Unassociated Document
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, 2007

Commission file number 0-14237

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

52-1380770
(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 o

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 o    Accelerated filer x    Non-accelerated filer o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 6,153,279 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, as of October 31, 2007.



INDEX TO REPORT
FIRST UNITED CORPORATION 

PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 3
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (unaudited) - September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006
 
 3
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) - for the nine months and three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
 4
       
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) - for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006
 
 6
       
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
 
 7
       
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 10
       
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 22
       
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 22
       
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
   
       
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 22
       
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
 22
       
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 23
       
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
 23
       
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
 23
       
Item 5.
Other Information
 
 23
       
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 23
       
SIGNATURES
 
 24
       
EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 25

2

 
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
   
September 30
2007
 
December 31 2006
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
Assets
         
Cash and due from banks
 
$
21,719
 
$
23,325
 
Interest-bearing deposits in banks
   
528
   
2,463
 
Investment securities available-for-sale (at fair value)
   
299,105
   
263,272
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
   
10,190
   
9,620
 
Loans
   
1,031,864
   
963,656
 
Allowance for loan losses
   
(6,871
)
 
(6,530
)
Net loans
   
1,024,993
   
957,126
 
Premises and equipment, net
   
31,169
   
29,852
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
   
14,731
   
14,536
 
Bank owned life insurance
   
28,758
   
27,926
 
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
27,453
   
21,197
 
 
             
Total Assets
 
$
1,458,646
 
$
1,349,317
 
             
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
             
Liabilities:
             
Non-interest bearing deposits
 
$
104,318
 
$
106,579
 
Interest-bearing deposits
   
952,583
   
864,802
 
Total deposits
   
1,056,901
   
971,381
 
Short-term borrowings
   
107,407
   
99,379
 
Long-term borrowings
   
178,712
   
166,330
 
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
13,444
   
14,202
 
Dividends payable
   
1,204
   
1,169
 
Total Liabilities
   
1,357,668
   
1,252,461
 
Shareholders' Equity
             
Preferred stock no par value;
             
Authorized and unissued 2,000 shares
             
Capital Stock — par value $.01 per share;
             
Authorized 25,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,158 shares at September 30, 2007 and 6,141 shares at December 31, 2006
   
62
   
61
 
Surplus
   
21,799
   
21,448
 
Retained earnings
   
86,117
   
80,927
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
(7,000
)
 
(5,580
)
Total Shareholders' Equity
   
100,978
   
96,856
 
               
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
$
1,458,646
 
$
1,349,317
 
 
3

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

   
Nine Months Ended September 30
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
Interest income
         
Loans, including fees
 
$
56,573
 
$
51,067
 
Investment securities:
             
Taxable
   
9,011
   
5,400
 
Exempt from federal income tax
   
2,303
   
2,128
 
Total investment income
   
11,314
   
7,528
 
Dividends on FHLB stock
   
410
   
383
 
Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits
   
224
   
98
 
Total interest income
   
68,521
   
59,076
 
               
Interest expense
             
Deposits
   
27,397
   
19,600
 
Short-term borrowings
   
2,525
   
3,214
 
Long-term borrowings
   
6,399
   
5,631
 
Total interest expense
   
36,321
   
28,445
 
Net interest income
   
32,200
   
30,631
 
Provision for loan losses
   
1,320
   
579
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
30,880
   
30,052
 
Other operating income
         
Service charges
   
4,268
   
3,539
 
Trust department
   
2,986
   
2,636
 
Securities (losses)/gains
   
(1,610
)
 
4
 
Insurance commissions
   
1,652
   
1,176
 
Earnings on Bank owned life insurance
   
832
   
624
 
Other
   
2,314
   
2,351
 
Total other operating income
   
10,442
   
10,330
 
Other operating expenses
             
Salaries and employee benefits
   
15,166
   
14,725
 
Occupancy, equipment and data processing
   
5,384
   
4,816
 
Other
   
8,155
   
7,451
 
Total other operating expenses
   
28,705
   
26,992
 
Income before income taxes
   
12,617
   
13,390
 
Applicable income taxes
   
3,796
   
4,276
 
Net income
 
$
8,821
 
$
9,114
 
 
             
Earnings per share
 
$
1.43
 
$
1.49
 
Dividends per share
 
$
.585
 
$
.570
 
Weighted average number of shares
             
Outstanding
   
6,150
   
6,127
 

4

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

   
Three Months Ended September 30
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
Interest income
         
Loans, including fees
 
$
19,854
 
$
17,675
 
Investment securities:
             
