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

 

 

**December 31, 2007**

December 31, 2006

 

**Carrying**

**Estimated**

Carrying

Estimated

 

**amount**

**fair value**

amount

fair value

**Financial assets**

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

**$   17,254,000**

**$    17,254,000**

$  24,188,000

$  24,188,000

Securities available for sale

**40,461,000**

**40,461,000**

44,815,000

44,815,000

Securities to be held to maturity

**181,354,000**

**181,132,000**

135,734,000

134,649,000

Loans held for sale

**1,817,000**

**1,817,000**

460,000

460,000

Loans (net of allowance for loan losses)

**913,364,000**

**908,190,000**

831,781,000

814,049,000

Cash surrender value of life insurance

**8,804,000**

**8,804,000**

8,495,000

8,495,000

Accrued interest receivable

**6,585,000**

**6,585,000**

6,140,000

6,140,000

Interest rate cap

**51,000**

**51,000**

-

-

**Financial liabilities**

 

 

 

 

Deposits

**$ 781,280,000**

**$ 687,739,000**

$805,235,000

$ 735,741,000

Borrowed funds

**316,719,000**

**317,288,000**

179,862,000

181,321,000

Accrued interest payable

**2,212,000**

**2,212,000**

1,592,000

1,592,000

 

 

**Note 18. Other Operating Income and Expense**

 

Other operating income and other operating expense include the following items greater than 1% of  revenues.

 

*For the years ended December 31,*

**2007**

2006

2005

**Other operating income**

 

 

 

Merchant discount fees

**$   2,528,000**

$   2,507,000

$    2,250,000

ATM income

**971,000**

771,000

684,000

**Other operating expense**

 

 

 

Merchant interchange fees

**$  2,427,000**

$  2,393,000

$    2,278,000

 

 

**Note 19. Regulatory Capital Requirements**

 

The ability of the Company to pay cash dividends to its shareholders depends primarily on receipt of dividends from its subsidiary, the Bank. The subsidiary may pay dividends to its parent out of so much of its net income 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 income of that year combined with its retained net income of the preceding two years and subject to minimum regulatory capital requirements. The amount available for dividends in 2008 will be 2008 earnings plus retained earnings of $9,880,000 from 2007 and 2006.

The payment of dividends by the Company is also affected by various regulatory requirements and policies, such as the requirements to maintain adequate capital. In addition, if, in the opinion of the applicable regulatory authority, a bank under its jurisdiction is engaged in or is about to engage in an unsafe or unsound practice (which, depending on the financial condition of the bank, could include the payment of dividends), that authority may require, after notice and hearing, that such bank cease and desist from that practice. The Federal Reserve Bank and the Comptroller of the Currency have each indicated that paying dividends that deplete a bank’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve Bank, the Comptroller and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation have issued policy statements which provide that bank holdingcompanies and insured banks should generally only pay dividends out of current operating earnings.

In addition to the effect on the payment of dividends, failure to meet minimum capital requirements can also result in mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have an impact on the Company’s 

 

Form 10-K • Page 47

operations. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measurements of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Tier 1 capital and Tier 2 or total capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). Management believes, as of December 31, 2007, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements it is subject to.

As of December 31, 2007, the most recent notification from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency classified the Bank as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well-capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since this notification that Management believes have changed the institution’s category. 

The actual and minimum capital amounts and ratios for the Bank are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

For capital

To be well-capitalized

 

 

adequacy

under prompt corrective

 

Actual

purposes

action provisions

**As of December 31, 2007**

 

 

 

Tier 2 capital to 

$88,775,000

$64,628,000

$80,785,000

risk-weighted assets

10.99%

8.00%

10.00%

Tier 1 capital to 

$81,875,000

$32,314,000

$48,471,000

risk-weighted assets

10.13%

4.00%

6.00%

Tier 1 capital to 

$81,875,000

$46,883,000

$58,604,000

average assets

6.99%

4.00%

5.00%

**As of December 31, 2006**

 

