UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_______________________________
FORM 10-K

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

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

Commission File No.0-22345

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


FORM 10-K

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

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2003

Commission File No.0-22345

SHORE BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Maryland
52-1974638
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
52-1974638
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland
21601
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)21601
(Zip Code)

(410) 822-1400

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code

Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

        Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

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

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K |_|

        Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes |X| No |_|

        The aggregate market value of the Corporation’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2003 was $153,083,156.

        The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 1, 2004 was 5,409,967.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Certain information required by Part III of this annual report is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement for the 2004 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting to be held on April 28, 2004.



INDEX

Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None.

Securities Registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

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 YesxNoo

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-Ko

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).YesxNoo

The aggregate market value of the Corporation’s voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2004 was $132,640,822.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of March 1, 2005 was 5,515,622.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Certain information required by Part III of this annual report is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive proxy statement for the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 27, 2005.




INDEX
Part I  
Item 1.Business2
Item 2.Properties10
Item 3.Legal Proceedings1011
Item 4.Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders11
 11
 
Part II 
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, and Related Stockholder Matters and 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities11
Item 6.Selected Financial Data1213
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1314
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk2728
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data2829
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure57
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures57
Item 9B.Other Information60
 57
 
Part III 
Item 10.Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant5760
Item 11.Executive Compensation5760
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and 
 Related Stockholder Matters5760
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions5960
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services60
 59
 
Part IV 
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K60
 59
SIGNATURES62
EXHIBIT LIST63



This Annual Report of Shore Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K 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 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 the Company operates; 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 Form 10-K, 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 loan and investment portfolios; the ability to mange growth; changes in laws or regulations or policies of federal and state regulators and agencies; and other circumstances beyond the Company’s control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this document 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 the Company’s business or operations. 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. Exhibit 99.1 to this report, entitled “Risk Factors”, contains a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward looking statements.

PART I

Item 1.    Business.

BUSINESS

General

The Company was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on March 15, 1996 and is a financial holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). The Company’s primary business is acting as the parent company to three bank subsidiaries, The Centreville National Bank of Maryland (“Centreville National Bank”), The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland (“Talbot Bank”), and The Felton Bank (“Felton Bank”) (collectively, the “Banks”), two insurance producer firms, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC and Elliott Wilson Insurance, LLC, one insurance premium finance company, Mubell Finance, LLC (together with The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC and Elliot Wilson Insurance, LLC, the “Insurance Subsidiaries”), and an investment adviser firm, Wye Financial Services, LLC (“Wye Financial”). The Company also has a non-active subsidiary, Shore Pension Services, LLC. Felton Bank was acquired on April 1, 2004 when the Company merged with Midstate Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware bank holding company.

Talbot Bank owns all of the issued and outstanding securities of Dover Street Realty, Inc., a Maryland corporation that engages in the business of holding and managing real property acquired by Talbot Bank as a result of loan foreclosures.Centreville National Bank owns 20% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Delmarva Data Bank Processing Center, Inc. (“Delmarva Data”). Delmarva Data is a Maryland corporation located in Easton, Maryland that provides data processing services to banks located in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia, including the Banks.

Banking Products and Services

Centreville National Bank is a national banking association that commenced operations in 1876. Talbot Bank is a Maryland commercial bank and commenced operations in 1885. Felton Bank is a Delaware commercial bank that commenced operations in 1908. The Banks operate fifteen full service branches and seventeen ATMs and provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations in the Maryland counties of Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester and in Kent County, Delaware. The Banks’ deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

The Banks are independent community banks and serve businesses and individuals in their respective market areas. Services offered are essentially the same as those offered by larger regional institutions that compete with the Banks. Services provided to businesses include commercial checking, savings, certificate of deposit and overnight investment sweep accounts. The Banks offer all forms of commercial lending, including secured and unsecured loans, working capital loans, lines of credit, term loans, accounts receivable financing, real estate acquisition development, construction loans and letters of credit. Merchant credit card clearing services are available as well as direct deposit of payroll, internet banking and telephone banking services.
2

Services to individuals include checking accounts, various savings programs, mortgage loans, home improvement loans, installment and other personal loans, credit cards, personal lines of credit, automobile and other consumer financing, safe deposit boxes, debit cards, 24 hour telephone banking, PC and internet banking, and 24-hour automatic teller machine services. The Banks also offer nondeposit products, such as mutual funds and annuities, and discount brokerage services to their customers. Additionally, the Banks have Saturday hours and extended hours on certain evenings during the week for added customer convenience.

Lending Activities

The Company’s lending operations are conducted through the Banks.

The Company originates secured and unsecured loans for business purposes. It is typical for commercial loans to be secured by real estate, accounts receivable, inventory equipment or other assets of the business. Commercial loans generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one to four family residential mortgage loans. Repayment is often dependent on the successful operation of the business and may be affected by adverse conditions in the local economy or real estate market. The financial condition and cash flow of commercial borrowers is therefore carefully analyzed during the loan approval process, and continues to be monitored by obtaining business financial statements, personal financial statements and income tax returns. The frequency of this ongoing analysis depends upon the size and complexity of the credit and collateral that secures the loan. It is also the Company’s general policy to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the commercial loan borrowers.

