UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-Q


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

For quarterly period ended September 30, 2006


Commission file number 0-14237

First United Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
 
52-1380770
(State or other jurisdiction of
 
(I. R. S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
   

19 South Second Street, Oakland, Maryland
 
21550-0009
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

(800) 470-4356
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Large accelerated filer |_ |
Accelerated filer |X|
Non-accelerated filer |_|

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 6,135,594 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, as of October 31, 2006.


 
INDEX TO REPORT
FIRST UNITED CORPORATION 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
   
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition - September 30, 2006 (unaudited) and December 31, 2005
 
   
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) - for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005
 
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005
 
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
   
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
   
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
 
   
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
 
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
   
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
   
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
   
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
   
Item 5. Other Information
 
   
Item 6. Exhibits
 
   
   
SIGNATURES
 
   
EXHIBIT INDEX
 


2


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(In thousands, except as noted)

   
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
   
(Unaudited)
     
Assets
         
Cash and due from banks
 
$
22,427
 
$
24,610
 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
   
1,620
   
5,001
 
Investment securities available-for-sale (at fair value)
   
245,297
   
230,095
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
   
9,519
   
8,050
 
Loans
   
957,391
   
960,961
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(6,277
)
 
(6,416
)
Net loans
   
951,114
   
954,545
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
27,327
   
27,049
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
   
14,173
   
14,591
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
24,863
   
24,239
 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
25,122
   
22,811
 
               
Total Assets
 
$
1,321,462
 
$
1,310,991
 
               
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
             
Liabilities:
             
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
113,714
 
$
114,523
 
Interest-bearing deposits
   
834,829
   
841,331
 
Total deposits
   
948,543
   
955,854
 
Short-term borrowings
   
108,236
   
121,939
 
Long-term borrowings
   
153,091
   
128,373
 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
11,667
   
11,623
 
Dividends payable
   
1,168
   
1,163
 
Total Liabilities
   
1,222,705
   
1,218,952
 
               
Shareholders' Equity
             
Preferred stock --no par value;
             
Authorized and unissued 2,000 shares
             
Capital Stock - actual par value $.01 per share;
             
Authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,135 shares at September 30, 2006 and 6,118 shares at December 31, 2005
   
61
   
61
 
Surplus
   
21,324
   
20,946
 
Retained earnings
   
78,630
   
73,012
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(1,258
)
 
(1,980
)
Total Shareholders' Equity
   
98,757
   
92,039
 
               
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
$
1,321,462
 
$
1,310,991
 


3


FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share data)
 

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
           
Interest income
         
Loans, including fees
 
$
51,067
 
$
45,056
 
Investment securities:
             
Taxable
   
5,400
   
4,666
 
Exempt from federal income tax
   
2,128
   
929
 
Total investment income
   
7,528
   
5,595
 
Dividends on FHLB stock
   
383
   
258
 
Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits
   
98
   
166
 
Total interest income
   
59,076
   
51,075
 
               
Interest expense
             
Deposits
   
19,600
   
13,524
 
Short-term borrowings
   
3,214
   
1,823
 
Long-term borrowings
   
5,631
   
5,757
 
Total interest expense
   
28,445
   
21,104
 
Net interest income
   
30,631
   
29,971
 
Provision for loan losses
   
579
   
1,272
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
30,052
   
28,699
 
               
Other operating income
             
Service charges
   
3,539
   
3,047
 
Trust department
   
2,636
   
2,405
 
Securities gains/(losses)
   
4
   
(132
)
Insurance commissions
   
1,176
   
1,242
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
624
   
607
 
Other income
   
2,351
   
2,281
 
Total other operating income
   
10,330
   
9,450
 
               
Other operating expenses
             
Salaries and employee benefits
   
14,725
   
13,767
 
Occupancy, equipment and data processing
   
4,816
   
4,659
 
Other expense
   
7,451
   
7,349
 
Total other operating expenses
   
26,992
   
25,775
 
Income before income taxes
   
13,390
   
12,374
 
Applicable income taxes
   
4,276
   
4,440
 
               
Net income
 
$
9,114
 
$
7,934
 
               
Earnings per share
 
$
1.49
 
$
1.30
 
               
Dividends per share
 
$
.57
 
$
.555
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
   
6,127
   
6,103
 

4

 
FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Income
(in thousands, except per share data)


   
Three Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
           
Interest income
         
Loans, including fees
 
$
17,675
 
$
16,069
 
Investment securities:
             
Taxable
   
1,989
   
1,567
 
Exempt from federal income tax
   
732
   
355
 
Total investment income
   
2,721
   
1,922
 
Dividends on FHLB stock
   
141
   
69
 
Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits
   
23
   
39
 
Total interest income
   
20,560
   
18,099
 
               
Interest expense
             
Deposits
   
7,197
   
5,097
 
Short-term borrowings
   
1,243
   
765
 
Long-term borrowings
   
1,940
   
1,848
 
Total interest expense
   
10,380
   
7,710
 
Net interest income
   
10,180
   
10,389
 
Provision for loan losses
   
499
   
356
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
9,681
   
10,033
 
               
Other operating income
             
Service charges
   
1,375
   
1,118
 
Trust department
   
910
   
820
 
Securities gains
   
-
   
59
 
Insurance commissions
   
410
   
445
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
212
   
251
 
Other income
   
603
   
796
 
Total other operating income
   
3,510
   
3,489
 
               
Other operating expenses
             
Salaries and employee benefits
   
4,592
   
4,718
 
Occupancy, equipment and data processing
   
1,607
   
1,562
 
Other expense
   
2,339
   
2,507
 
Total other operating expenses
   
8,538
   
8,787
 
Income before income taxes
   
4,653
   
4,735
 
Applicable income taxes
   
1,388
   
1,691
 
Net income
   
3,265
 
$
3,044
 
               
Earnings per share
   
.53
 
$
.50
 
               
Dividends per share
   
.19
 
$
.185
 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding
   
6,133
   
6,109
 


5


FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)