 

 

Tier 2 capital to 

$82,455,000

$58,827,000

$73,534,000

risk-weighted assets

11.21%

8.00%

10.00%

Tier 1 capital to 

$76,091,000

$29,414,000

$44,120,000

risk-weighted assets

10.35%

4.00%

6.00%

Tier 1 capital to 

$76,091,000

$42,347,000

$52,934,000

average assets

7.19%

4.00%

5.00%

 

The actual and minimum capital amounts and ratios for the Company, on a consolidated basis, are presented in the following table:

 

 

 

For capital

To be well-capitalized

 

 

adequacy

under prompt corrective

 

Actual

purposes

action provisions

**As of December 31, 2007**

 

 

 

Tier 2 capital to 

$89,470,000 

$64,667,000 

n/a

risk-weighted assets

11.07%

8.00%

n/a

Tier 1 capital to 

$82,570,000 

$32,334,000 

n/a

risk-weighted assets

10.21%

4.00%

n/a

Tier 1 capital to 

$82,570,000 

$45,771,000 

n/a

average assets

7.22%

4.00%

n/a

**As of December 31, 2006**

 

 

 

Tier 2 capital to 

$82,849,000 

$58,862,000 

n/a

risk-weighted assets

11.26%

8.00%

n/a

Tier 1 capital to 

$76,485,000 

$29,431,000 

n/a

risk-weighted assets

10.40%

4.00%

n/a

Tier 1 capital to 

$76,485,000 

$42,395,000 

n/a

average assets

7.22%

4.00%

n/a

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 48

 

**Note 20. Legal Contingencies** 

 

Various legal claims also arise from time to time in the normal course of business which, in the opinion of management, will have no material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

**Note 21. Condensed Financial Information of Parent**

 

Condensed financial information for First National Lincoln Corporation exclusive of its subsidiary is as follows:

 

***Balance Sheets***

 

*As of December 31,***

**2007**

2006

**Assets**

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

**$         369,000**

$     142,000

Dividends receivable

**1,750,000**

1,500,000

Investments

**171,000**

443,000

Investment in subsidiary

**84,163,000**

78,931,000

Premises and equipment

**350,000**

224,000

Goodwill

**27,559,000**

27,559,000

Other assets

**67,000**

183,000

**Total assets**

**$ 114,429,000**

$ 108,982,000

**Liabilities and shareholders’ equity**

 

 

Dividends payable

**$     1,752,000**

$     1,563,000

Other liabilities

**10,000**

92,000

Total liabilities

**1,762,000**

1,655,000

Shareholders’ equity

 

 

Common stock

**97,000**

98,000

Additional paid-in capital

**44,762,000**

45,587,000

Retained earnings

**68,088,000**

61,986,000

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

Net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities

**(6,000)**

8,000

Net unrealized loss on post-retirement benefit costs, net

of tax benefit of $147,000 in 2007 and $190,000 in 2006

**(274,000)**

(352,000)

Total accumulated other comprehensive income

**(280,000)**

(344,000)

Total shareholders’ equity

**112,667,000**

107,327,000

**Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity**

**$ 114,429,000**

$ 108,982,000

 

***Statements of Income***

 

*For the years ended December 31,***

**2007**

2006

2005

Investment income

**$         28,000**

$        36,000

$       33,000

Other income

**26,000**

-

-

Other expense

**179,000**

120,000

58,000

Loss before Bank earnings

**(125,000)**

(84,000)

(25,000)

Equity in earnings of Bank

 

 

 

Remitted

**7,825,000**

7,485,000

7,400,000

Unremitted

**5,401,000**

4,894,000

5,468,000

Net income

**$ 13,101,000**

$ 12,295,000

$  12,843,000

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 49

***Statements of Cash Flows***

 

*For the years ended December 31,***

**2007**

2006

2005

**Cash flows from operating activities:**

 

 

 