The Company provides residential real estate construction loans to builders and individuals for single family dwellings. Residential construction loans are usually granted based upon “as completed” appraisals and are secured by the property under construction. Additional collateral may be taken if loan to value ratios exceed 80%. Site inspections are performed to determine pre-specified stages of completion before loan proceeds are disbursed. These loans typically have maturities of six to 12 months and may be fixed or variable rate. Permanent financing for individuals offered by the Company includes fixed and variable rate loans with three-year or five-year balloons, and one-, three- or five-year adjustable rate mortgages.

The risk of loss associated with real estate construction lending is controlled through conservative underwriting procedures such as loan to value ratios of 80% or less, obtaining additional collateral when prudent, and closely monitoring construction projects to control disbursement of funds on loans.

The Company originates fixed and variable rate residential mortgage loans. As with any consumer loan, repayment is dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, which can be adversely impacted by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy. Underwriting standards recommend loan to value ratios not to exceed 80% based on appraisals performed by approved appraisers of the Company. Title insurance protecting the Company’s lien priority, as well as fire and casualty insurance, is required.

The Company also originates and sells long-term fixed rate residential mortgage loans on the secondary market. These loans are not typically funded by the Company, but the Company receives a commission upon settlement.

Commercial real estate loans are primarily those secured by office condominiums, retail buildings, warehouses and general purpose business space. Low loan to value ratio standards, as well as the thorough financial analysis performed and the Company’s knowledge of the local economy in which it lends, can reduce the risk associated with these loans.

A variety of consumer loans are offered to customers, including home equity loans, credit cards and other secured and unsecured lines of credit and term loans. Careful analysis of an applicant’s creditworthiness is performed before granting credit, and on going monitoring of loans outstanding is performed in an effort to minimize risk of loss by identifying problem loans early.

Insurance Activities

The Insurance Subsidiaries were formed as a result of the Company’s acquisition of the assets of The Avon-Dixon Agency, Inc., Elliott Wilson Insurance, Inc., Avon-Dixon Financial Services, Inc., Joseph M. George & Son, Inc. and 59th Street Finance Company on May 1, 2002. On November 1, 2002, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC acquired certain assets of W. M. Freestate & Son, Inc., a full-service insurance producer firm located in Centreville, Maryland. The Insurance Subsidiaries offer a full range of insurance products and services to customers, including insurance premium financing.

3

Investment Adviser Activities

Through Wye Financial, which was formed in 2002, the Company offers a variety of financial planning products and services to customers within its market areas.
Seasonality

Management does not believe that the business activities of the Company are seasonal in nature. Deposits may vary depending on local and national economic conditions, but management believes that any variation will not have a material impact on the Company’s planning or policy-making strategies.

Employees

At March 1, 2005, the Company and its subsidiaries employed 284 persons, of which 246 were employed on a full-time basis.

COMPETITION

The banking business, in all of its phases, is highly competitive. Within their market areas, the Company and its subsidiaries compete with commercial banks (including local banks and branches or affiliates of other larger banks), savings and loan associations and credit unions for loans and deposits, with money market and mutual funds and other investment alternatives for deposits, with consumer finance companies for loans, with insurance companies, agents and brokers for insurance products, and with other financial institutions for various types of products and services. There is also competition for commercial and retail banking business from banks and financial institutions located outside our market areas.

The primary factors in competing for deposits are interest rates, personalized services, the quality and range of financial services, convenience of office locations and office hours. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates, loan origination fees, the quality and range of lending services and personalized services. The primary factors in competing for insurance customers are competitive rates, the quality and range of insurance products offered, and quality, personalized service.

To compete with other financial services providers, the Company relies principally upon local promotional activities, including advertisements in local newspapers, trade journals and other publications and on the radio, personal relationships established by officers, directors and employees with customers, and specialized services tailored to meet its customers’ needs. The Company also relies on referrals from satisfied customers. In those instances in which the Company is unable to accommodate a customer’s needs, the Company will arrange for those services to be provided by other financial services providers with which it has relationships.

Current banking laws facilitate interstate branching and merger activity among banks. Since September 1995, certain bank holding companies are authorized to acquire banks throughout the United States. In addition, on and after June 1, 1997, certain banks are permitted to merge with banks organized under the laws of different states. As a result, interstate banking is now an accepted element of competition in the banking industry and the Company may be brought into competition with institutions with which it does not presently compete.


4


The following table sets forth deposit data for Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester Counties in Maryland and Kent County, Delaware as of June 30, 2004, the most recent date for which comparative information is available.

    % of 
Kent County, Maryland Deposits Total 
  (in thousands)   
Peoples Bank of Kent County, Maryland $151,157  35.42%
The Chestertown Bank of Maryland  139,383  32.66 
Chesapeake Bank and Trust Co.  60,560  14.19 
Branch Banking & Trust  32,887  7.71 
The Centreville National Bank of Maryland  23,032  5.40 
SunTrust Bank  19,711  4.62 
Total $426,730  100.00%
        
Source: FDIC DataBook

    % of 
Queen Anne’s County, MaryandDepositsTotal 
  (in thousands)   
The Queenstown Bank of Maryland $247,925  41.40%
The Centreville National Bank of Maryland  174,370  29.12 
Bank of America, National Association  58,161  9.71 
The Chestertown Bank of Maryland  45,447  7.59 
M&T  35,304  5.90 
BankAnnapolis  21,346  3.56 
Branch Banking & Trust  16,326  2.72 
Total $598,879  100.00%
        
