10-Q 1 v074917_10q.htm
FORM 10-Q
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007


Commission File Number: 000-24715


MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MAINE
(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization)
01-0471507 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
201 Main Street
Bangor, Maine 04402-0925
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 207-942-4800

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer.

Large accelerated filer            Accelerated filer            Non-accelerated filer   X  

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

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock as of April 30, 2007 is 3,579,380.

MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
 


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Page
   
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
3
   
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006
4
   
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
5
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
6
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
7
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8
   
ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
10
         
ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
16
         
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
17
         
ITEM 4T.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
17
     
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
 18
       
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
18
         
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS  
     
ITEM 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
18
         
ITEM 3.
 
 
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
18
         
ITEM 4.
 
 
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
18
         
ITEM 5.
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
18
         
ITEM 6.
 
 
EXHIBITS
19
         
SIGNATURE PAGE
20
   
EXHIBITS
 
 
Page 2

 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc.


We have reviewed the accompanying interim consolidated financial information of Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary as of March 31, 2007, and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

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

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


/s/ BERRY, DUNN, McNEIL & PARKER

Bangor, Maine
May 14, 2007
Page 3


MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
   
2007
 
2006
 
(In thousands, except number of shares)
 
(Unaudited)
 
(Audited)
 
ASSETS
         
Cash and due from banks
 
$
10,420
 
$
10,358
 
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
   
38
   
90
 
    Total cash and cash equivalents
   
10,458
   
10,448
 
Investment securities - available for sale
   
83,488
   
86,504
 
Loans held for sale
   
1,128
   
925
 
Loans receivable
   
350,002
   
338,880
 
  Less allowance for loan losses
   
3,998
   
4,109
 
    Net loans receivable
   
346,004
   
334,771
 
Properties and equipment, net
   
5,771
   
5,181
 
Cash surrender value of life insurance
   
4,204
   
4,168
 
Deferred income tax benefit
   
1,383
   
1,438
 
Other real estate owned
   
304
   
17
 
Accrued income and other assets
   
5,696
   
5,647
 
    Total assets
 
$
458,436
 
$
449,099
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Demand deposits
 
$
49,976
 
$
56,372
 
Savings and NOW deposits
   
152,096
   
149,366
 
Certificates of deposit
   
147,090
   
154,184
 
    Total deposits
   
349,162
   
359,922
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (term and demand)
   
24,882
   
23,851
 
Other borrowed funds
   
39,093
   
21,592
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
5,323
   
5,085
 
    Total liabilities
   
418,460
   
410,450
 
Shareholders’ equity
             
  Common stock, par value $1; authorized 4,000,000 shares, issued and
    outstanding 3,579,380 shares at March 31, 2007 and 3,550,410
    shares at December 31, 2006
   
3,579
   
3,550
 
 Capital surplus
   
26,941
   
26,681
 
 Retained earnings
   
9,043
   
8,209
 
 Accumulated other comprehensive gain
             
 Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of tax
   
413
   
209
 
    Total shareholders’ equity
   
39,976
   
38,649
 
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
458,436
 
$
449,099
 

See report of independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying notes are
an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 4

MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
 March 31,
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
2007
 