Taxable
   
3,434
   
1,989
 
Exempt from federal income tax
   
801
   
732
 
Total investment income
   
4,235
    2,721  
Dividends on FHLB stock
   
138
   
141
 
Federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits
   
35
   
23
 
Total interest income
   
24,262
   
20,560
 
               
Interest expense
             
Deposits
   
10,047
   
7,197
 
Short-term borrowings
   
729
   
1,243
 
Long-term borrowings
   
2,245
   
1,940
 
Total interest expense
   
13,021
   
10,380
 
Net interest income
   
11,241
   
10,180
 
Provision for loan losses
   
790
   
499
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
10,451
   
9,681
 
Other operating income
         
Service charges
   
1,484
   
1,375
 
Trust department
   
983
   
910
 
Insurance commissions
   
549
   
410
 
Earnings on Bank owned life insurance
   
289
   
212
 
Other
   
758
   
603
 
Total other operating income
   
4,063
   
3,510
 
Other operating expenses
             
Salaries and employee benefits
   
5,147
   
4,592
 
Occupancy, equipment and data processing
   
1,830
   
1,607
 
Other
   
2,649
   
2,339
 
Total other operating expenses
   
9,626
   
8,538
 
Income before income taxes
   
4,888
   
4,653
 
Applicable income taxes
   
1,333
   
1,388
 
Net income
 
$
3,555
 
$
3,265
 
               
Earnings per share
 
$
.58
 
$
.53
 
Dividends per share
 
$
.195
 
$
.190
 
Weighted average number of shares
             
Outstanding
   
6,150
   
6,133
 

5


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

   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
Operating activities
         
Net income
 
$
8,821
 
$
9,114
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
Provision for loan losses
   
1,320
   
579
 
Depreciation
   
1,915
   
1,877
 
Amortization of intangible assets
   
485
   
483
 
Net accretion and amortization of investment securities discounts and premiums
   
110
   
130
 
Loss/(gain) on sale of investment Securities
   
1,610
   
(4
)
Increase in accrued interest receivable and other assets
   
(5,326
)
 
(2,843
)
Increase/(decrease) in accrued interest payable and other liabilities
   
(758
)
 
44
 
Earnings on bank owned life insurance
   
(832
)
 
(624
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
7,345
   
8,756
 
Investing activities
             
Net decrease in interest-bearing deposits in banks
   
1,935
   
3,381
 
Investment securities available-for-sale:
             
Proceeds from maturities
   
41,174
   
38,328
 
Proceeds from sales
   
-
   
548
 
Purchases of investments
   
(152,688
)
 
(53,015
)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities held for trading
   
71,611
   
-
 
Net (increase)/decrease in loans
   
(44,232
)
 
2,852
 
Purchase of mortgage loans
   
(24,955
)
 
-
 
Net increase in FHLB stock
   
(570
)
 
(1,469
)
Acquisition of insurance business
   
(680
)
 
-
 
Purchases of premises and equipment
   
(3,232
)
 
(2,155
)
Net cash (used in) investing activities
   
(111,637
)
 
(11,530
)
               
Financing activities
             
Net increase/(decrease) in short-term borrowings
   
8,028
   
(13,703)
 
Repayments of long-term borrowings
   
(61,118)
   
(30,282)
 
New issues of long-term borrowings
   
73,500
   
55,000
 
Net increase/(decrease) in deposits
   
85,520
   
(7,311
)
Cash dividends paid
   
(3,596
)
 
(3,491
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
360
   
378
 
Stock Repurchase
   
(8
)
     
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
102,686
   
591
 
Decrease in cash
   
(1,606
)
 
(2,183
)
Cash at beginning of the year
   
23,325
   
24,610
 
 
             
Cash at end of period
 
$
21,719
 
$
22,427
 

6


FIRST UNITED CORPORATION
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2007

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 and the three-month periods ended September 30, 2007 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 the notes thereto included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Note B - Reclassifications

Certain amounts reported in the prior year have been reclassified to conform with the 2007 presentation. These reclassifications did not impact the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations. 

Note C - 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 D - Investments

Securities available-for-sale: Securities available-for-sale are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) in shareholders’ equity.

The amortized cost of debt securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted for amortization of premiums to the first call date, if applicable, or to maturity, and for accretion of discounts to maturity, or in the case of mortgage-backed securities, over the estimated life of the security. Such amortization and accretion, plus interest and dividends, are included in interest income from investments.

Management systematically evaluates available-for-sale securities for impairment on a quarterly basis. Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale securities below their cost that are considered other-than-temporary declines are recognized in earnings as realized losses in the period in which the impairment determination is made. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Corporation to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded using the specific identification method.

Note E - Comprehensive Income

Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available-for-sale and on pension obligations are 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 pension obligations, was $7.4 million and $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and $4.2 million and $5.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
7

 
Note F - 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 (8.44% at September 30, 2007) 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.

Note G - Borrowed Funds

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

   
September 30, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Short-term FHLB advance, Daily borrowings, interest rate at end of period of 5.24% and 5.50%, respectively
 
$
39,000
 
$
4,500
 
Short-term FHLB advance, 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 3.83% and 3.96%, respectively
   
68,407
   
74,879
 
   
$
107,407
 
$
99,379
 
 
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 3.77% to 4.98% at September 30, 2007
 
$
142,783
 
$
130,401
 
Junior subordinated debentures, bearing interest at rates ranging from 5.88% to 8.44% at September 30, 2007
   
35,929
   
35,929
 
   
$
178,712
 
$
166,330
 
 
8


Note H - Pension and SERP Plans

The following tables present the net periodic pension plan cost for the Corporation’s Defined Benefit Pension Plan, its Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, and the related components:
 
Pension
 
For the nine months ended
September 30
 
For the three months ended
September 30
 
(In thousands)
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
Service cost
 