Source: FDIC DataBook

    % of 
Caroline County, MarylandDepositsTotal 
  (in thousands)   
Provident State Bank of Preston, Maryland $108,042  32.18%
Peoples Bank of Maryland  90,468  26.95 
Branch Banking & Trust  46,572  13.87 
The Centreville National Bank of Maryland  38,823  11.57 
M& T  28,328  8.44 
Bank of America, National Association  16,068  4.79 
Easton Bank & Trust  7,390  2.20 
Total $335,691  100.00%
        
Source: FDIC DataBook

5



    % of 
Talbot County, MarylandDepositsTotal 
  (in thousands)   
The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland $352,887  42.72%
St. Michaels Bank  170,186  20.60 
Easton Bank & Trust  83,825  10.15 
Bank of America, National Association  79,673  9.65 
SunTrust Bank  45,332  5.49 
M&T  29,957  3.63 
Branch Banking & Trust  25,262  3.06 
First Mariner Bank  19,263  2.33 
The Queenstown Bank of Maryland  14,836  1.80 
Chevy Chase Bank  4,824  0.57 
Total $826,045  100.00%
        
Source: FDIC DataBook

    % of 
Dorchester County, MarylandDepositsTotal 
  (in thousands)   
The National Bank of Cambridge $161,898  32.69%
Bank of the Eastern Shore  146,050  29.49 
Hebron Savings Bank  48,137  9.72 
Provident State Bank of Preston, Maryland  31,529  6.37 
Bank of America, National Association  29,154  5.89 
Branch Banking & Trust  26,697  5.39 
M&T  23,681  4.78 
SunTrust Bank  14,665  2.96 
The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland  13,371  2.71 
Total $495,182  100.00%
        
Source: FDIC DataBook

Kent County, DelawareDepositsTotal 
  (in thousands)   
Wilmington Trust $416,313  30.25%
Citizens Bank  271,354  19.72 
PNC Bank Delaware  230,623  16.76 
First NB of Wyoming  181,573  13.19 
Wachovia Bank of Delaware  111,679  8.12 
Artisans Bank  56,970  4.14 
The Felton Bank  53,280  3.87 
County Bank  35,467  2.58 
Wilmington Savings Fund Society  12,616  0.92 
Fort Sill National Bank  6,275  0.45 
Total $1,376,150  100.00%
        
Source: FDIC DataBook

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

The following discussion is a summary of the material regulations and policies applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries and is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion. Changes in applicable laws and regulations may have a material effect on the business of the Company.


6


General

The Company is a financial holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”) under the BHC Act and, as such, is subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the BHC Act and the regulations of the FRB.

Talbot Bank is a Maryland commercial bank subject to the banking laws of Maryland and to regulation by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of Maryland, who is required by statute to make at least one examination in each calendar year (or at 18-month intervals if the Commissioner determines that an examination is unnecessary in a particular calendar year). Centreville National Bank is a national banking association subject to federal banking laws and regulations enforced and/or promulgated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), which is required by statute to make at least one examination in each calendar year (or at 18-month intervals if the association has assets of $250 million or less and meets certain other conditions). Felton Bank is a Delaware commercial bank subject to the banking laws of Delaware and to regulation by the Delaware Office of the State Bank Commissioner, who is entitled by statute to make examinations of Felton Bank as and when deemed necessary or expedient. The primary federal regulator of both Talbot Bank and Felton Bank is the FDIC, which is also entitled to conduct regular examinations. The deposits of the Banks are insured by the FDIC, so certain laws and regulations administered by the FDIC also govern their deposit taking operations. In addition to the foregoing, the Banks are subject to numerous state and federal statutes and regulations that affect the business of banking generally.

Nonbank affiliates of the Company are subject to examination by the FRB, and, as affiliates of the Banks, may be subject to examination by the Banks’ regulators from time to time. In addition, the Insurance Subsidiaries are each subject to licensing and regulation by the insurance authorities of the states in which they do business. Retail sales of insurance products by the Insurance Subsidiaries to the Bank’s customers are also subject to the requirements of the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products promulgated in 1994, as amended, by the FDIC, the FRB, the OCC, and the Office of Thrift Supervision. Wye Financial Services, LLC is subject to the registration and examination requirements of federal and state laws governing investment advisers.

Regulation of Financial Holding Companies

In November 1999, the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”) was signed into law. Effective in pertinent part on March 11, 2000, GLBA revised the BHC Act and repealed the affiliation provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which, taken together, limited the securities, insurance and other non-banking activities of any company that controls an FDIC insured financial institution. Under GLBA, a bank holding company can elect, subject to certain qualifications, to become a “financial holding company” and may thereafter engage in a full range of financial activities, including insurance and securities sales and underwriting activities, and real estate development, with new expedited notice procedures. A financial holding company’s expanded activities may be limited or prohibited unless each of the financial holding company’s depository institution subsidiaries, among other things, remains well capitalized and well managed after the election.

Under FRB policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks, and the FRB may charge the Company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to a subsidiary bank when required. In addition, under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”), depository institutions insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any losses incurred by, or reasonably anticipated to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution in danger of default. Accordingly, in the event that any insured subsidiary of the Company causes a loss to the FDIC, other insured subsidiaries of the Company could be required to compensate the FDIC by reimbursing it for the estimated amount of such loss. Such cross guaranty liabilities generally are superior in priority to obligations of a financial institution to its stockholders and obligations to other affiliates.