2006
 
Interest and dividend income
         
  Interest and fees on loans
 
$
6,450
 
$
5,692
 
  Interest on investment securities
   
972
   
684
 
  Dividends on investment securities
   
37
   
44
 
  Interest on federal funds sold
   
2
   
1
 
     Total interest and dividend income
   
7,461
   
6,421
 
Interest expense
             
  Interest on savings and NOW
   
939
   
725
 
  Interest on certificates of deposit
   
1,663
   
1,204
 
  Interest on borrowed funds
   
527
   
430
 
    Total interest expense
   
3,129
   
2,359
 
    Net interest income
   
4,332
   
4,062
 
Provision for loan losses
   
41
   
128
 
    Net interest income after provision for loan losses
   
4,291
   
3,934
 
Non-interest income
             
  Service charges on deposit accounts
   
494
   
380
 
  Other service charges and fees
   
224
   
211
 
  Trust fees
   
458
   
417
 
  Mortgage banking income
   
125
   
149
 
  Net gain on investment securities
   
-
   
31
 
  Other
   
127
   
111
 
    Total non-interest income
   
1,428
   
1,299
 
Non-interest expense
             
  Salaries and employee benefits
   
1,994
   
1,851
 
  Occupancy expense
   
297
   
261
 
  Equipment expense
   
171
   
163
 
  Data processing
   
162
   
151
 
  Other
   
752
   
746
 
    Total non-interest expense
   
3,376
   
3,172
 
Income before income taxes
   
2,343
   
2,061
 
Income tax expense
   
793
   
695
 
    Net income
 
$
1,550
 
$
1,366
 
Per share data
             
  Basic earnings per common share
 
$
.44
 
$
.39
 
  Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
.43
 
$
.38
 
 
See report of independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying notes are
an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 5


MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Number of Shares and Per Share Data)
                           
   
Common
Stock
 
Capital
Surplus
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
On Securities Available
for Sale
 
Net
Unrealized
Depreciation
on Derivative
Instruments
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 
Balance at December 31, 2005
 
$
3,436
 
$
24,188
 
$
6,947
 
$
(167
)
$
(52
)
$
34,352
 
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
1,366
   
-
   
-
   
1,366
 
Unrealized gain on
                                     
  derivative instruments, net of
                                     
  deferred taxes of $10
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
21
   
21
 
Change in unrealized loss on
                                     
  securities available for sale, net
                                     
  of deferred taxes of $22
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(43
)
 
-
   
(43
)
    Total comprehensive income
   
-
   
-
   
1,366
   
(43
)
 
21
   
1,344
 
3% common stock dividend declared
   
103
   
2,369
   
(2,479
)
 
-
   
-
   
(7
)
Common stock options exercised, 6,806 shares
   
7
   
78
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
85
 
Common stock cash dividend
                                     
  declared, $0.17 per share
   
-
   
-
   
(603
)
 
-
   
-
   
(603
)
                                       
Balance at March 31, 2006
 
$
3,546
 
$
26,635
 
$
5,231
 
$
(210
)
$
(31
)
$
35,171
 
                                       
Balance at December 31, 2006
 
$
3,550
 
$
26,681
 
$
8,209
 
$
209
 
$
-
 
$
38,649
 
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
1,550
   
-
   
-
   
1,550
 
Change in unrealized gain on
                                     
  securities available for sale, net
                                     
  of deferred taxes of $115
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
204
   
-
   
204
 
    Total comprehensive income
   
-
   
-
   
1,550
   
204
   
-
   
1,754
 
Common stock options exercised, 28,970 shares
   
29
   
260
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
289
 
Common stock cash dividend
                                     
  declared, $0.20 per share
   
-
   
-
   
(716
)
 
-
   
-
   
(716
)
                                       
Balance at March 31, 2007
 
$
3,579
 
$
26,941
 
$
9,043
 
$
413
 
$
-
 
$
39,976
 
 
See report of independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying notes are
an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 6



MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 and 2006
(Unaudited)

(In thousands)
 
2007
 
2006
 
Cash flows from operating activities
          
  Net income
 
$
1,550
 
$
1,366
 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
             
    Depreciation
   
109
   
95
 
    Amortization
   
138
   
103
 
    Net amortization of investment securities
   
28
   
31
 
    Deferred income taxes
   
(58
)
 
(63
)
    Provision for loan losses
   
41
   
128
 
    Net gain on sale of loans, credit cards, investment securities
             
       and properties and equipment
   
(114
)
 
(25
)
    Net change in:
             
      Loans held for sale
   
(203
)
 
(42
)
      Deferred loan fees, net
   
(12
)
 
(8
)
      Accrued income and other assets
   
(141
)
 
(241
)
      Accrued expenses and other liabilities
   
238
   
(203
)
        Net cash provided by operating activities
   
1,576
   
1,141
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities
             
  Net loans made to customers
   
(11,549
)
 