$
606
 
$
606
 
$
202
 
$
202
 
Interest cost
   
867
   
806
   
289
   
270
 
Expected return on assets
   
(1,387
)
 
(1,206
)
 
(503
)
 
(402
)
Amortization of transition asset
   
(30
)
 
(30
)
 
(10
)
 
(10
)
Recognized loss
   
128
   
129
   
43
   
43
 
Prior service cost
   
7
   
6
   
2
   
2
 
Net pension expense included in employee benefits
 
$
191
 
$
311
 
$
23
 
$
105
 

SERP
 
For the nine months ended
September 30
 
For the three months ended
September 30
 
(In thousands)
 
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
Service cost
 
$
135
 
$
105
 
$
45
 
$
35
 
Interest cost
   
192
   
150
   
64
   
50
 
Recognized loss
   
153
   
90
   
51
   
30
 
Prior service cost
   
84
   
84
   
28
   
28
 
Net pension expense included in employee benefits
 
$
564
 
$
429
 
$
188
 
$
143
 
 
The Corporation has made a contribution to its pension plan of $5.0 million for the 2007 plan year.

Note I - Letters of Credit and Off Balance Sheet Liabilities

  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, the Bank’s 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 $7.7 million of outstanding standby letters of credit at September 30, 2007 and $7.2 million at December 31, 2006. 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 outstanding at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 is material.

Note J - Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Standards
 
In May 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FIN 48-1 “Definition of Settlement in FASB Interpretation No. 48” (FSP FIN 48-1). FSP FIN 48-1 provides guidance on how to determine whether a tax position is effectively settled for the purpose of recognizing previously unrecognized tax benefits. FSP FIN 48-1 is effective retroactively to January 1, 2007. The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In March 2007, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-10 “Accounting for Collateral Assignment Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreements” (EITF 06-10). EITF 06-10 provides guidance for determining a liability for the postretirement benefit obligation as well as recognition and measurement of the associated asset on the basis of the terms of the collateral assignment agreement. EITF 06-10 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating EITF 06-10 but believe it will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statement or disclosures.
 
9


In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115." SFAS No. 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected will be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2008 (although early-adoption was permitted under certain circumstances). Further information about SFAS No. 159 may be found below in Item 2 under the caption “FINANCIAL CONDITION - Investment Securities”.

In February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 158-1, “Conforming Amendments to the Illustrations in FASB Statements No. 87, No. 88, and No 106 and to the Related Staff Implementation Guides.” This FSP makes conforming amendments to other FASB statements and staff implementation guides and provides technical corrections to SFAS No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.” The conforming amendments in this FSP shall be applied upon adoption of SFAS No. 158. We believe our adoption of FSP FAS 158-1 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. FASB Statement No. 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The new guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of FASB Statement No. 157 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. See further discussion on page 19.

In September 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 was adopted by the Corporation on January 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN No. 48 did not have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

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 in the periodic reports that First United Corporation files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (see Item 1A of Part II of this report). 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 26 offices and 35 automated teller machines.

We maintain an Internet site at www.mybankfirstunited.com on which we make available, free of charge, First United Corporation’s 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. 
 
ESTIMATES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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. On an on-going basis, management evaluates these 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.
 
We believe that our most critical accounting policy relates to the allowance for loan losses, which is an estimate of the losses that may be sustained in our loan portfolio. Management described this and our other critical accounting policies and estimates in the section of First United Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (Item 7 of Part II). There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting policies since December 31, 2006.
 
11


SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table sets forth certain selected financial data for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 and is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information and unaudited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

   
As of or For the Nine Months Ended September 30
 
 
 
2007
 
2006
 
Per Share Data
         
Net Income
 
$
1.43
 
$
1.49
 
Dividends Declared
   
.585
   
.570
 
Book Value
   
16.40
   
16.10
 
 
         
Significant Ratios
             
Return on Average Assets (a)
   
.84
%
 
.93
%
Return on Average Equity (a)
   
11.84
   
12.79
 
Dividend Payout Ratio
   
40.78
   
38.88
 
Average Equity to Average Assets
   
7.53
   
7.28
 
               
Note: (a) Annualized
             
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Consolidated net income for the first nine months of 2007 totaled $8.8 million or $1.43 per share, compared to $9.1 million or $1.49 per share for the same period of 2006. The decrease in net income resulted primarily from a non-recurring pre-tax charge of approximately $1.6 million ($1.0 million or $.18 per share, net of tax) associated with the transfer of certain investment securities from the available-for-sale category to the trading category during the first quarter of 2007 and the subsequent sale of those securities during the second quarter. The loss was partially offset by increases in other operating income, particularly, trust department income, insurance commissions, secondary market fees, and debit card income. We have experienced increased earnings on interest-earning assets, which was a direct result of the increases in the general level of interest rates that occurred during 2006 and continued into 2007, a restructuring of the investment portfolio as well as increased average balances of our interest-earning assets. However, this increase in interest income was substantially offset by increased interest expense paid on our interest-bearing liabilities due to rising interest rates and an increase in our average balances of such liabilities. As a result, our net interest income for the first nine months of 2007 increased $1.6 million when compared to the same period of 2006, but our net interest margin declined from 3.57% in the first nine months of 2006 to 3.48% in the first nine months of 2007. The provision for loan losses was $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $.6 million for the same period of 2006. The increase in the provision in 2007 is due to increased net charge offs, non-accruals, loan growth and changes in economic conditions during the first nine months of 2007.