Banking Regulation

Federal and state banking regulators may prohibit the institutions over which they have supervisory authority from engaging in activities or investments that the agencies believes are unsafe or unsound banking practices. These banking regulators have extensive enforcement authority over the institutions they regulate to prohibit or correct activities that violate law, regulation or a regulatory agreement or which are deemed to be unsafe or unsound practices. Enforcement actions may include the appointment of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease and desist order, the termination of deposit insurance, the imposition of civil money penalties on the institution, its directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the removal of or restrictions on directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, and the enforcement of any such mechanisms through restraining orders or other court actions.

7

The Company and its affiliates are subject to the provisions of Section 23A and Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. Section 23A limits the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, and investments in, the Company and its nonbank affiliates by the Banks. Section 23B requires that transactions between any of the Banks and the Company and its nonbank affiliates be on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same as with non-affiliates.

The Banks are also subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders or any related interest of such persons, which generally require that such credit extensions be made on substantially the same terms as are available to third parties dealing with the Banks and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. Other laws tie the maximum amount that may be loaned to any one customer and its related interests to capital levels.

As part of the Federal Deposit Insurance Company Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), each federal banking regulator adopted non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. These standards include internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, and compensation, fees and benefits. An institution that fails to meet those standards may be required by the agency to develop a plan acceptable to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions. The Company, on behalf of the Banks, believes that the Banks meet substantially all standards that have been adopted. FDICIA also imposes new capital standards on insured depository institutions.

The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) requires that, in connection with the examination of financial institutions within their jurisdictions, the federal banking regulators evaluate the record of the financial institution in meeting the credit needs of their communities including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those banks. These factors are also considered by all regulatory agencies in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. As of the date of its most recent examination report, each of the Banks had a CRA rating of “Satisfactory.”

Capital Requirements

FDICIA established a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. Under this system, federal banking regulators are required to rate supervised institutions on the basis of five capital categories: “well -capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized;” and to take certain mandatory actions, and are authorized to take other discretionary actions, with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories. The severity of the actions will depend upon the category in which the institution is placed. A depository institution is “well capitalized” if it has a total risk based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 6% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5% or greater and is not subject to any order, regulatory agreement, or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. An “adequately capitalized” institution is defined as one that has a total risk based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 4% or greater and a leverage ratio of 4% or greater (or 3% or greater in the case of a bank with a composite CAMEL rating of 1).

FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution, including the payment of cash dividends, or paying a management fee to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans. For a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee (subject to certain limitations) that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan.

Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of other requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized and requirements to reduce total assets and stop accepting deposits from correspondent banks. Critically undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator, generally within 90 days of the date such institution is determined to be critically undercapitalized.

As of December 31, 2004, Talbot Bank and Centreville National Bank were each deemed to be “well capitalized.” Felton Bank was not deemed to be “well capitalized” due to its total risk based capital ratio falling below 10%. The Company has since made the necessary capital contributions to Felton Bank to increase its total risk based capital ratio. For further information about the capital condition of the Company and the Banks, see Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of Part II of this report.
8


Deposit Insurance

As FDIC member institutions, the Banks’ deposits are insured to a maximum of $100,000 per depositor through the Bank Insurance Fund (“BIF”), administered by the FDIC, and each institution is required to pay semi-annual deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC. The FDIC is required to establish semi-annual assessments for BIF-insured depository institutions at a rate determined to be appropriate to maintain or increase the reserve ratio of the BIF at or above 1.25% of estimated insured deposits or at such higher percentage as the FDIC determines to be justified for that year by circumstances raising significant risk of substantial future losses to the fund. Assessments are made on a risk-based premium system with nine risk classifications based on certain capital and supervisory measures. Financial institutions with higher levels of capital and involving a low degree of supervisory concern are assessed lower premiums than financial institutions with lower levels of capital or involving a higher degree of supervisory concern. In addition, as a result of the April 1997 merger of Kent Savings and Loan Association, F.A. into Centreville National Bank, approximately $34.9 million of the Centreville National Bank’s deposits are insured through the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”), also administered by the FDIC, which are determined quarterly. The federal Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 included provisions that, among other things, recapitalized the SAIF through a special assessment on savings association deposits and bank deposits that had been acquired from savings associations.

USA PATRIOT Act

Congress adopted the USA PATRIOT Act (the “Patriot Act”) on October 26, 2001 in response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Under the Patriot Act, certain financial institutions, including banks, are required to maintain and prepare additional records and reports that are designed to assist the government’s efforts to combat terrorism. The Patriot Act includes sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and required additional regulations, including, among other things, standards for verifying client identification when opening an account and rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering.

Federal Securities Laws

Shares of the Company’s common stock are registered with the SEC under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and are listed on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market. The Company is subject to information reporting, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements of the Exchange Act and the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. The federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the new regulations adopted in furtherance thereof made several changes to the Exchange Act and the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. These changes impose additional requirements and restrictions on the Company, including, among other things, restrictions on loans to and other transactions with insiders, additional disclosure requirements in the reports and other documents that the Company files with the SEC, new director independence requirements, certain Board of Director committee requirements, and other corporate governance requirements.