   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
Operating activities
         
Net income
 
$
9,114
 
$
7,934
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
             
cash provided by operating activities:
             
Provision for loan losses
   
579
   
1,272
 
Depreciation
   
1,877
   
1,701
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
483
   
418
 
Net accretion and amortization of
             
investment securities discounts and premiums
   
130
   
392
 
(Gain)/loss on sale of investment
             
securities
   
(4
)
 
132
 
Increase in accrued interest receivable
             
and other assets
   
(2,843
)
 
(469
)
Increase in accrued interest payable
             
and other liabilities
   
44
   
1,539
 
Increase in bank owned life insurance
             
value
   
(624
)
 
(607
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
8,756
   
12,312
 
               
Investing activities
             
Net decrease/(increase) in interest-bearing deposits
             
in banks
   
3,381
   
(708
)
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities
             
available-for-sale
   
38,328
   
74,189
 
Proceeds from sales of investment securities
             
available for sale
   
548
   
26,918
 
Purchases of investment securities available-
             
for-sale
   
(53,015
)
 
(94,400
)
Net decrease/(increase) in loans
   
2,852
   
(74,767
)
Net (increase)/decrease in FHLB stock
   
(1,469
)
 
226
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(2,155
)
 
(1,808
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(11,530
)
 
(70,350
)
               
Financing activities
             
Net (decrease)/increase in short-term borrowings
   
(13,703
)
 
5,400
 
Repayments of long-term borrowings
   
(30,282
)
 
(20,282
)
New issues of long-term borrowings
   
55,000
   
-
 
Net (decrease)/increase in deposits
   
(7,311
)
 
77,105
 
Cash dividends paid
   
(3,491
)
 
(3,382
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
378
   
374
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
591
   
59,215
 
Cash at beginning of the year
   
24,610
   
24,159
 
(Decrease)/increase in cash
   
(2,183
)
 
1,177
 
               
Cash at end of period
 
$
22,427
 
$
25,336
 


6



FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

September 30, 2006

Note A -- Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of First United Corporation (the “Corporation”) and its consolidated subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation, consisting of normal recurring items, have been included. Operating results for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or for any other interim period. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005. For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 2006 presentation.

Note B - Earnings per Share

Earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. The Corporation does not have any common stock equivalents.
 
Note C - Comprehensive Income

Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available-for-sale are the only items included in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Total comprehensive income (which consists of net income plus the change in unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities available-for-sale, net of taxes and reclassification adjustments) was $9.8 million and $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $5.8 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.

Note D - Junior Subordinated Debentures

In March 2004, the Corporation formed two Connecticut statutory business trusts, First United Statutory Trust I (“FUST I”) and First United Statutory Trust II (collectively with FUST I, the “Trusts”), for the purpose of selling $30.9 million of mandatorily redeemable preferred securities to third party investors. The Trusts used the proceeds of their sales of preferred securities to purchase an equal amount of junior subordinated debentures from the Corporation, as follows:

$20.6 million--6.02% fixed rate for five years payable quarterly, converting to floating rate based on three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points, maturing in 2034, redeemable five years after issuance at the Corporation’s option.

$10.3 million--floating rate payable quarterly based on three-month LIBOR plus 275 basis points (8.14% at September 30, 2006) maturing in 2034, redeemable five years after issuance at the Corporation’s option.

The debentures represent the sole assets of the Trusts, and the Corporation’s payments under the debentures are the only sources of cash flow for the Trusts. The preferred securities qualify as Tier 1 capital of the Corporation.

The Corporation issued an additional $5.0 million of junior subordinated debentures in a private placement in December 2004. These debentures have a fixed rate of 5.88% for the first five years and then convert to a floating rate based on the three month LIBOR plus 185 basis points. Interest is payable on a quarterly basis. Although these debentures mature in 2014, they are redeemable five years after issuance at the Corporation’s option. The entire $5.0 million qualifies as Tier II capital.


7


Note E - Borrowed Funds

  The following is a summary of short-term borrowings with original maturities of less than one year (dollars in thousands):
 
   
September 30, 2006 
   December 31, 2005  
Short-term FHLB advances,
         
Daily borrowings, interest rate of
         
5.53% and 4.49%, respectively
 
$
15,500
 
$
31,000
 
               
One year advance, interest rate of 5.44%
   
20,000
   
-
 
               
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, with
             
weighted average interest rate at end of
             
period of 3.77% and 2.56%, respectively
   
72,736
   
90,939
 
   
$
108,236
 
$
121,939
 

The following is a summary of long-term borrowings with original maturities exceeding one year (dollars in thousands):