Other operating income increased $.1 million during the first nine months of 2007 when compared to the same period of 2006 despite the recognition of a $1.6 million loss related to the above-mentioned transfer and sale of investment securities. Trust department earnings, insurance commissions, service charges, and other mortgage related fees were strong for the period, offsetting the effects of the securities losses. Operating expenses increased $1.7 million in the first nine months of 2007 when compared to the first nine months of 2006, due primarily to increased occupancy and equipment expenses and other expenses.
 
12

 
Consolidated net income for the third quarter of 2007 totaled $3.6 million or $.58 per share, compared to $3.3 million or $.53 per share for the same period of 2006. The net interest margin for the third quarter of 2007 reflects the effects of the same factors discussed above as affecting the first nine months of 2007. Third quarter 2007 results improved over third quarter 2006 results due to a 10% increase in net interest income and a 16% increase in other operating income. Third quarter 2007 operating expenses increased by 13% when compared to operating expenses for the third quarter of 2006, due to increased personnel costs, occupancy and equipment and other expenses.

Comparing the first nine months of 2006 and 2007, our performance ratios declined during the first nine months of 2007 due to the recognition of the $1.6 million pre-tax loss on the transfer and sale of investment securities. The proceeds from the sale were reinvested in securities with a higher book yield resulting in an additional $.9 million of interest income annually. Our year-to-date 2007 performance results, exclusive of the impact of the non-recurring securities losses and the associated increase in interest income and taxes, are presented in the following table:

 
 
For the nine months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2007
 
September 30, 2006
 
 
 
Actual
 
Excluding Securities Loss & Associated Income and Taxes
 
Actual
 
Net Income
 
$
8,821
 
$
9,675
 
$
9,114
 
Earnings Per Share
 
$
1.43
 
$
1.57
 
$
1.49
 
Return on Average Equity
   
11.84
%
 
12.99
%
 
12.79
%
Return on Average Assets
   
.84
%
 
.92
%
 
.93
%

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, 2007 and 2006.
 
13


   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
 
   
 2007
 
 2006
 
   
Average
     
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
                           
Interest-Earning Assets:
                         
Loans
 
$
982,948
 
$
56,593
   
7.68
%
$
944,689
 
$
51,088
   
7.21
%
Investment securities
   
283,932
   
12,552
   
5.89
   
231,126
   
8,672
   
5.00
 
Other interest earning assets
   
15,683
   
634
   
5.40
   
11,556
   
482
   
5.56
 
Total earning assets
 
$
1,282,563
   
69,779
   
7.25
%
$
1,187,371
   
60,242
   
6.76
%
                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                     
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
892,939
   
27,397
   
4.09
%
$
838,998
   
19,600
   
3.12
%
Short-term borrowings
   
80,325
   
2,525
   
4.19
   
105,773
   
3,214
   
4.05
 
Long-term borrowings
   
171,388
   
6,399
   
4.98
   
152,734
   
5,631
   
4.92
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
$
1,144,652
   
36,321
   
4.23
%
$
1,097,505
   
28,445
   
3.46
%
                                       
Net interest income and spread
       
$
33,458
   
3.02
%
     
$
31,797
   
3.30
%
                                       
Net interest margin
               
3.48
%
             
3.57
%
 
Note: Interest income and yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a 35% tax rate.

Net interest income increased $1.7 million during the first nine months of 2007 over the same period in 2006, due to a $9.5 million (16%) increase in interest income offset by a $7.9 million (28%) increase in interest expense. The increase in interest income resulted from an increase in average interest-earning assets of $95.2 million (8%) and an increased yield on the interest-earning assets during the first nine months of 2007 when compared to the first nine months of 2006. The increase in average interest-earning assets is primarily attributable to healthy commercial loan growth and the growth that we experienced in our investment portfolio in connection with the investment leverage strategy implemented during the fourth quarter of 2006 and first quarter of 2007, which used brokered certificates of deposit to fund the purchase of higher yielding corporate bonds. The rising interest rate environment and the increase in the investment portfolio yield contributed to the increase in the average rate on our average earning assets of 49 basis points, from 6.76% for the first nine months of 2006 to 7.25% for the first nine months of 2007 (on a fully tax equivalent basis).

Interest expense increased during the first nine months of 2007 when compared to the same period of 2006 due to the higher interest rate environment and an overall increase in average interest-bearing liabilities of $47.1 million. Average interest bearing deposits have increased in 2007 by $53.9 million due to an increase in money market funds and successful retail promotions of certificates of deposit. The effect of the increasing rate environment and competition for retail deposits resulted in a 77 basis point increase in the average rate paid on our average interest-bearing liabilities from 3.46% for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 to 4.23% for the same period of 2007. The net result of the aforementioned factors was a 9 basis point decrease in the net interest margin during the first nine months of 2007 to 3.48% from 3.57% during the same period of 2006. Management believes that the investment leverage strategy will result in increased earnings, but will continue to have a negative impact on our net interest margin.
 