**Net income**

**$ 13,101,000**

$ 12,295,000

$ 12,843,000

**Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash**

**provided by operating activities:**

Depreciation

**1,000**

2,000

2,000

Equity compensation expense

**59,000**

60,000

-

(Increase) decrease in other assets

**(134,000)**

386,000

(999,000)

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

**(73,000)**

(619,000)

1,749,000

Gain on sale of real estate

**(27,000)**

-

-

Unremitted earnings of Bank

**(5,401,000)**

(4,894,000)

(5,468,000)

**Net cash provided by operating activities**

**7,526,000**

7,230,000

8,127,000

**Cash flows from investing activities:**

 

 

 

Proceeds from maturities and calls of investments

**251,000**

-

-

Net cash used in acquisition

**-**

-

(2,348,000)

Capital expenditures

**(350,000)**

-

-

**Net cash used in investing activities**

**(99,000)**

-

(2,348,000)

**Cash flows from financing activities:**

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of real estate

**250,000**

-

-

Payments to purchase common stock

**(1,687,000)**

(3,052,000)

(3,032,000)

Proceeds from sale of common stock

**802,000**

860,000

1,416,000

Dividends paid

**(6,565,000)**

(5,983,000)

(4,727,000)

**Net cash used in financing activities**

**(7,200,000)**

(8,175,000)

(6,343,000)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

**227,000**

(945,000)

(564,000)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

**142,000**

1,087,000

1,651,000

**Cash and cash equivalents at end of year**

**$     369,000**

$    142,000

$   1,087,000

 

 

**Note 22. New Accounting Pronouncements** 

 

In September 2006, FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS No. 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and early application is encouraged. This Statement does not require any new fair value measurements and the Company does not expect application of this Statement to change current practice. 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”, which permits companies to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of the new pronouncement is to improve financial reporting by providing companies with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. SFAS No. 159 is effective for the Company in 2008. The Company has not yet made a determination if it will elect to apply the options available in SFAS No. 159.

 

Form 10-K • Page 50

**Note 23. Pro-Forma Financial Information**

 

On August 25, 2004, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire FNB Bankshares of Bar Harbor, Maine, and its subsidiary, The First National Bank of Bar Harbor. This acquisition was completed on January 14, 2005, and in the table which follows, pro forma financial information is presented. 

The pro forma statements of income in the following table show how the Company’s results of operations would have been presented if the Company and FNB had operated as one entity for the entire periods presented. Management has made adjustments to reflect the amortization of the premium on loans acquired, increased depreciation on premises, and amortization of the core deposit intangible. Average shares outstanding and incremental shares used in earnings per share calculations are based upon the exchange ratio of 2.35 shares of the Company for each share of FNB.

 

 

**For the years ended December 31,**

 **

**2007**

2006

2005

Interest income

**$ 71,721,000**

$ 64,204,000

$ 50,812,000

Interest expense

**39,885,000**

33,589,000

18,956,000

Net interest income

**31,836,000**

30,615,000

31,856,000

Provision for loan losses

**1,432,000**

1,325,000

200,000

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

**30,404,000**

29,290,000

31,656,000

Non-interest income

**10,145,000**

10,306,000

9,179,000

Non-interest expenses

**22,183,000**

22,439,000

23,212,000

Income before income taxes

**18,366,000**

17,157,000

17,623,000

Applicable income taxes

**5,265,000**

4,862,000

4,954,000

Net income

**$ 13,101,000**

$ 12,295,000

$ 12,669,000

 

 

**For the years ended December 31,**

 **

**2007**

2006

2005

**Operating Statistics**

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

**$1.34**

$1.25

$1.30

Diluted earnings per share

**$1.34**

$1.25

$1.28

Cash dividends declared per share

**$0.69**

$0.61

$0.53

Dividend payout ratio

**51.49%**

48.80%

40.77%

Return on average assets

**1.13%**

1.14%

1.32%

Return on average equity

**11.89%**

11.63%

12.72%

Return on average tangible equity

**15.89%**

15.75%

17.41%

Efficiency ratio (tax equivalent)