FHLB advances, bearing interest at rates ranging
         
from 3.15% to 5.40% at September 30, 2006
 
$
117,162
 
$
92,444
 
Junior subordinated debentures, bearing interest at rates
             
ranging from 5.88% to 8.14% at September 30, 2006
   
35,929
   
35,929
 
   
$
153,091
 
$
128,373
 

Note F - Pension Plan

The following table presents the net periodic pension plan cost for the Corporation’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan and the related components:

   
For the nine months ended
 
For the three months ended
 
   
September 30
 
September 30
 
                   
(In thousands)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
Service cost
 
$
606
 
$
600
 
$
202
 
$
200
 
Interest cost
   
806
   
777
   
270
   
259
 
Expected return on assets
   
(1,206
)
 
(1,056
)
 
(402
)
 
( 352
)
Amortization of transition asset
   
(30
)
 
(30
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
Recognized loss
   
129
   
141
   
43
   
47
 
Prior service cost
   
6
   
9
   
2
   
3
 
                           
Net pension expense included in employee benefits
 
$
311
 
$
441
 
$
105
 
$
147
 

The Corporation intends to contribute $1.0 million to its pension plan in 2006. As of September 30, 2006, the Corporation has contributed $.7 million to the plan.

Note G - New Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 was issued to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and expands fair value disclosure requirements. Prior to issuance of SFAS No. 157, different definitions of fair value existed within GAAP and there was limited guidance available on applying existing fair value definitions. SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Management does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.


8


In September 2006, FASB also issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans” (“SFAS No. 158”). SFAS No. 158 requires employers to recognize the over or under funded status of their single-employer pension and postretirement benefit plans as either an asset or liability in its statement of financial position and to recognize changes in that funded status in the year in which the changes occur through comprehensive income. The funded status of a benefit plan shall be measured as the difference between plan assets at fair value and the benefit obligation, which shall be measured as follows: for a pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation (PBO); for any other postretirement benefit plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation. Additionally, SFAS No. 158 also requires the measurement of the benefit plan’s assets and obligations to be measured as of the date of the employer’s year-end statement of financial position.

The effective date of SFAS No. 158’s funded status reporting requirement is for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2006 (for publicly traded companies or companies in the process of becoming publicly traded) with retrospective application prohibited. However, the measurement date provision is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008 and retrospective application is also prohibited, but early adoption is permitted and encouraged. Management has not yet completed all of the analysis necessary to determine the impact of this new standard. However, management anticipates that SFAS No. 158 will impact the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, by recording a pension liability on the Corporation’s consolidated statement of financial condition and an adjustment to accumulated comprehensive income, net of tax.

In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN No. 48”) to clarify the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN No. 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return, and provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, interim period accounting, and disclosures. FIN No. 48 requires companies to determine whether it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination (including appeals and litigation) based upon its technical merits. If a tax position meets the more likely than not recognition threshold, it is measured to determine the benefit amount to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. FIN No. 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with earlier application encouraged. Management does not anticipate that the adoption of FIN No. 48 will have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) released Issue No. 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements” (“EITF 06-4”). This EITF consensus opinion was ratified by the FASB on September 20, 2006. EITF 06-4 requires employers who have entered into a split-dollar life insurance arrangement with an employee that extends to post-retirement periods, to recognize a liability and related compensation costs in accordance with SFAS No. 106, “Accounting for Post Retirement Benefit Obligations” or Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 12, “Omnibus Opinion.” The effective date of EITF No. 06-4 is for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, and the opinion may be adopted through either a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings at the beginning of the year of adoption, or through retrospective application to prior periods. Management has not yet completed all of the analysis required to determine the impact of this new accounting standard on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. This analysis is currently in process and will be completed during the fourth quarter of 2006.

In March 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156, “Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets” (“SFAS No. 156”). SFAS No. 156 amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” with respect to the accounting for separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 requires an entity to recognize a servicing asset or servicing liability each time it undertakes an obligation to service a financial asset by entering into a servicing contract in each of several specific situations. SFAS No. 156 also requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable, and permits an entity to choose either of two accepted measurement methods for each class of separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. Further, SFAS No. 156 permits, at its initial adoption, a one-time reclassification of available-for-sale securities to trading securities by entities with recognized servicing rights. Lastly, the Statement requires separate presentation of servicing assets and servicing liabilities subsequently measured at fair value and additional disclosures for all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. Management does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 156 to have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements. 


9


On September 13, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Commission "(the “SEC") issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 ("SAB 108"). SAB 108 provides interpretive guidance on how the effects of the carryover or reversal of prior year misstatements should be considered in quantifying a potential current year misstatement. Prior to SAB 108, companies might evaluate the materiality of financial-statement misstatements using either the income statement approach or the balance sheet approach, with the income statement approach focusing on new misstatements added in the current year, and the balance sheet approach focusing on the cumulative amount of misstatement present in a company's balance sheet. Misstatements that would be material under one approach could be viewed as immaterial under another approach, and not be corrected. SAB 108 now requires that companies view financial statement misstatements as material if they are material according to either the income statement approach or balance sheet approach. Management does not anticipate that the adoption of SAB 108 will have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Note H - Letters of Credit

First United Bank & Trust, the Corporation’s wholly-owned trust company subsidiary (the “Bank”). does not issue any guarantees that would require liability recognition or disclosure other than its standby letters of credit.  Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  Generally, all of our letters of credit are issued with expiration dates within one year.  The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.  The Bank generally holds collateral and/or personal guarantees supporting these commitments.  The Bank had $7.5 million of outstanding standby letters of credit at September 30, 2006, compared to $5.1 million at December 31, 2005. Management believes that the proceeds obtained through a liquidation of collateral and the enforcement of guarantees would be sufficient to cover the potential amount of future payment required by the letters of credit.  Management does not believe that the amount of the liability associated with guarantees under standby letters of credit issued at September 30, 2006 and December 31, 2005 is material.
 