(3,521
)
  Acquisition of properties and equipment and computer software
   
(700
)
 
(506
)
  Purchase of investment securities available for sale
   
(3,810
)
 
(8,621
)
  Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities available for sale
   
7,107
   
3,834
 
        Net cash used by investing activities
   
(8,952
)
 
(8,814
)
               
Cash flows from financing activities
             
  Net decrease in demand, savings and NOW deposits
   
(3,666
)
 
(8,987
)
  Net (decrease) increase in certificates of deposit
   
(7,094
)
 
10,380
 
  Net increase in securities sold under agreement to repurchase
   
1,031
   
6,707
 
  Net (decrease) increase in other borrowed funds
   
14,512
   
(1,350
)
  Long-term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank
   
9,000
   
-
 
  Payments on long-term advances
   
(6,011
)
 
(311
)
  Dividends paid on common stock
   
(675
)
 
(610
)
  Proceeds from stock issuance
   
289
   
85
 
    Net cash provided by financing activities
   
7,386
   
5,914
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
10
   
(1,759
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
10,448
   
13,828
 
               
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
10,458
 
$
12,069
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
             
  Cash paid for interest
 
$
1,093
 
$
2,339
 
  Transfers to other real estate owned
   
287
   
-
 
  Income tax paid
   
550
   
749
 

See report of independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying notes are
an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Page 7


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is a financial holding company that owns all of the common stock of Merrill Merchants Bank (the “Bank”). The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements 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 Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The income reported for the period ended March 31, 2007 is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006:

     
Three Months Ended 
 
     
March 31, 
 
     
2007
   
2006
 
(In thousands, except for number of shares and per share data)
             
               
Net income, as reported
 
$
1,550
 
$
1,366
 
               
Weighted-average shares outstanding
   
3,559,329
   
3,542,540
 
Effect of dilutive stock options
   
10,764
   
27,272
 
               
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding
   
3,570,093
   
3,569,812
 
               
Basic earnings per share
 
$
.44
 
$
0.39
 
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
.43
 
$
0.38
 
 
 
The basic earnings per share computation is based upon the weighted-average number of shares of stock outstanding during the period. Potential common stock is considered in the calculation of weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share.

NOTE 3 - IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets-an Amendment to FASB Statement No. 140, requires all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities to be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. Servicing assets and servicing liabilities will subsequently be reported using the amortization method or the fair value measurement method. An entity should adopt SFAS No. 156 as of the beginning of its first fiscal year that begins after September 15, 2006 with earlier application permitted with certain restrictions. The initial application of the fair value measurement method would be reported as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. SFAS No. 156 requires certain disclosures about the basis for measurement and regarding risks, activity, and fair value of servicing assets and of servicing liabilities. SFAS No. 156 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Page 8

In July 2006, FASB issued Financial Accounting Standards Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 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. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosures and transitions. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. FIN 48 did not have a material effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The Company accounts for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as part of its provision for income taxes. No interest and penalties were expensed in the quarters ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and Maine Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2004 through 2006. The Company has not been notified of any examinations by these taxing authorities.

In February 2007, FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which gives entities the option to measure eligible financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value on an instrument-by-instrument basis. The election to use the fair value option is available when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. SFAS No. 159 contains provisions to apply the fair value option to existing eligible financial instruments at the date of adoption. This statement is effective as of the beginning of an entity’s first fiscal year after November 15, 2007. The Company is in the process of analyzing the impact of SFAS No. 159.

NOTE 4 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT

On May 8, 2007, shareholders of Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. voted to adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger between Chittenden and Merrill Merchants at the Company’s special meeting of shareholders. The number of shares of Merrill Merchants common stock voting to adopt the merger agreement represented approximately 77 percent of the total number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote. The proposed merger is expected to close on May 31, 2007, pending the satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions set forth in the merger agreement, including the receipt of all required regulatory approvals.
 