Governmental Monetary and Credit Policies and Economic Controls

The earnings and growth of the banking industry and ultimately of the Company and its subsidiaries are affected by the monetary and credit policies of governmental authorities, including the FRB. An important function of the FRB is to regulate the national supply of bank credit in order to control recessionary and inflationary pressures. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the federal funds rate, changes in the discount rate of member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and may also affect interest rates charged on loans or paid for deposits. The monetary policies of the FRB authorities have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to have such an effect in the future. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, as well as the effect of actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, including the FRB, no prediction can be made as to possible future changes in interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or their effect on the business and earnings of the Company and its subsidiaries.


9


AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company maintains an Internet site atwww.shbi.net on which it makes available, free of charge, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, stockholders may access these reports and documents on the SEC’s web site atwww.sec.gov.

Item 2.    Properties.

The tables below identify the offices of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company’s main office is the same as Talbot Bank’s main office. The Company owns real property at 28969 Information Lane in Easton, Maryland, which houses the Operations, Information Technology and Finance departments of the Company and its subsidiaries, and certain operations of The Avon Dixon Agency. A portion of the facility is leased to an unaffiliated third party.

The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland
Main Office
18 East Dover Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Tred Avon Square Branch
210 Marlboro Road
Easton, Maryland 21601
St. Michaels Branch
1013 South Talbot Street
St. Michaels, Maryland 21663
Elliott Road Branch
8275 Elliott Road
Easton, Maryland 21601
Cambridge Branch
2745 Dorchester Square
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
Sunburst Branch
424 Dorchester Avenue
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
ATMs
Memorial Hospital at Easton
219 South Washington Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Sailwinds Amoco
511 Maryland Avenue
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
Talbottown
218 North Washington Street
Easton, Maryland 21601

The Centreville National Bank of Maryland
Main Office
109 North Commerce Street
Centreville, Maryland 21617
Route 213 SouthBranch
2609 Centreville Road
Centreville, Maryland 21617
Stevensville Branch
408 Thompson Creek Road
Stevensville, Maryland 21666
Kent Branch
305 East High Street
Chestertown, Maryland 21620
Hillsboro Branch
21913 Shore Highway
Hillsboro, Maryland 21641
Denton Branch
850 South 5th Street
Denton, Maryland 21629
Chester Branch
300 Castle Marina Road
Chester, Maryland 21619
                      ATM
Queenstown Harbor Golf Links
Queenstown, Maryland 21658
The Felton Bank
Main Office
120 West Main Street
Felton, Delaware 19943
Milford Branch
648 North West Front Street
Routes 14 & 113
Milford, Delaware 19963
 
 
SIGNATURESThe Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC
Easton Office
106 North Harrison Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Grasonville Office
301 Saddler Road
Grasonville, Maryland 21638
Centreville Office
195 Lawyers Row
Centreville, Maryland 21617
 61 
62

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        This Annual Report of Shore Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K 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 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 the Company operates; 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 Form 10-K, 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 loan and investment portfolios; the ability to mange growth; changes in laws or regulations or policies of federal and state regulators and agencies; and other circumstances beyond the Company’s control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this document 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 the Company’s business or operations. 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. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in Item 1 of Part I of this report.

PART I

Item 1. Business.

General

        The Company was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on March 15, 1996 and is a bank holding company and a financial holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”). The Company engages in the business of acting as the parent company to two bank subsidiaries, The Centreville National Bank of Maryland (“Centreville National Bank”) and The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland (“Talbot Bank”) (together with Centreville National Bank, the “Banks”), two insurance producers, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC and Elliott WilsonElliott-Wilson Insurance, LLC one insurance premium finance company,

Mubell Finance, LLC (together with The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC and Elliot Wilson Insurance, LLC, the “Insurance Subsidiaries”), and an investment adviser firm,
Wye Financial Services, LLC (“Wye Financial”). The Company also has a non-active subsidiary, Shore Pension Services, LLC.

        On November 12, 2003, the Company announced that it had executed a definitive merger agreement to merge with Midstate Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware bank holding company (“Midstate Bancorp”). If this merger is consummated, the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding capital securities of The Felton Bank, a Delaware commercial bank (“Felton Bank”), which will operate in as an independent bank subsidiary. For more information about this transaction, see Item 7 of Part II of this report under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Recent Developments”.

        Talbot Bank owns all of the issued and outstanding securities of Dover Street Realty, Inc., a Maryland corporation that engages in the business of holding and managing real property acquired by Talbot Bank as a result of loan foreclosures. Centreville National Bank owns 29.25% of the issued and outstanding common stock of Delmarva Data. Delmarva Data is a Maryland corporation located in Easton, Maryland, which provides data processing services to banks located in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Delmarva Data provides these services to Centreville National Bank and Talbot Bank.

Banking Products and Services

        Centreville National Bank is a national banking association that commenced operations in 1876. Talbot Bank is a Maryland commercial bank and commenced operations in 1885. The Banks operate twelve full service branches and sixteen ATM’s, providing a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester counties in Maryland. The Banks’ deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”).