**50.16%**

52.12%

53.97%

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 51

**Note 24. Quarterly Information** 

 

The following tables provide unaudited financial information by quarter for each of the past two years:

 

*Dollars in thousands***

2006Q1

2006Q2

2006Q3

2006Q4

2007Q1

2007Q2

2007Q3

2007Q4

**Balance Sheets**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

$     21,052

$     22,606

$     26,512

$     24,188

$     21,103 

$     21,349 

$     27,339 

$     17,254 

Investments

187,930

189,718

178,954

180,549

178,390 

200,170 

219,855 

221,815 

Net loans

785,184

819,918

822,318

831,781

840,279 

870,550 

886,274 

913,364 

Other assets

66,207

68,341

67,656

68,351

68,849 

69,128 

69,111 

70,817 

Total assets

$1,060,373

$1,100,583

$1,095,440

$1,104,869

$1,108,621 

$1,161,197 

$1,202,579 

$1,223,250 

Deposits

$   750,714

$   786,961

$   848,048

$   805,235

$   824,761 

$   851,090 

$   811,395 

$   781,280 

Borrowed funds

194,172

196,649

130,300

179,862

162,512 

188,478 

267,011 

316,719 

Other liabilities

10,908

11,343

10,428

12,445

12,548 

11,419 

12,068 

12,583 

Shareholders’ equity

104,579

105,630

106,664

107,327

108,800 

110,210 

112,105 

112,668 

Total liabilities 

& equity

$1,060,373

$1,100,583

$1,095,440

$1,104,869

$1,108,621 

$1,161,197 

$1,202,579 

$1,223,250 

**Income Statements**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

$     14,812

$     15,833

$     16,829

$     16,730

$     16,948 

$     17,502 

$     18,538 

$     18,733 

Interest expense

7,064

8,338

9,091

9,096

9,383 

9,890 

10,381 

10,231 

Net interest income

7,748

7,495

7,738

7,634

7,565 

7,612 

8,157 

8,502 

Provision for 

loan losses

250

350

300

425

300 

250 

300 

582 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

7,498

7,145

7,438

7,209

7,265 

7,362 

7,857 

7,920 

Non-interest income

2,073

2,360

3,246

2,627

2,148 

2,470 

2,985 

2,542 

Non-interest expense

5,434

5,081

6,235

5,689

5,250 

5,353 

6,000 

5,580 

Income before taxes

4,137

4,424

4,449

4,147

4,163 

4,479 

4,842 

4,882 

Income taxes

1,159

1,252

1,272

1,179

1,160 

1,284 

1,428 

1,393 

Net income

$      2,978

$      3,172

$      3,177

$      2,968

$      3,003 

$      3,195 

$      3,414 

$      3,489 

Basic earnings per share

$        0.30

$        0.32

$        0.32

$        0.31

$        0.30 

$        0.33 

$        0.35 

$        0.36 

Diluted earnings per share

$        0.30

$        0.32

$        0.32

$        0.31

$        0.30 

$        0.33 

$        0.35 

$        0.36 

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 52

**Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

*Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker*

 

The Shareholders and Board of Directors

First National Lincoln Corporation

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First National Lincoln Corporation and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. We have also audited First National Lincoln Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). First National Lincoln Corporation’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanyingManagement’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluatingthe design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

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

 

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

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of First National Lincoln Corporation and Subsidiary as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, First National Lincoln Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) .

 

As disclosed in Note 1 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No 123(R), Share-Based Payments, on January 1, 2006 and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R) on December 31, 2006.

 

/s/ BERRY, DUNN, MCNEIL & PARKER

Portland, Maine

March 14, 2008

 

Form 10-K • Page 53

**ITEM 9. Changes in and/or Disagreements with Accountants** 

**on Accounting and Financial Disclosure**

 

 

None.

 

**ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures**

 

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as of December 31, 2007, the end of the period 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 uponthat evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance 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. Also, based on Management’s evaluation, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2007 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 theireffectiveness and to ensure that the Company’s systems evolve with its business. 