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

INTRODUCTION

The following discussion and analysis is intended as a review of material changes in and significant factors affecting the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries for the periods indicated. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto contained in Item 1 of Part I of this report. Unless the context clearly suggests otherwise, references in this report to “us”, “we”, “our”, and “the Corporation” are to First United Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers of this report should be aware of the speculative nature of “forward-looking statements.” Statements that are not historical in nature, including those that include the words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions, are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about, among other things, the industry and the markets in which we operate, and they are not guarantees of future performance. Whether actual results will conform to expectations and predictions is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties discussed in this report; general economic, market, or business conditions; changes in interest rates, deposit flow, the cost of funds, and demand for loan products and financial services; changes in our competitive position or competitive actions by other companies; changes in the quality or composition of our loan and investment portfolios; our ability to manage growth; changes in laws or regulations or policies of federal and state regulators and agencies; and other circumstances beyond our control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results anticipated will be realized, or if substantially realized, will have the expected consequences on our business or operations. These and other risk factors are discussed in detail the Corporation’s periodic reports that it files with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (see Item 1A of Part II of this report for further information). Except as required by applicable laws, we do not intend to publish updates or revisions of any forward-looking statements we make to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.


10


THE COMPANY

First United Corporation is a Maryland corporation that was incorporated in 1985 and is a registered financial holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Corporation’s primary business activity is acting as the parent company of First United Bank & Trust, a Maryland trust company (the “Bank”), OakFirst Loan Center, Inc., a West Virginia finance company, OakFirst Loan Center, LLC, a Maryland finance company, the Trusts, and First United Insurance Group, LLC, a full service insurance producer organized under Maryland law (the “Insurance Group”). OakFirst Loan Center, Inc. has one subsidiary, First United Insurance Agency, Inc., which is a Maryland insurance agency. The Bank provides a complete range of retail and commercial banking services to a customer base serviced by a network of 24 offices and 34 automated teller machines.

We maintain an Internet site at www.mybankfirstunited.com on which we make available, free of charge, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. 
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

This discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent liabilities. (See Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of Part II of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005). On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates, including those related to loan losses and intangible assets. 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 judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management described its critical accounting policies, which pertain to the allowance for loan losses and intangible assets, in the Form 10-K for December 31, 2005. Management believes that there have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies since December 31, 2005.


11


SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth certain selected financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005 and is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information and unaudited financial statements including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this quarterly report.

   
At or For the Nine Months
 
   
Ended September 30
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
Per Share Data
         
Net Income
 
$
1.49
 
$
1.30
 
Dividends Declared
   
.57
   
.555
 
Book Value
   
16.10
   
14.83
 
               
Significant Ratios
             
Return on Average Assets (a)
   
.93
%
 
.84
%
Return on Average Equity (a)
   
12.79
   
11.97
 
Dividend Payout Ratio
   
38.88
   
42.70
 
Average Equity to Average Assets
   
7.28
   
7.00
 
               
Note: (a) Annualized
             
 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Consolidated net income for the first nine months of 2006 totaled $9.11 million or $1.49 per share, compared to $7.93 million or $1.30 per share for the same period of 2005. The increases in net income and net interest margin resulted primarily from increased earnings on interest-earning assets, which were a direct result of the increases in the general level of interest rates that occurred during 2005 and continued into 2006 as well as increased average balances on our interest-earning assets. The increase in interest income was offset by increased interest expense paid on our interest-bearing liabilities due to rising interest rates and an increase in our average balances. Net interest income before provision for loan losses for the first nine months of 2006 improved by $.7 million or 2.2% over the same period of 2005. The provision for loan losses is $ .6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2006, compared to $1.3 million for the same period of 2005. This is attributable to a decline in net loan charge offs during the first nine months of 2006, slower loan growth during the period, and a decline in non-performing loans. Other operating income increased by $.9 million in the first nine months of 2006 when compared to the first nine months of 2005, due primarily to an increase in service charge income. Operating expenses increased $1.2 million in the first nine months of 2006 when compared to the first nine months of 2005 due primarily to increased personnel costs.
 
Consolidated net income for the third quarter of 2006 totaled $3.3 million or $.53 per share, compared to $3.0 million or $.50 per share for the same period of 2005. The net interest margin for the third quarter of 2006 reflects increased interest income due to an increase of $23.4 million in average balances of our earning assets and the higher rate environment when compared to the third quarter of 2005. This was offset by increased interest expense due to full percentage point increase in the average rate paid on our interest-bearing liabilities. The provision for loan losses also increased as compared to the same time period in 2005. Other operating income for the third quarter of 2006 remained consistent when compared to the third quarter of 2005. Third quarter 2006 operating expenses decreased by 3% when compared to operating expenses for the third quarter of 2005 due to lower personnel costs reflecting lower employee incentives because of slower loan and deposit growth.