Page 9

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
Certain disclosures in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and elsewhere in this quarterly filing contain certain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may be contained in this quarterly filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), the Annual Report to Shareholders, other filings with the SEC, and in other communications by Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Merrill Merchants Bank (the “Bank”), which are made in good faith pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In preparing these disclosures, management must make assumptions, including, but not limited to, the level of future interest rates, prepayments on loans and investment securities, required levels of capital, needs for liquidity, and the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. These forward-looking statements may be subject to significant known and unknown risks uncertainties, and other factors, including, but not limited to, those matters referred to in the preceding sentence.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company which attempt to advise interested parties of the facts which affect the Company's business.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition is based on the consolidated financial statements included in this report, which financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of such financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates, including those related to the allowance for loan losses. 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 that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from the amount derived from management’s estimates and assumptions under different assumptions or conditions.

Allowance for Loan Losses. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting policy that requires the most significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s evaluation of the level of the allowance required in relation to the estimated loss exposure in the loan portfolio. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is a significant estimate and therefore regularly evaluates it for adequacy by taking into consideration factors such as prior loan loss experience, the character and size of the loan portfolio, business and economic conditions and management’s estimation of probable losses. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different provisions for loan losses.

Page 10

Mortgage Servicing Rights. Servicing assets are recognized as separate assets when servicing rights are acquired through sale of residential mortgage assets. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into non-interest expense in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial residential mortgage assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to amortized costs. Fair value is determined based upon discounted cash flows using market-based assumptions. When the book value exceeds fair value, an impairment allowance is recognized so that mortgage servicing rights are carried at the lower of amortized book value or fair value. In periods of falling market interest rates, accelerated loan prepayment speeds can adversely impact the fair value of these mortgage servicing rights relative to their book value. In the event that the fair value of these assets were to increase in the future, the Company can recognize the increased fair value to the extent of the impairment allowance but cannot recognize an asset in excess of its amortized book value. Future changes in management’s assessment of the impairment of these servicing assets, as a result of changes in observable market data relating to market interest rates, loan prepayment speeds, and other factors, could impact the Company’s financial condition and results of operations either positively or adversely. On a quarterly basis, an independent third party determines the valuation of the Company’s mortgage servicing rights asset.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Net income increased 13% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2007 compared to the first quarter last year, an increase of $184,000. The following were significant factors related to the results of the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006.

§  
Net interest income increased $270,000, or 7%, to $4.3 million. The increase was driven by $33.4 million of growth in average earning assets. The Company’s net interest margin decreased to 4.00% for the first quarter of 2007, compared to 4.07% for the same period in 2006, as the cost of funds increased by 68 basis points while the yield on earning assets increased 47 basis points.
§  
Non-interest income increased 10% to $1.4 million for the first quarter of 2007 compared to $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2006. The $129,000 increase in non-interest income was primarily due to an increase in service charges on deposit accounts of 30% and growth in trust fees of 10%.
§  
Non-interest expense increased $204,000, or 6%, to $3.4 million for the first quarter of 2007 compared to the first quarter of 2006. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in personnel costs of 8% and an increase in occupancy expenses of 14%.
§  
Comparing March 31, 2007 and 2006, total loans grew $26.5 million or 8%. Loans to businesses increased 15% and consumer loans grew 24% from a year ago. Real estate loan activity has remained essentially flat compared to 2006, both within the residential and commercial sectors; however, home equity balances grew 13% and construction balances increased 35% from a year ago.
§  
Total deposits were $349.2 million at March 31, 2007 compared to $332.8 million a year ago, representing growth of $16.4 million or 5%. Short-term interest rate increases and stock market volatility have spurred a migration of funds from core deposits as well as an influx of new funds to higher yielding certificates of deposit. Certificates of deposit grew $13.3 million or 10% from a year ago. Comparing March 31, 2007 and 2006, checking accounts increased $3.8 million and money market balances increased $5.6 million, while savings account balances decreased $6.3 million.

Page 11

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company reported net income of $1.6 million, or $.43 per diluted share, for the first three months of 2007. This is an increase of $184,000, or 13%, compared to net income of $1.4 million, or $.38 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2006.