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        The Banks are independent community banks and serve businesses and individuals in their respective market areas. Services offered are essentially the same as those offered by larger regional institutions that compete with the Banks. Services provided to businesses include commercial checking, savings, certificate of deposit and overnight investment sweep accounts. The Banks offer all forms of commercial lending, including secured and unsecured loans, working capital loans, lines of credit, term loans, accounts receivable financing, real estate acquisition development, construction loans and letters of credit. Merchant credit card clearing services are available as well as direct deposit of payroll, internet banking and telephone banking services.

        Services to individuals include checking accounts, various savings programs, mortgage loans, home improvement loans, installment and other personal loans, credit cards, personal lines of credit, automobile and other consumer financing, safe deposit boxes, debit cards, 24 hour telephone banking, PC and internet banking, and 24-hour automatic teller machine services. The Banks also offer nondeposit products, such as mutual funds and annuities, and discount brokerage services to their customers. Additionally, the Banks have Saturday hours and extended hours on certain evenings during the week for added customer convenience.

Lending Activities

        The Company’s lending operations are conducted through the Banks.

        The Company originates secured and unsecured loans for business purposes. It is typical for commercial loans to be secured by real estate, accounts receivable, inventory equipment or other assets of the business. Commercial loans generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one to four family residential mortgage loans. Repayment is often dependent on the successful operation of the business and may be affected by adverse conditions in the local economy or real estate market. The financial condition and cash flow of commercial borrowers is therefore carefully analyzed during the loan approval process, and continues to be monitored by obtaining business financial statements, personal financial statements and income tax returns. The frequency of this ongoing analysis depends upon the size and complexity of the credit and collateral that secures the loan. It is also the Company’s general policy to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the commercial loan borrowers.

        The Company provides residential real estate construction loans to builders and individuals for single family dwellings. Residential construction loans are usually granted based upon “as completed” appraisals and are secured by the property under construction. Additional collateral may be taken if loan to value ratios exceed 80%. Site inspections are performed to determine pre-specified stages of completion before loan proceeds are disbursed. These loans typically have maturities of six to twelve months and may be fixed or variable rate. Permanent financing for individuals offered by the Company includes fixed and variable rate loans with three-year or five-year balloons, and one, three or five year Adjustable Rate Mortgages.

        The risk of loss associated with real estate construction lending is controlled through conservative underwriting procedures such as loan to value ratios of 80% or less, obtaining additional collateral when prudent, and closely monitoring construction projects to control disbursement of funds on loans.

        The Company originates fixed and variable rate residential mortgage loans. As with any consumer loan, repayment is dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, which can be adversely impacted by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy. Underwriting standards recommend loan to value ratios not to exceed 80% based on appraisals performed by approved appraisers of the Company. Title insurance protecting the Company’s lien priority, as well as fire and casualty insurance, is required.

        The Company also originates and sells long term fixed rate residential mortgage loans on the secondary market. These loans are not typically funded by the Company, however the Company receives a commission upon settlement.

        Commercial real estate loans are primarily those secured by office condominiums, retail buildings, warehouses and general purpose business space. Low loan to value ratio standards, as well as the thorough financial analysis performed and the Company’s knowledge of the local economy in which it lends, can reduce the risk associated with these loans.

        A variety of consumer loans are offered to customers, including home equity loans, credit cards and other secured and unsecured lines of credit and term loans. Careful analysis of an applicant’s creditworthiness is performed before granting credit, and on-going monitoring of loans outstanding is performed in an effort to minimize risk of loss by identifying problem loans early.

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Insurance Activities

        The Insurance Subsidiaries were formed as a result of the Company’s acquisition of the assets of The Avon-Dixon Agency, Inc., Elliott Wilson Insurance, Inc., Avon-Dixon Financial Services, Inc., Joseph M. George & Son, Inc. and 59th Street Finance Company on May 1, 2002. On November 1, 2002, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC completed its acquisition of certain assets of W. M. Freestate & Son, Inc., a full-service insurance producer firm owned by Mark M. Freestate, who serves on the Board of Directors of Centreville National Bank. Through these entities, the Company offers a full range of insurance products and services to customers, including insurance premium financing.

Investment Adviser Activities

        Through Wye Financial, which was formed in 2002, the Company offers a variety of financial planning products and services to customers within its market areas.

Seasonality

        Management does not believe that the business activities of the Company are seasonal in nature. Deposits may vary depending on local and national economic conditions, but management believes that any variation will not have a material impact on the Company’s planning or policy-making strategies.

Employees

        At March 1, 2004, the Company and its subsidiaries employed 250 persons, of which 217 were employed on a full-time basis.

COMPETITION

        The banking business, in all of its phases, is highly competitive. Within their market areas, the Company and its subsidiaries compete with commercial banks (including local banks and branches or affiliates of other larger banks), savings and loan associations and credit unions for loans and deposits, with money market and mutual funds and other investment alternatives for deposits, with consumer finance companies for loans, with insurance companies, agents and brokers for insurance products, and with other financial institutions for various types of products and services. There is also competition for commercial and retail banking business from banks and financial institutions located outside our market areas.

        The primary factors in competing for deposits are interest rates, personalized services, the quality and range of financial services, convenience of office locations and office hours. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates, loan origination fees, the quality and range of lending services and personalized services.