14


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, 2007 and 2006.

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30
 
   
 2007
 
 2006
 
   
Average
     
Average
 
Average
     
Average
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Interest
 
Rate
 
                           
Interest-Earning Assets:
                         
Loans
 
$
1,013,771
 
$
19,860
   
7.83
%
$
942,707
 
$
17,684
   
7.50
%
Investment securities
   
300,003
   
4,665
   
6.22
   
238,679
   
3,115
   
5.22
 
Other interest earning assets
   
12,195
   
173
   
5.71
   
10,728
   
164
   
6.15
 
Total earning assets
 
$
1,325,969
   
24,698
   
7.45
%
$
1,192,114
   
20,963
   
7.03
%
                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities
                                     
Interest-bearing deposits
 
$
942,922
   
10,047
   
4.26
%
$
825,545
   
7,197
   
3.49
%
Short-term borrowings
   
74,145
   
729
   
3.93
   
113,757
   
1,243
   
4.37
 
Long-term borrowings
   
178,958
   
2,245
   
5.02
   
154,155
   
1,940
   
5.03
 
Total interest-bearing liabilities
 
$
1,196,025
   
13,021
   
4.35
%
$
1,093,457
   
10,380
   
3.80
%
                                       
Net interest income and spread
       
$
11,677
   
3.10
%
     
$
10,583
   
3.23
%
                                       
Net interest margin
               
3.52
%
             
3.55
%
 
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 2007 increased $1.1 million when compared to the third quarter of 2006. This increase resulted from a $3.7 million increase in interest income during the period, offset by an increase in interest expense of $2.6 million. The increase in interest income resulted from an increase in average interest-earning assets of $133.9 million (11%), coupled with a 42 basis point increase in the average yield on earning assets. Average loans increased by $71.1 million while the average balance in investment securities rose by $61.3 million. The most prominent increase in yield was the 100 basis point increase on the investment portfolio as a result of the portfolio restructuring that occurred early in the second quarter 2007. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $102.6 million (9%) during the third quarter of 2007 when compared to the third quarter of 2006. This increase resulted primarily from the increase in interest-bearing deposits of $117.4 million and an increase in long-term borrowings of $24.8 million, offset by a decline in short-term borrowings of $39.6 million. The effective rate on the liabilities increased by 55 basis points. Overall, the net interest margin decreased by 3 basis points from 3.55% for the third quarter of 2006 to 3.52% for the same period of 2007.

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses was $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, compared to $.6 million for the same period of 2006. The provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2007 increased $.3 million when compared to the third quarter of 2006. The increase in the provision in 2007 is due to increased net charge offs, an increase in the level of non-accrual loans and loan growth during 2007 and the change in economic factors during the third quarter of 2007. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is discussed below under the heading “FINANCIAL CONDITION - Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses”.
 
15


Other Operating Income

Other operating income increased slightly during the first nine months of 2007 when compared to the same period of 2006. Our continued emphasis on generating fee-based income resulted in increases in service charge income, trust department income, and insurance commission income. These increases were offset by the recognition of the aforementioned $1.6 million loss associated with the transfer of investment securities from the available-for-sale category to the trading category and subsequent sale of these securities. Excluding this non-recurring charge, other operating income would have increased $1.7 million for the first nine months of 2007 when compared to the same period of 2006, driven by service charge income, trust department earnings and insurance commissions. Other income for the third quarter of 2007 increased $.6 million when compared to the third quarter of 2006. Trust department earnings were strong for the first nine months as a result of successful business development efforts, resulting in increases in the average market value of assets under management. Insurance commissions also increased due to the collection of contingency income and additional income generated by the acquisition of two books of business during the second and third quarters of 2007. Contingency income is received from the insurance carriers based upon factors beyond our control, including claims histories, and varies from year to year. Other income increased during the period as a result of increased fees on the origination of secondary market mortgages and increased miscellaneous service charges. The composition of operating income is illustrated below.
 
 
 
Income as % of Total Other Operating Income
 
Income as % of Total Other Operating Income
 
 
 
Nine Months ended
 
Three Months ended
 
 
 
September 30, 2007
 
September 30, 2006
 
September 30, 2007
 
September 30, 2006
 
Service charges
   
41
%
 
34
%
 
37
%
 
39
%
Trust department
   
29
%
 
26
%
 
24
%
 
26
%
Insurance commissions
   
15
%
 
11
%
 
13
%
 
12
%
Bank owned life insurance
   
8
%
 
6
%
 
7
%
 
6
%
Other income
   
22
%
 
23
%
 
19
%
 
17
%
 
   
115
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
Securities (losses)/gains
   
(15
%)
 
-
   
   
 
 
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

Other Operating Expense

Other operating expenses increased 6% for the first nine months of 2007 and increased 13% for the third quarter when compared to the same time periods of 2006. The increases are attributable to increases in personnel expenses due to the hiring of several regional market presidents to strengthen our presence in key market areas and to normal merit increases. Occupancy and equipment expenses increased due to the opening of three new branch offices and our new operations center. In addition, we experienced increases in other expenses such as marketing, consulting and other miscellaneous expenses. However, the composition of operating expenses has remained consistent as illustrated below. 