Comparing the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, our performance ratios improved. Annualized Returns on Average Assets (“ROAA”) were .93% and .84%, respectively.  Annualized Returns on Average Equity (“ROAE”) were 12.79% and 11.97% for the nine-month periods ending September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


12


Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the largest source of operating revenue and is the difference between the interest earned on interest-earning assets and the interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. For analytical and discussion purposes, net interest income is adjusted to a fully taxable equivalent basis to facilitate performance comparisons between taxable and tax-exempt assets by increasing tax-exempt income by an amount equal to the federal income taxes that would have been paid if this income were taxable at the statutorily applicable rate. The following table sets forth the average balances, net interest income and expense, and average yields and rates of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.

   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2006
 
2005
 
                           
   
Average
     
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Interest-Earning Assets:
                         
Loans
 
$
944,689
 
$
51,088
   
7.21
%
$
938,690
 
$
45,080
   
6.40
%
                                       
Investment securities
   
231,126
   
8,672
   
5.00
   
208,677
   
6,094
   
3.89
 
                                       
Other interest earning assets
   
11,556
   
482
   
5.56
   
15,615
   
424
   
3.62
 
Total earning assets
 
$
1,187,371
   
60,242
   
6.76
%
$
1,162,982
   
51,598
   
5.91
%
                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                     
                                       
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
838,998
   
19,600
   
3.12
%
$
809,639
   
13,524
   
2.23
%
                                       
Short-term borrowings
   
105,773
   
3,214
   
4.05
   
98,758
   
1,823
   
2.46
 
Long-term borrowings
   
152,734
   
5,631
   
4.92
   
162,454
   
5,757
   
4.72
 
                                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
$
1,097,505
   
28,445
   
3.46
%
$
1,070,851
   
21,104
   
2.63
%
                                       
Net interest income and spread
       
$
31,797
   
3.30
%
     
$
30,494
   
3.28
%
                                       
Net interest margin
               
3.57
%
             
3.50
%

Note: Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a 35% tax rate.
 
Net interest income increased $1.3 million during the first nine months of 2006 over the same period in 2005, due to an $8.6 million (17%) increase in interest income offset by a $7.3 million (35%) increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income resulted from an increase in average interest-earning assets of $24.4 million (2.1%) during the first nine months of 2006 when compared to the first nine months of 2005. This increase is attributable to the growth that we experienced in both our loan and investment portfolios late in 2005 and during the first half of 2006. Emphasis on adjustable rate loan products and the rising interest rate environment contributed to the increase in the average rate on our average earning assets of 85 basis points, from 5.91% for the first nine months of 2005 to 6.76% for the first nine months of 2006 (on a fully tax equivalent basis). Interest expense increased during the first nine months of 2006 when compared to the same period of 2005 due to the higher interest rate environment, and an overall increase in average interest-bearing liabilities of $26.7 million. Deposits have increased in 2006 by approximately $29 million due to an increase in brokered certificates of deposit and a successful retail promotion of a nine month certificate of deposit. The combined effect of the increasing rate environment and the volume increases in our average interest-bearing liabilities resulted in an 83 basis point increase in the average rate paid on our average interest-bearing liabilities from 2.63% for the nine months ended September 30, 2005 to 3.46% for the same period of 2006. The net result of the aforementioned factors was a 7 basis point increase in the net interest margin during the first nine months of 2006 to 3.57% from 3.50% when compared to the same time period of 2005.


13


The following table sets forth the average balances, net interest income and expense, and average yields and rates of our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the three months ended September 30, 2006 and 2005.


   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
 
   
 2006
 
 2005
 
                           
   
Average
     
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
                           
Interest-Earning Assets:
                         
                           
Loans
 
$
942,707
 
$
17,684
   
7.50
%
$
955,879
 
$
16,076
   
6.72
%
                                       
Investment securities
   
238,679
   
3,115
   
5.22
   
200,848
   
2,113
   
4.21
 
                                       
Other interest earning assets
   
10,728
   
165
   
6.15
   
12,011
   
109
   
3.63
 
                                       
Total earning assets
 
$
1,192,114
   
20,964
   
7.03
%
$
1,168,738
   
18,298
   
6.26
%
                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                     
                                       
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
825,545
   
7,197
   
3.49
%
$
828,855
   
5,097
   
2.46
%
                                       
Short-term borrowings
   
113,757
   
1,243
   
4.37
   
105,365
   
765
   
2.90
 
                                       
Long-term borrowings
   
154,155
   
1,940
   
5.03
   
151,936
   
1,848
   
4.86
 
                                       
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
$
1,093,457
   
10,380
   
3.80
%
$
1,086,156
   
7,710
   
2.84
%
                                       
Net interest income and spread
       
$
10,584
   
3.23
%
     
$
10,588
   
3.42
%
                                       
Net interest margin
               
3.55
%
             
3.62
%

Note: Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a 35% tax rate.