        To compete with other financial services providers, the Company relies principally upon local promotional activities, including advertisements in local newspapers, trade journals and other publications and on the radio, personal relationships established by officers, directors and employees with customers, and specialized services tailored to meet its customers’ needs. In those instances in which the Company is unable to accommodate a customers’ needs, the Company will arrange for those services to be provided by other financial services providers with which it has a relationship. The Company additional relies on referrals from satisfied customers.

        Current banking laws facilitate interstate branching and merger activity among banks. Since September, 1995, certain bank holding companies are authorized to acquire banks throughout the United States. In addition, on and after June 1, 1997, certain banks are permitted to merge with banks organized under the laws of different states. As a result, interstate banking is now an accepted element of competition in the banking industry and the Company may be brought into competition with institutions with which it does not presently compete.

        The following table sets forth deposit data for Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot and Dorchester Counties as of June 30, 2003, the most recent date for which comparative information is available.

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Kent CountyDeposits % of
Total
 

 (in thousands)   
Peoples Bank of Kent County, Maryland  $142,813  35.61%
The Chestertown Bank of Maryland   123,972  30.91 
Chesapeake Bank and Trust Co.   55,045  13.72 
Farmers Bank of Maryland   33,927  8.46 
The Centreville National Bank   24,325  6.07 
SunTrust Bank   20,981  5.23 

  
 
       Total  $401,063  100.00%

  
 

Source: FDIC DataBook


Queen Anne’s CountyDeposits % of
Total
 

 (in thousands)   
The Queenstown Bank of Maryland  $229,423  40.93%
The Centreville National Bank of Maryland   167,514  29.89 
Bank of America, National Association   50,009  8.92 
The Chestertown Bank of Maryland   41,326  7.37 
M&T   34,772  6.20 
BankAnnapolis   21,397  3.82 
Farmers Bank   16,065  2.87 

  
 
       Total  $560,506  100.00%

  
 

Source: FDIC DataBook


Caroline CountyDeposits % of
Total
 

 (in thousands)   
Provident State Bank of Preston, Maryland  $103,323  32.11%
Peoples Bank of Maryland   88,954  27.64 
Allfirst Bank   33,676  10.47 
The Centreville National Bank of Maryland   29,822  9.27 
Farmers Bank of Maryland   28,919  8.99 
Bank of America, National Association   15,727  4.89 
Atlantic Bank   13,786  4.28 
Easton Bank & Trust   7,571  2.35 

  
 
       Total  $321,778  100.00%

  
 

Source: FDIC DataBook

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Talbot CountyDeposits % of
Total
 

 (in thousands)   
The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland  $321,870  41.56%
St. Michaels Bank   157,173  20.29 
Bank of America, National Association   79,684  10.29 
Easton Bank & Trust   74,250  9.59 
SunTrust Bank   43,834  5.66 
Allfirst Bank   33,522  4.33 
Farmers Bank   26,414  3.41 
First Mariner Bank   19,554  2.52 
The Queenstown Bank of Maryland   14,470  1.87 
Chevy Chase Bank   3,746  0.48 

  
 
       Total  $774,517  100.00%

  
 

Source: FDIC DataBook


Dorchester CountyDeposits % of
Total
 

 (in thousands)   
The National Bank of Cambridge  $161,282  33.90%
Bank of the Eastern Shore   131,370  27.62 
Hebron Savings Bank   44,254  9.30 
Provident State Bank of Preston, Maryland   29,993  6.31 
Bank of America, National Association   28,038  5.89 
Atlantic Bank   26,687  5.61 
M&T   26,234  5.51 
SunTrust Bank   14,608  3.07 
The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland   13,271  2.79 

  
 
       Total  $475,737  100.00%

  
 

Source: FDIC DataBook

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

        The Federal Deposit Insurance Company Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”) established a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. Under this system, federal banking regulators are required to rate supervised institutions on the basis of five capital categories: “well -capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized,” and “critically undercapitalized;” and to take certain mandatory actions, and are authorized to take other discretionary actions, with respect to institutions in the three undercapitalized categories. The severity of the actions will depend upon the category in which the institution is placed. A depository institution is “well capitalized” if it has a total risk based capital ratio of 10% or greater, a Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 6% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5% or greater and is not subject to any order, regulatory agreement, or written directive to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure. An “adequately capitalized” institution is defined as one that has a total risk based capital ratio of 8% or greater, a Tier 1 risk based capital ratio of 4% or greater and a leverage ratio of 4% or greater (or 3% or greater in the case of a bank with a composite CAMEL rating of 1).

        FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution, including the payment of cash dividends, or paying a management fee to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans. For a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee (subject to certain limitations) that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan.

        Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of other requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized and requirements to reduce total assets and stop accepting deposits from correspondent banks. Critically undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator, generally within 90 days of the date such institution is determined to be critically undercapitalized.

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        As of December 31, 2003, each of the Banks was deemed to be “well capitalized”. For more information regarding the capital condition of the Company, see Note 17 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained elsewhere in this Report.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

        The following is a summary of the material regulations and policies applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries and is not intended to be a comprehensive discussion. Changes in applicable laws and regulations may have a material effect on the business of the Company.

General

        The Company is a bank holding company and a financial holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”) under the BHC Act and, as such, is subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the BHC Act and the regulations of the FRB.