In July 2007, the Board of Directors approved the conversion of our core operating system, which is expected to be completed by April 2008. The expense for this automated process is a large portion of our other expense category. We anticipate that this conversion will create operating efficiencies and better position us for advances in technology.

   
Expense as % of Total Other Operating Expenses
 
   
Nine Months ended September 30
 
Three months ended September 30
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
2007
 
2006
 
Salaries and employee benefits
   
53
%
 
55
%
 
53
%
 
54
%
Occupancy, equipment and data processing
   
19
%
 
17
%
 
19
%
 
19
%
Other
   
28
%
 
28
%
 
28
%
 
27
%
 
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
16


Applicable Income Taxes

The effective tax rate for the first nine months and third quarter of 2007 decreased to 30% and 27%, respectively, compared to 32% and 30% for the same periods of 2006, respectively. This decrease reflects management’s strategy implemented during 2006 to restructure the composition of the investment portfolio to include more tax-exempt municipal securities and additional purchases of bank owned life insurance, for which the income is also tax-exempt. Management also invested in Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) securities, which generate tax credits for federal income tax purposes.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION

Balance Sheet Overview

Total assets were $1.46 billion at September 30, 2007, an increase of $109.3 million (8.1%) since December 31, 2006. This increase is a result of increases in gross loans of $68 million, the investment portfolio of $36 million, and other assets of $5 million. Total liabilities increased by approximately $105 million during the first nine months of 2007, reflecting an increase in total deposits of $85 million and an increase in long-term borrowings of $12 million and short-term borrowings of $8 million.

 Loan Portfolio

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

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Commercial
 
$
473.3
   
46
%
$
408.4
   
42
%
Residential - Mortgage
   
383.3
   
37
   
359.6
   
37
 
Installment
   
164.4
   
16
   
181.6
   
19
 
Residential - Construction
   
10.9
   
1
   
14.1
   
2
 
Total Loans
 
$
1,031.9
   
100
%
$
963.7
   
100
%
 
Comparing loans at September 30, 2007 to loans at December 31, 2006, our loan portfolio has increased by $68.2 million (7%). Growth in the residential mortgage portfolio ($23.7 million) is attributable to a $25 million mortgage loan purchase that was consummated at the end of April 2007. This purchase was offset by a slight decline in the in-house portfolio, which resulted from a flat interest rate yield curve and a consumer preference for locking in fixed-rate mortgage loans. The Bank primarily originates fixed-rate loans for the secondary mortgage market. The commercial portfolio has increased ($64.9 million) as a result of in-house production and commercial participations with other financial institutions. These increases were offset by a decline in the installment portfolio ($17.2 million) and the residential construction ($3.2 million) portfolio. At September 30, 2007, approximately 81% of the commercial loan portfolio was collateralized by real estate.

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, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Non-accrual loans
 
$
7,160
 
$
3,190
 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
   
2,260
   
658
 
Total
 
$
9,420
 
$
3,848
 
Total as a percentage of total loans
   
.91
%
 
.40
%

Non-accrual loans increased to $7.2 million at September 30, 2007, a $5.0 million increase since June 30, 2007. This increase is directly attributable to the placement of two acquisition and development lending relationships on non-accrual status due to a significant decline in lot sales at the projects. Management has performed an extensive review of the relationships and believes that the collateral securing the loans is adequate to protect the Bank’s interests. The Bank has a concentration in acquisition and development loans and relies on various monitoring policies and procedures and the extensive experience of Bank personnel to help mitigate the risks related to this type of lending activity.
 
17


During the past several months, there has been significant coverage in the media regarding the topic of “sub-prime” loans and the resulting increase in loan delinquencies and foreclosures. A sub-prime loan is defined generally as loan to a borrower with a weak credit record or a reduced repayment capacity. These borrowers typically pose a higher risk of defaults and foreclosure. We generally do not make sub-prime loans. If credit is extended to a sub-prime borrower, the decision to lend is based on the presence of facts and circumstances that management believes mitigate the risks inherent in this type of loan. As of September 30, 2007, management believes that our exposure to sub-prime loans is very minimal.

Allowance and Provision for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained to absorb losses resulting from the nonperformance of our 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 FFIEC December 2006 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. 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. If a Watchlist loan is determined to be impaired and under-collateralized, a specific reserve is established or charge-off taken, as appropriate.

The allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, and actual losses may vary materially 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 substantially consistent with prior years.

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): 

 
 
2007
 
2006
 
Balance, January 1
 
$
6,530
 
$
6,416
 
Gross charge offs
   
(1,485
)
 
(1,129
)
Recoveries
   
506
   
411
 
Net credit losses
   
(979
)
 
(718
)
Provision for loan losses
   
1,320
   
579
 
Balance at end of period
 
$
6,871
 
$
6,277
 
Allowance for Loan Losses to loans outstanding (as %)
   
.67
%
 
.66
%
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding During the period, annualized (as %)  
   
.13
%
 
.10
%
 
Net charge offs relating to the installment loan portfolio represent 42% of our total net charge-offs for the first nine months of 2007. 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 $3.0 million or 1.8% of the installment portfolio at September 30, 2007, compared to $3.3 million or 1.8% at December 31, 2006.
 