On a fully tax-equivalent basis, net interest income for the third quarter of 2006 remained consistent when compared to the third quarter of 2005. Both interest income and interest expense increased $2.7 million during the quarter. The increase in interest income resulted from an increase in average interest-earning assets of $23.4 million (2%), coupled with a 77 basis point increase in the average yield on earning assets. The average balance in the investment portfolio increased by $37.8 million. The 101 basis point increase in the yield on the investment portfolio resulted from the continuing restructuring of the portfolio to increase the holdings of tax-exempt securities with an effective yield greater than the securities that they replaced. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $7.3 million during the third quarter of 2006 when compared to the third quarter of 2005. The effective rate on these liabilities increased by 96 basis points. We initiated a leverage strategy late in the second quarter of 2006 by purchasing $22 million in corporate bonds with brokered certificates of deposit. This strategy netted a spread of approximately 110 basis points and helped to offset the slow loan growth experience during the quarter. This strategy had an impact on the decrease in the net interest margin of 7 basis points from 3.62% to 3.55% when compared quarter to quarter.

Other Operating Income

Other operating income increased during the first nine months of 2006 when compared to the same periods of 2005. This increase was primarily attributable to continued improvements in service charge income and trust department earnings in 2006. There were no losses from sales in the investment portfolio in the first nine months of 2006 compared to a $.1 million loss during the first nine months of 2005. Service charge income improved due to increased overdraft fees and increased account analysis fees from new merchant accounts. Other operating income in the third quarter of 2006 was consistent with the amount reported for the same period of 2005.


14



Other Operating Expense

Other operating expenses increased by 5% for the first nine months of 2006 and declined 3% for the third quarter of 2006 when compared to the same time periods of 2005. The increases were due to increased personnel costs (reflecting increased employee incentives, annual merit increases and staffing increases that took place in the latter months of 2005). However, the composition of operating expenses has remained consistent as illustrated below.

   
Expense as % of Total Other Operating Expenses
 
   
Nine Months ended
 
Quarter ended
 
   
September 30,
2006
 
September 30,
2005
 
September 30,
2006
 
September 30,
2005
 
Salaries and employee benefits
   
55
%
 
53
%
 
54
%
 
54
%
Occupancy, equipment and data processing
   
17
%
 
18
%
 
19
%
 
18
%
Other
   
28
%
 
29
%
 
27
%
 
28
%
     
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

Applicable Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2006 and for the third quarter of 2006 decreased to 32% and 30%, respectively from 36% for the first nine months and third quarter of 2005. This decrease reflects the effects of management’s strategy during late 2005 to restructure the composition of the investment portfolio to include more tax exempt municipal securities.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Balance Sheet Overview

Total assets were $1.32 billion at September 30, 2006, an increase of $10 million (.8%) since December 31, 2005. During this time period, gross loans decreased $4 million and cash and interest-bearing deposits in banks declined $6 million. These decreases were offset by increases of approximately $15 million in our investment portfolio, $.6 million in our bank owned life insurance, and $2.3 million in accrued interest and other assets. Total liabilities increased by approximately $4 million during the first nine months of 2006, reflecting declines in total deposits of $7 million and short-term borrowings of $14 million and an increase in long-term borrowings of $25 million. The increase in long-term borrowings reflects management’s decision to extend the maturities of its borrowed funds and reduce its reliance on short-term borrowings.

Loan Portfolio

The following table presents the composition of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated:

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
Commercial
 
$
400.7
   
42
%
$
404.7
   
42
%
Residential - Mortgage
   
358.3
   
37
   
337.6
   
35
 
Installment
   
183.5
   
19
   
193.3
   
20
 
Residential - Construction
   
14.9
   
2
   
25.4
   
3
 
                           
Total Loans
 
$
957.4
   
100
%
$
961.0
   
100
%

Comparing loans at September 30, 2006 to loans at December 31, 2005, our loan portfolio has decreased by $3.6 million (.4%). Continued growth in residential mortgage and construction loans ($10.2 million) was offset by a decline in the installment portfolio ($9.8 million) and a decline in our commercial portfolio ($4 million). The decrease in installment loans resulted from our intention to de-emphasize this type of very rate-competitive lending in our major markets. Although commercial loan production has remained consistent with prior years, our commercial loan portfolio decreased due to repayments of development loans. This payback negated the growth in the commercial portfolio experienced thus far in 2006. At September 30, 2006, approximately 82% of the commercial loan portfolio was collateralized by real estate.


15


Risk Elements of Loan Portfolio

The following table presents the risk elements of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated. Management is not aware of any potential problem loans other than those listed in this table.

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
Non-accrual loans
 
$
1,714
 
$
2,393
 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
   
2,421
   
989
 
Total
 
$
4,135
 
$
3,382
 
Total as a percentage of total loans
   
.43
%
 
.35
%
 
Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses

An allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb losses from the loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s continuing evaluation of the quality of the loan portfolio, assessment of current economic conditions, diversification and size of the portfolio, adequacy of collateral, past and anticipated loss experience, and the amount of non-performing loans.

We use the methodology outlined in the FDIC Statement of Policy on Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses. The starting point for this methodology is to segregate the loan portfolio into two pools, non-homogeneous (i.e., commercial) and homogeneous (i.e., consumer and residential mortgage) loans. Each loan pool is analyzed with general allowances and specific allocations being made as appropriate. For general allowances, the previous eight quarters of loss activity are used in the estimation of losses in the current portfolio. These historical loss amounts are modified by the following qualitative factors: levels of and trends in delinquency and non-accrual loans; trends in volumes and terms of loans; effects of changes in lending policies; experience, ability, and depth of management; national and local economic trends and conditions; and concentrations of credit in the determination of the general allowance. The qualitative factors are updated each quarter by information obtained from internal, regulatory, and governmental sources. Specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses are made for those loans on the “Watchlist” in which the collateral value is less than the outstanding loan balance with the allocation being the dollar difference between the two. The Watchlist represents loans, identified and closely monitored by management, which possess certain qualities or characteristics that may lead to collection and loss issues. Allocations are not made for loans that are cash secured, for the Small Business Administration and Farm Service Agency guaranteed portion of loans, or for loans that are sufficiently collateralized.