 

**Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

 

The Management of the Company is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements and other financial information contained in this Form 10-K. Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for identifying the framework used to evaluate its effectiveness. Management has designed processes, internal control and a business culture that foster financial integrity and accurate reporting. The Company’s comprehensive system of internal control over financial reporting was designed to provide reasonable assurances regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements of the Company in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s accounting policies and internal control over financial reporting, established and maintainedby Management, are under the general oversight of the Company’s Board of Directors, including the Board of Directors’ Audit Committee.

 

Management has made a comprehensive review, evaluation, and assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007. The standard measures adopted by Management in making its evaluation are the measures in Internal Control – Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“the COSO”). Based upon its review and evaluation, Management concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective and that there were no material weaknesses.

 

Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, an independent registered public accounting firm, which has audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements contained in this Form 10-K, has issued its written attestation report on Management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting which follows this report.

 

 

/s/ DANIEL R. DAIGNEAULT

/s/ F. STEPHEN WARD

Daniel R. Daigneault, President and Director

F. Stephen Ward , Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

(Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer)

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 54

 

**ITEM 9B. Other Information**

 

None

 

**ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance** 

 

Information with respect to directors and executive officers of the Company required by Item 10 shall be included in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 30, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference. 

 

 

**ITEM 11. Executive Compensation** 

 

Information with respect to executive compensation required by Item 11 shall be included in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 30, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference. 

 

 

**ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters** 

 

Information with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management and related stockholder matters required by Item 12 shall be included in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 30, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference. 

 

 
 
**ITEM 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence** 

 

Information with respect to certain relationships and related transactions required by Item 13 shall be included in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 30, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference. 

 

 
 
**ITEM 14 Principal Accounting Fees and Services** 

 

Information with respect to principal accounting fees and services required by Item 14 shall be included in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 30, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference. 

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 55

**ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules**

 

**A. 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 Company’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 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 Messrs. McKim and Wrobel, 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 Messrs. McKim and Wrobel, 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 Messrs. McKim and Wrobel, 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 Messrs. McKim and Wrobel. For Mr. McKim, the amount of the death benefit is $250,000; for Mr. Wrobel, the death benefit is $150,000. 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 Messrs. McKim and Wrobel, 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 14.1 Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers, adopted by the Board of Directors on June 19, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2006. A copy of will be provided to any person without charge upon request to the Secretary of the Company and is also available on the Company’s website at www.fnlc.com.

 

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. A copy of will be provided to any person without charge upon request to the Secretary of the Company and is also available on the Company’s website at www.fnlc.com.

 

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

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 56

**SIGNATURES**

 

Pursuant to the requirements of section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

FIRST NATIONAL LINCOLN COPORATION

 

/s/ DANIEL R. DAIGNEAULT

Daniel R. Daigneault, President

March 14, 2008

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

/s/ DANIEL R. DAIGNEAULT

/s/ F. STEPHEN WARD

Daniel R. Daigneault, President and Director

F. Stephen Ward , Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

(Principal Financial Officer, Principal Accounting Officer)

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

 

 

/s/ STUART G. SMITH

Stuart G. Smith, Director and Chairman of the Board

March 14, 2008

 

/s/ KATHERINE M. BOYD

/s/ CARL S. POOLE, JR.

Katherine M. Boyd , Director

Carl S. Poole, Jr., Director

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

 

 

/s/ ROBERT B. GREGORY

/s/ MARK N. ROSBOROUGH

Robert B. Gregory, Director

Mark N. Rosborough, Director

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

 

 

/s/ TONY C. MCKIM

/s/ DAVID B. SOULE, JR.

Tony C. McKim, Director

David B. Soule, Jr. , Director

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

 

 

/s/ RANDY A. NELSON

/s/ BRUCE A. TINDAL

Randy A. Nelson, Director

Bruce A. Tindal, Director

March 14, 2008

March 14, 2008

 

 

 

 

Form 10-K • Page 57

 

 ************