18


The allowance for loan losses increased to $6.9 million at September 30, 2007, compared to $6.5 million at December 31, 2006. The provision for loan losses was $1.3 million for the first nine months of 2007, compared to $.6 million for the same period of 2006. The increase in the provision for loan losses in the first nine months of 2007 versus the same period of 2006 (and for the third quarter of 2007 versus third quarter of 2006) was in response to the increase in charge-offs and the results of the Bank’s quarterly review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. 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.

Management believes that the allowance at September 30, 2007 is adequate to provide for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio.

Investment Securities

In an April 13, 2007 press release, we announced our decision to early adopt Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159 “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities” (“SFAS No.159”) and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157 “Fair Value Measurement” (“SFAS No. 157”), and presented financial information related to an associated restructuring of our investment portfolio. The decision to early adopt fair value accounting was based on what we believed to be an appropriate interpretation of SFAS No. 159 at that time after consulting with our independent registered public accounting firm. The decision to early adopt was also influenced by our decision to substantially change the economic position of our investment portfolio by shifting the anticipated cash flow of the investment portfolio (from maturing securities, amortizing securities and securities subject to call) from the short-term period of nine months to three years into the intermediate term of three to eight years. After that press release was issued, informal guidance emerged that created uncertainty as to the proper interpretation and implementation of these accounting standards, which caused us to re-evaluate our initial intent to early adopt them. As a result of our re-evaluation, and after considering the totality of the circumstances at that time, we decided to rescind our initial early adoption of SFAS No. 159 and SFAS No. 157. We nevertheless believe that our investment portfolio restructuring will provide long-term benefits to shareholders.

We were able to improve our investment portfolio by replacing certain securities with securities having a longer duration. This was accomplished in the first quarter of 2007, by the transfer of available-for-sale securities with a carrying value of $76.9 million at the beginning of the quarter to trading securities with the anticipation of selling the securities and replacing them with higher yielding investments. We determined that the securities earmarked for sale would, if retained, have subjected our earnings to higher volatility in a declining interest rate environment. As a result of transferring these securities to the trading category and our decision to rescind SFAS No. 159 and SFAS No. 157, we recognized a pre-tax loss of approximately $1.5 million in earnings for the first quarter of 2007. On April 11, 2007, we sold $73 million of the securities held in trading at March 31, 2007 recognizing an additional loss of $.1 million. As anticipated, these losses have been partially offset by the increase in investment income that we have recognized from the restructuring. The securities sold had an average book yield of 4.28%. The proceeds from the sale of these securities were reinvested in securities having an average book yield of approximately 5.55%. The securities purchased included government agency bonds with a longer duration than those sold as well as tax-free municipal bonds. The longer duration bonds were purchased at a discount and better position the Corporation in a declining interest rate environment by protecting against premium and reinvestment risk. The municipal bonds assist in lowering our effective tax rate. Over the past couple of years, we have undertaken several strategies to protect against the risk of future investment cash flow being reinvested in a lower interest rate environment. The restructuring of our investment portfolio enabled us to rebalance the portfolio and restructure the maturity schedule of the portfolio to mitigate the effects of premium and call risk and to manage our future interest rate risk and effective tax yield. We expect the restructuring to result in an on-going stream of higher interest income for shareholders and to have a positive impact on our net interest margin.
 
At September 30, 2007, our entire investment securities portfolio was classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, a component of shareholders’ equity. At September 30, 2007, the total cost basis of the investment portfolio was $302.6 million, compared to a fair value of $299.1 million.
 
19


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

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Securities Available-for-Sale:
                     
U.S. government and agencies
 
$
91.3
   
31
%
$
97.5
   
37
%
Mortgage-backed securities
   
54.3
   
18
   
50.9
   
19
 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
   
82.1
   
27
   
68.4
   
26
 
Corporate and other debt securities
   
71.4
   
24
   
46.5
   
18
 
Total Investment Securities
 
$
299.1
   
100
%
$
263.3
   
100
%

The increase in our investment portfolio since year-end 2006 is primarily due to the purchase of $25 million in corporate bonds during the first quarter of 2007 as part of a leverage strategy originally implemented during the fourth quarter of 2006 and the purchase of additional securities in September 2007.

At September 30, 2007, the securities classified as available-for-sale included a net unrealized loss of $3.5 million, which represents the difference between the fair value and amortized cost of securities in the portfolio. The comparable amount at December 31, 2006 was an unrealized loss of $1.2 million. The fair values of securities available-for-sale will generally decrease whenever interest rates increase, and the fair values will typically increase in a declining rate environment.

Management does not believe that an unrealized loss on any individual security as of September 30, 2007 represents an other-than-temporary impairment. We have both the intent and ability to hold the securities available-for-sale presented in the preceding table for the period of time necessary to recover their amortized cost or until maturity.

There has been a lot of media attention regarding “sub-prime” mortgage investments. “Sub-prime” mortgages with similar characteristics can be packaged together and sold as investments. We define “sub-prime” mortgages in the Risk Elements of Loan Portfolio section on page 18. We do not have significant exposure to these types of securities.