The annualized return on assets and return on equity were 1.40% and 16.01%, respectively, for the first three months of 2007 compared to return on assets of 1.33% and return on equity of 15.80% for the same period in 2006.

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income is interest earned on interest-earning assets less interest incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Interest-earning assets are categorized as loans, investment securities and other earning assets, which include federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions. Interest-bearing liabilities are categorized as customer deposits, time and savings deposits and borrowings including repurchase agreements, short-term borrowings and long-term debt. Net interest income depends on the volume of average interest-earning assets and average interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates earned or incurred on them.

Net interest income totaled $4.3 million for the first three months of 2007, an increase of $270,000 compared to the same period in 2006. The 7% increase was driven by growth in average earning assets of $33.4 million. The Company’s net interest margin decreased to 4.00% for the first three months of 2007 compared to 4.07% for the same period last year.

From June 2004 to June 2006, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System had steadily increased the Federal Funds targeted rate from 1.00% to 5.25%, where it has remained unchanged. The decline in the Company’s net interest margin is the result of the interest rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities increasing at a faster pace than the yield on interest-earning assets.

The average rate earned on interest-earning assets increased to 6.96% from 6.49% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, on average interest-earning assets of $428.9 million and $395.5 million for the corresponding periods. The average interest rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities also increased, to 3.59% from 2.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, on average interest-bearing liabilities of $353.5 million and $328.7 million for the corresponding periods.

Page 12

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The provision for loan losses was $41,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $128,000 for the same period in 2006. The decrease in the provision for loan losses was appropriate given the history of charge-offs within the loan portfolio and the overall credit quality of the portfolio, as well as the adequate level of allowance for loan losses.

In originating loans, the Company recognizes that it will experience loan losses and that the risk of loss will vary with, among other things, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of collateralized loans, the quality of the collateral for the loan as well as general economic conditions. It is management's policy to attempt to maintain an appropriate allowance for loan losses based on, among other things, industry standards, management's experience, the Bank's historical loan loss experience, evaluation of economic conditions and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality.

Provisions result from management’s continuing review of the loan portfolio as well as its judgment as to the adequacy of the reserves in light of the condition of the economy and the real estate market. Management believes that based on information currently available, the allowance for loan losses is appropriate and overall credit quality remains strong.

Management continues to actively monitor the Company's asset quality and to charge off loans against the allowance for loan losses when appropriate or to provide specific loan allowances when necessary. Although management believes it uses the best information available to make determinations with respect to the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments may be necessary if economic conditions differ from the economic conditions in the assumptions used in making the final determinations. The Company’s allowance for loan losses amounted to $4.0 million at March 31, 2007, or 1.14% of total loans, a decrease of $111,000 since December 31, 2006.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income was $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007, an increase of $129,000 compared to the same period in 2006. The 10% increase in non-interest income was due to increases in service charges on deposit accounts of $114,000 and an increase in trust fees of $41,000.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense totaled $3.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2007 compared to $3.2 million for the same period last year. The increase in non-interest expense of $204,000, or 6%, was due to an increase in personnel costs of 8%, increases in occupancy, equipment and data processing expenses of 10% and an increase in other expenses of 1%. Personnel costs increased $143,000 due to normal salary increases and additional staffing required as a result of asset growth.

The Company’s efficiency ratio improved to 58.61% for the first three months of 2007 compared to 59.5% for the same period in 2006.

Page 13

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets increased $9.3 million, or 2%, to $458.4 million during the first three months of 2007. Since December 31, 2006, the loan portfolio increased $11.1 million or 3%. Commercial loans increased 12% and consumer loans grew 4%. Residential and construction balances were up 3% each while home equity increased 1%. Commercial real estate balances decreased 1%. The investment portfolio decreased $3.0 million, or 3% since year-end as cash flows were utilized to partially fund the loan growth. Additional asset growth was primarily funded through short-term borrowings.
 