The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and actual losses will likely vary from current estimates. These estimates are reviewed quarterly, and as adjustments, either positive or negative, become necessary a corresponding increase or decrease is made in the provision for loan losses. The methodology used to determine the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is consistent with prior years.


16


The following table presents a summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30 (dollars in thousands):

   
2006
 
2005
 
Balance, January 1
 
$
6,416
 
$
6,814
 
Gross charge offs
   
(1,129
)
 
(1,114
)
Recoveries
   
411
   
320
 
Net credit losses
   
(718
)
 
(794
)
Provision for loan losses
   
579
   
1,272
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
6,277
 
$
7,292
 
Allowance for Loan Losses to loans outstanding (as %)
   
.66
%
 
.74
%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding
during the period, annualized (as %)
   
.10
%
 
.11
%

The allowance for loan losses decreased to $6.3 million at September 30, 2006, compared to $6.4 million at December 31, 2005. This decrease is the result of a decrease in the loan portfolio of $3.6 million during the first nine months of 2006 and a decrease in our net charge-off percentage to .10% for the first nine months of 2006 from .11% for the first nine months of 2005, reflecting increased recoveries. In addition, non-accrual loans have decreased $.6 million from the end of 2005.

Net charge offs relating to the installment loan portfolio represent 62% of our total net charge-offs for the first nine months of 2006. Generally, installment loans are charged off after they are 120 days contractually past due. The quality of the installment loan portfolio has improved, as loans past due 30 days or more were $2.7 million or 1.5 % of the installment portfolio at September 30, 2006, compared to $3.1 million or 1.6% at December 31, 2005.

The provision for loan losses was $.6 million for the first nine months of 2006, compared to $1.3 million for the same period of 2005. The lower provision in 2006 is due primarily to reductions in special allocations, a decline in net loan charge offs and slower loan growth during the period. As a result of the evaluation of the loan portfolio using the factors and methodology discussed previously, the allowance for loan losses decreased slightly to $6.3 million at September 30, 2006, compared to $6.4 million at December 31, 2005. Management believes that the allowance at September 30, 2006 is adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio.

Amounts that will be recorded for the provision for loan losses in future periods will depend upon trends in the loan balances, including the composition of the loan portfolio, changes in loan quality and loss experience trends, potential recoveries on previously charged-off loans and changes in other qualitative factors.

Investment Securities

Our entire investment securities portfolio is categorized as available-for-sale and is carried at fair value. At September 30, 2006, the total cost basis of the investment portfolio was $247.4 million compared to a fair value of $245.3 million.

The following table presents the composition of our securities portfolio (fair values) at the dates indicated:

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
98.9
   
40
%
$
107.0
   
47
%
Mortgage-backed securities
   
53.6
   
22
   
63.9
   
28
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
68.2
   
28
   
57.7
   
25
 
Corporate and other debt securities
   
24.6
   
10
   
1.1
   
--
 
Other securities
   
--
   
--
   
.4
   
--
 
Total Investment Securities
 
$
245.3
   
100
%
$
230.1
   
100
%

The increase in our investment portfolio since year-end 2005 is due to the purchase of $17 million in corporate bonds during the second quarter of 2006 and $5 million during the third quarter of 2006 as part of our previously disclosed leverage strategy. As previously discussed, we utilized brokered certificates of deposit to fund the purchase of higher yielding corporate bonds. The growth in corporate bonds was offset by scheduled maturities in other segments of the portfolio.


17


At September 30, 2006, the securities available for sale balance included a net unrealized loss of $2.1 million, which represents the difference between the fair value and amortized cost of securities in the portfolio. The comparable amount at December 31, 2005 was an unrealized loss of $3.2 million. The fair value of securities available for sale generally decreases whenever interest rates increase and the fair value will typically increase in a declining rate environment.

Management does not believe that an unrealized loss on any individual security as of September 30, 2006 represents an other than temporary impairment. We have both the intent and ability to hold the securities presented in the preceding table for the period of time necessary to recover their amortized cost or until maturity.

Deposits

The following table presents the composition of our deposits as of the dates indicated:

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
113.7
   
12
%
$
114.5
   
12
%
Interest-bearing demand deposits
   
257.7
   
27
   
313.4
   
33
 
Savings deposits
   
45.4
   
5
   
51.6
   
5
 
Time deposits less than $.1
   
231.8
   
24
   
209.1
   
22
 
Time deposits $.1 or more
   
299.9
   
32
   
267.3
   
28
 
Total Deposits
 
$
948.5
   
100
%
$
955.9
   
100
%

Deposits declined $7.4 million during the first nine months of 2006 in comparison to deposits at December 31, 2005. The composition of deposits has changed, showing a reduction in demand deposit and savings balances offset by an increase in retail and brokered certificates of deposit. As mentioned previously, we purchased $22 million of brokered deposits in the second and third quarters of 2006 to acquire corporate bonds.