Deposits

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

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
104.3
   
10
%
$
106.6
   
11
%
Interest-bearing demand deposits
   
398.0
   
37
   
279.5
   
29
 
Savings deposits
   
41.6
   
4
   
43.1
   
4
 
Time deposits less than $.1
   
231.1
   
22
   
236.8
   
24
 
Time deposits $.1 or more
   
281.9
   
27
   
305.4
   
32
 
Total Deposits
 
$
1,056.9
   
100
%
$
971.4
   
100
%

Deposits increased $85.5 million during the first nine months of 2007 when compared to deposits at December 31, 2006. Interest-bearing demand deposits increased $118.5 million due to successful retail growth in money market products and the receipt of $85 million in brokered money market funds. This increase was offset by a decline in time deposits of $100,000 or more as a result of maturities in brokered certificates of deposit near the end of the third quarter. These deposits temporarily rolled to short-term borrowings prior to being reinvested early in October 2007.

20


Borrowed Funds

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

(Dollars in millions)
 
September 30, 2007
 
December 31, 2006
 
           
FHLB short-term borrowings
 
$
39.0
 
$
24.5
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
   
68.4
   
74.9
 
Total short-term borrowings
 
$
107.4
 
$
99.4
 
               
FHLB advances
 
$
142.8
 
$
130.4
 
Junior subordinated debt
   
35.9
   
35.9
 
Total long-term borrowings
 
$
178.7
 
$
166.3
 

Total short-term borrowings increased by approximately $8.0 million during the first nine months of 2007 due to a decline in municipal funds invested in our treasury management product and the maturity of an FHLB advance, offset by an increase in overnight borrowings due to the maturity of brokered certificates of deposit at the end of the quarter. This short-term advance was replaced with money market funds. Long-term borrowings increased by $12.4 million during the same period due to a new borrowing of $20 million in FHLB advances to fund the purchase of mortgage loans in April, offset by scheduled principal repayments on existing FHLB advances.

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 Notes F and G 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.

The Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan, effective August 15, 2007, that permits First United Corporation to repurchase up to 5% of its outstanding shares of common stock as of June 30, 2007 (or approximately 300,000 shares).

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, 2007:

       
Required
 
Required
 
   
 
 
For Capital
 
To Be
 
       
Adequacy
 
Well
 
 
 
Actual
 
Purposes
 
Capitalized
 
               
Total Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
12.38
%
 
8.00
%
 
10.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to risk-weighted assets)
   
11.30
   
4.00
   
6.00
 
Tier 1 Capital (to average assets)
   
8.93
   
3.00
   
5.00
 
 
At September 30, 2007, First United Corporation and the Bank were categorized as “well capitalized” under federal banking regulatory capital requirements.
 
21


First United Corporation paid a cash dividend of $.195 per share on August 1, 2007. On September 19, 2007, First United Corporation declared another dividend of an equal amount, to be paid on November 1, 2007 to shareholders of record as of October 15, 2007.

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 $145.2 million and $7.7 million, respectively, at September 30, 2007, compared to $119.8 million and $7.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2006. We are not a party to any other off-balance sheet arrangements.
 
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 First United Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 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, 2006.

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.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of these disclosure controls as of September 30, 2007 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, in fact, effective at the reasonable assurance level.

During the third quarter of 2007, 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 Annual Report of First United Corporation on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Management does not believe that any material changes in our risk factors have occurred since December 31, 2006.
 
22


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

The following table provides information about shares of common stock purchased by or on behalf of First United Corporation and its affiliates (as defined by Exchange Act Rule 10b-18) during the three-month period ended September 30 2007:

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
                   
Period
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased (1)
 
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
July 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
August 2007
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
September 2007
   
1,300
 
$
20.66
   
1,300
   
306,200
 
Total
   
1,300
 
$
20.66
   
1,300
   
306,200
 
 
Note:
 
(1)
All shares were purchased under First United Corporation’s repurchase plan that was adopted effective August 15, 2007. The adoption of this plan was publicly announced on August 20, 2007. The plan authorizes the repurchase of up to 307,500 shares of common stock in open market and/or private transactions at such times and in such amounts per transaction as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First United Corporation determines to be appropriate. The repurchase plan will continue until all shares are repurchased, unless earlier terminated by First United Corporation.

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.

23


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 5, 2007 /s/ William B. Grant
 
William B. Grant, Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
 
     
Date November 5, 2007 /s/ Carissa L. Rodeheaver
 
Carissa L. Rodeheaver, Senior Vice-President
and Chief Financial Officer
 
24


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 June 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 Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (“SERP”) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2007)
     
10.2
 
Amended and Restated SERP Agreement with William B. Grant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2007)
     
10.3
 
Form of Amended and Restated SERP Agreement with executive officers other than William B. Grant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2007)
     
10.4
 
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)
     
10.5
 
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)
10.6
 
First United Corporation Change in Control Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2007)
     
10.7
 
Change in Control Severance Plan Agreement with William B. Grant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2007)
     
10.8
 
Form of Change in Control Severance Plan Agreement with executive officers other than William B. Grant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 the Corporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2007)
     
10.9
 
First United Corporation Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix B of the Corporation’s 2007 definitive proxy statement filed on March 23, 2007)
     
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)