Total deposits decreased $10.8 million, or 3%, to $349.2 million for the first three months of 2007. Since December 31, 2006, checking accounts decreased $6.6 million, or 6%, which remains consistent with the Bank’s cycle, during which deposits typically dip to their lowest levels early in the year and trend steadily upward to their highest levels during the fourth quarter. Since year-end, certificates of deposit declined $7.1 million, or 5%, while money market balances increased $2.4 million and savings accounts grew by $563,000. Borrowed funds increased by $18.5 million to $64.0 million at March 31, 2007 primarily due to increased short-term borrowings to fund loan growth and absorb the decline in deposit balances.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity represents the ability to meet both asset growth and deposit withdrawals. Many factors affect a company’s ability to meet liquidity needs, including changes in the markets served, its asset-liability mix, its reputation and credit standing in the market and general economic conditions. In addition to traditional in-market deposit sources, the Company has other sources of liquidity, including proceeds from maturing investment securities and loans, the sale of investment securities, federal funds through correspondent bank relationships, brokered deposits and Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. Additional liquidity is available in the loan portfolio through sale of residential mortgages and the guaranteed portion of Small Business Administration loans. Management believes that the current level of liquidity is sufficient to meet current and future funding requirements.

The Company’s total shareholders’ equity was $40.0 million, or 8.7%, of total assets at March 31, 2007 compared to $38.6 million, or 8.6%, of total assets at December 31, 2006.  The net increase of $1.3 million in the first three months of 2007 was attributable to net income of $1.6 million, changes in unrealized gains on investment securities of $204,000, net of tax and stock option exercises of $289,000 less cash dividends of $716,000. In the first quarter of 2007, the Company declared a cash dividend of $.20 per share on the Company’s common stock. This was an increase of 18% over last year’s first quarter dividend.

Page 14

Under Federal Reserve Board guidelines, bank holding companies such as the Company are required to maintain capital based on “risk-adjusted” assets. These guidelines apply to the Company on a consolidated basis. Under the current guidelines, banking organizations must maintain a risk-based capital ratio of 8%. The Company’s risk-based capital ratios for Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital at March 31, 2007, of 11.35% and 12.65%, respectively, exceed regulatory guidelines for a “well capitalized” financial institution. The Company’s ratios at December 31, 2006 were 11.23% and 12.58%, respectively.
 
On June 17, 2004, the Board of Directors approved a fourth stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 169,995, or 5%, of its outstanding shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2007, 25,894 shares had been repurchased under the program. During the first quarter of 2007, the Company had no shares repurchased. The repurchases will be made from time to time at the discretion of Company management.

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ITEMS

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Bank follows the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments, including requiring collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. At March 31, 2007, the Company had the following levels of commitments to extend credit:

       
Commitment expires in:
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Total
amount
committed
 
Less
 than 1 year
 
 
1 - 3
 years
 
 
4 - 5
years
 
 
After 5
 years
 
Letters of credit
 
$
1,692
 
$
1,542
 
$
-
 
$
150
 
$
-
 
Other commitments to extend credit
   
89,851
   
50,358
   
3,034
   
2,075
   
34,384
 
Total
 
$
91,543
 
$
51,900
 
$
3,034
 
$
2,225
 
$
34,384
 
Page 15


The Company is a party to several off-balance sheet contractual obligations through lease agreements on branch facilities. These commitments, borrowings and the related payments were made during the normal course of business. At March 31, 2007, the Company had the following levels of contractual obligations:

       
Payments due by period:
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Total
amount of
obligation
 
Less
than 1
year
 
 
1 - 3
years
 
 
4 - 5
 years
 
 
After 5
years
 
Operating leases
 
$
2,133
 
$
335
 
$
508
 
$
215
 
$
1,075
 
Federal Home Loan Bank debt
   
22,742
   
9,047
   
5,200
   
5,877
   
2,618
 
Total
 
$
24,875
 
$
9,382
 
$
5,708
 
$
6,092
 
$
3,693
 
 
ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market rates/prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The Company’s primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. The ongoing monitoring and management of this risk is an important component of the Company’s asset/liability management process, which is governed by policies established by the Board of Directors that are reviewed and approved annually. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for carrying out the asset/liability management policies to its Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”). In this capacity, ALCO develops guidelines and strategies impacting the Company’s asset/liability management activities based upon estimated market risk sensitivity, policy limits and overall market interest rate levels/trends.
 