Borrowed Funds

The following table presents the composition of our borrowings at the dates indicated:

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2006
 
December 31, 2005
 
           
FHLB short-term borrowings
 
$
35.5
 
$
31.0
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
72.7
   
90.9
 
Total short-term borrowings
 
$
108.2
 
$
121.9
 
               
FHLB advances
 
$
117.1
 
$
92.4
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
35.9
   
35.9
 
Total long-term borrowings
 
$
153.0
 
$
128.3
 

Total short-term borrowings decreased by approximately $14 million during the first nine months of 2006, primarily as a result of a decline in municipal funds invested in our cash management product. Long-term borrowings increased by $25 million during the same period.

Liquidity and Capital

We derive liquidity through increased customer deposits, maturities in the investment portfolio, loan repayments and income from earning assets. When deposits are not adequate to fund customer loan demand, liquidity needs can be met in the short-term funds markets through arrangements with our correspondent banks or through the purchase of brokered certificates of deposit. The Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, which provides another source of liquidity. As discussed in Note D to the consolidated financial statements, we may from time to time access capital markets and/or borrow funds from private investors to meet some of our liquidity needs. We actively manage our liquidity position through the Asset and Liability Management Committee of the Board of Directors. Monthly reviews by management and quarterly reviews by the committee under prescribed policies and procedures are designed to ensure that we will maintain adequate levels of available funds.


18


We are moving forward with our planned branch expansion projects. Construction has begun on branch offices in Monongalia County, West Virginia and Washington County, Maryland. Remodeling is also underway for an operations center located in Oakland, Maryland. The total projected costs for these projects is estimated at approximately $3 million and will be funded from cash flow from operations.

Management believes that we have adequate liquidity available to respond to current and anticipated liquidity demands and is unaware of any trends or demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will materially affect our ability to maintain liquidity at satisfactory levels.

The following table presents our capital ratios at September 30, 2006:

       
Required
 
Required
 
   
 
 
For Capital
 
To Be
 
       
Adequacy
 
Well
 
 
 
Actual
 
Purposes
 
Capitalized
 
               
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
13.07
%
 
8.00
%
 
10.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
11.92
   
4.00
   
6.00
 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
   
8.93
   
3.00
   
5.00
 

At September 30, 2006, the Corporation was categorized as “well capitalized” under federal banking regulatory capital requirements.

The Corporation paid a cash dividend of $.19 per share on August 1, 2006. On September 20, 2006, the Board of Directors declared another dividend of an equal amount, to be paid on November 1, 2006 to shareholders of record as of October 17, 2006.

Contractual Obligations, Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Loan commitments are made to accommodate the financial needs of our customers. Letters of credit commit us to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. The credit risks inherent in loan commitments and letters of credit are essentially the same as those involved in extending loans to customers, and these arrangements are subject to our normal credit policies. Loan commitments and letters of credit totaled $194.8 million and $7.5 million, respectively, at September 30, 2006, compared to $161.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2005. We are not party to any other off-balance sheet arrangements. There have been no significant changes in contractual obligations since December 31, 2005.
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our primary market risk is interest rate fluctuation and we have procedures in place to evaluate and mitigate this risk. This market risk and our procedures are described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation - Interest Rate Sensitivity”. Management believes that no material changes in our market risks or in the procedures used to evaluate and mitigate these risks have occurred since December 31, 2005.
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 with the SEC, such as this Quarterly Report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in those rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


19


An evaluation of the effectiveness of these disclosure controls as of September 30, 2006 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of Management, including the CEO and the CFO. Based on that evaluation, Management, including the CEO and the CFO, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

During the third quarter of 2006, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risks and uncertainties to which our financial condition and operations are subject are discussed in detail in Item 1A of Part I of the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 as updated in Item 1A of Part II of the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006. Management does not believe that any material changes in our risk factors have occurred since they were last updated.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The exhibits filed or furnished with this quarterly report are listed in the Exhibit Index that follows the signatures, which index is incorporated herein by reference.


20


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 

  FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
   
Date: November 6, 2006
/s/ William B. Grant
 
William B. Grant, Chairman of the Board
 
and Chief Executive Officer
   
Date November 6, 2006
/s/ Carissa L. Rodeheaver
 
Carissa L. Rodeheaver, Senior Vice-President
 
and Chief Financial Officer


21


EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
 
Description
     
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 1998)
     
3.2
 
Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997)
     
10.1
 
First United Bank & Trust Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003)
     
10.2
 
Form of SERP Participation Agreement between the Bank and each of William B. Grant, Robert W. Kurtz, Jeannette R. Fitzwater, Phillip D. Frantz, Eugene D. Helbig, Jr., Steven M. Lantz, Robin M. Murray, and Frederick A. Thayer, IV (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003)
     
10.3
 
Form of Endorsement Split Dollar Agreement between the Bank and each of William B. Grant, Robert W. Kurtz, Jeannette R. Fitzwater, Phillip D. Frantz, Eugene D. Helbig, Jr., Steven M. Lantz, Robin M. Murray, Carissa L. Rodeheaver, and Frederick A. Thayer, IV (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003)
     
10.4
 
First United Corporation Executive and Director Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2003)
     
31.1
 
Certifications of the CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith)
     
31.2
 
Certifications of the CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith)
     
32.1
 
Certification of the CEO pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (furnished herewith)
     
32.2
 
Certification of the CFO pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (furnished herewith)