Interest rate risk represents the sensitivity of earnings to changes in market interest rates. As interest rates change, the interest income and expense streams associated with the Company’s financial instruments also change, thereby impacting net interest income (“NII”), the primary component of the Company’s earnings. ALCO utilizes the results of a detailed and dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of NII to sustained interest rate changes. While ALCO routinely monitors simulated NII sensitivity over a rolling two-year horizon, it also utilizes additional tools to monitor potential longer-term interest rate risk.
 
The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income earned and interest expense incurred on all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities reflected in the Company’s statement of financial condition. This sensitivity analysis is compared to ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for NII exposure over a one-year horizon, assuming no asset growth, given a 200 basis point (bp) upward and a 200 bp downward shift in interest rates. A parallel and pro rata shift in rates over a 12-month period is assumed. The following reflects the Company’s NII sensitivity analysis as measured during the first quarter of 2007.
 
     
Estimated
 
 
Rate Change
 
Change in NII
 
 
+200bp
 
(1.7)%
 
 
-200bp
 
(0.6)%
 
 
Page 16

The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based upon numerous assumptions including, among others, the nature and timing of interest rate levels, yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, the Company cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions, including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management, including the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Treasurer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Not applicable.
 
Page 17


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors included in the Company’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 that could affect our business results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company repurchased no shares of its common stock:

On June 17, 2004, the Board of Directors approved a fourth stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 169,995 shares of the Company’s common stock. At March 31, 2007, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the program is 144,101. The authority may be exercised from time to time and in such amounts as market conditions warrant. Shares are being repurchased for other corporate purposes. The program does not have an expiration date.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
 
None

Page 18


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit
 
Description
2.1
 
Agreement and Plan of Merger between Chittenden Corporation and Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc., dated as of January 18, 2007. (1)
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation of Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (2)
3.2
 
By-laws of Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (2)
4
 
Specimen Stock Certificate of Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (1)
10.1
 
Operating Agreement between the Company and M&M Consulting Limited Liability Company. (2)
10.2
 
Services Agreements between the Company and M&M Consulting Limited Liability Company. (2)
10.3
 
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement with William C. Bullock, Jr. (3)
10.4
 
Financial Services Agreement with Financial Institutions Service Corporation. (2)
10.5
 
Form of Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement. (2)
10.6
 
Not used.
10.7
 
Form of Amended and Restated Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan. (4)
10.8
 
Form of Mandatory Convertible Debentures. (2)
10.9
 
Correspondent Trust Services Agreement with Northern Trust Company. (2)
10.10
 
Stock Option Plan, as amended. (2)
10.11
 
Form of Stock Option Agreement. (2)
10.12
 
Not used.
10.13
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and Edwin N. Clift. (5)
10.14
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and William P. Lucy. (5)
10.15
 
Employment Agreement between the Company and Deborah A. Jordan. (5)
10.16
 
2005 Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan. (6)
10.17
 
Officers’ Deferred Compensation Plan (7)
31
 
Rule 13a - 14(a)/15d - 14(a) Certifications.
32
 
Section 1350 Certifications.

(1)   
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 19, 2007.
(2)   
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-56197, as amended.
(3)           
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.
(4)   
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.
(5)   
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003.
(6)   
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005.
(7)   
Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006.

Page 19


SIGNATURES

In accordance with 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.
 
  MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.
   
Date: May 14, 2007 By: /s/ Edwin N. Clift
  Edwin N. Clift
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
 
   
Date: May 14, 2007 By: /s/ Deborah A. Jordan
  Deborah A. Jordan
  Executive Vice President and Treasurer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

   
Page 20