        Talbot Bank is a Maryland commercial bank subject to the banking laws of Maryland and to regulation by the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of Maryland, who is required by statute to make at least one examination in each calendar year (or at 18-month intervals if the Commissioner determines that an examination is unnecessary in a particular calendar year). Centreville National Bank is a national banking association subject to federal banking laws and regulations enforced and/or promulgated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), which is required by statute to make at least one examination in each calendar year (or at 18-month intervals if the association has assets of $250 million or less and meets certain other conditions). The deposits of the Banks are insured by the FDIC, and certain laws and regulations administered by the FDIC also govern their operations. The Banks are also subject to numerous state and federal statutes and regulations that affect the business of banking.

         Nonbank affiliates of the Company are subject to examination by the FRB, and, as affiliates of the Banks, are subject to examination by the FDIC, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation of Maryland, and, in certain cases, the OCC. In addition, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC, Elliott Wilson Insurance, LLC, and Mubell Finance, LLC are each subject to licensing and regulation by state insurance authorities. Retail sales of insurance products by these insurance affiliates are also subject to the requirements of the Interagency Statement on Retail Sales of Nondeposit Investment Products promulgated in 1994, as amended, by the FDIC, the FRB, the OCC, and the Office of Thrift Supervision. Wye Financial Services, LLC is subject to the registration and examination requirements of federal and state laws governing investment advisers.

Regulation of Financial Holding Companies

        In November 1999, the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the “GLBA”) was signed into law. Effective in pertinent part on March 11, 2000, GLBA revises the BHC Act and repeals the affiliation provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which, taken together, limited the securities, insurance and other non-banking activities of any company that controls an FDIC insured financial institution. Under GLBA, a bank holding company can elect, subject to certain qualifications, to become a “financial holding company.” GLBA provides that a financial holding company may engage in a full range of financial activities, including insurance and securities sales and underwriting activities, and real estate development, with new expedited notice procedures. Maryland law generally permits Maryland State chartered banks, including the Bank, to engage in the same activities, directly or through an affiliate, as national banking associations. GLBA permits certain qualified national banking associations to form financial subsidiaries, which have broad authority to engage in all financial activities except insurance underwriting, insurance investments, real estate investment or development, or merchant banking. Thus, GLBA has the effect of broadening the permitted activities of the Bank.

        The Company and its affiliates are subject to the provisions of Section 23A and Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. Section 23A limits the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, and investments in, the Company and its nonbank affiliates by the Bank. Section 23B requires that transactions between the Bank and the Company and its nonbank affiliates be on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same as with non-affiliates.

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        Under FRB policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of strength to its subsidiary banks, and the FRB may charge the Company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to a subsidiary bank when required. In addition, under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (“FIRREA”), depository institutions insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any losses incurred by, or reasonably anticipated to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with (i) the default of a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution or (ii) any assistance provided by the FDIC to a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution in danger of default. Accordingly, in the event that any insured subsidiary of the Company causes a loss to the FDIC, other insured subsidiaries of the Company could be required to compensate the FDIC by reimbursing it for the estimated amount of such loss. Such cross guaranty liabilities generally are superior in priority to obligations of a financial institution to its stockholders and obligations to other affiliates.

Federal Banking Regulation

        Federal banking regulators, such as the FRB, the FDIC, and the OCC, may prohibit the institutions over which they have supervisory authority from engaging in activities or investments that the agencies believes are unsafe or unsound banking practices. Federal banking regulators have extensive enforcement authority over the institutions they regulate to prohibit or correct activities that violate law, regulation or a regulatory agreement or which are deemed to be unsafe or unsound practices. Enforcement actions may include the appointment of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease and desist order, the termination of deposit insurance, the imposition of civil money penalties on the institution, its directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the removal of or restrictions on directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, and the enforcement of any such mechanisms through restraining orders or other court actions.

        The Banks are subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, and principal stockholders or any related interest of such persons, which generally require that such credit extensions be made on substantially the same terms as are available to third parties dealing with the Banks and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. Other laws tie the maximum amount that may be loaned to any one customer and its related interests to capital levels.

        As part of FDICIA, each federal banking regulator adopted non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. These standards include internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, and compensation, fees and benefits. An institution that fails to meet those standards may be required by the agency to develop a plan acceptable to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions. The Company, on behalf of the Banks, believes that the Banks meet substantially all standards that have been adopted. FDICIA also imposes new capital standards on insured depository institutions.

        The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) requires that, in connection with the examination of financial institutions within their jurisdictions, the federal banking regulators evaluate the record of the financial institution in meeting the credit needs of their communities including low and moderate income neighborhoods, consistent with the safe and sound operation of those banks. These factors are also considered by all regulatory agencies in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. As of the date of its most recent examination report, each of the Banks has a CRA rating of “Satisfactory.”

Deposit Insurance

        As FDIC member institutions, the Banks’ deposits are insured to a maximum of $100,000 per depositor through the Bank Insurance Fund (“BIF”), administered by the FDIC, and each institution is required to pay semi-annual deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC. The BIF assessment rates have a range of 0 to 27 cents for every $100 in assessable deposits. In addition, as a result of the April 1997 merger of Kent Savings and Loan Association, F.A. into Centreville National Bank, approximately $33.2 million of the Centreville National Bank’s deposits are insured through the Savings Association Insurance Fund (“SAIF”), also administered by the FDIC, which are determined quarterly. The federal Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996 included provisions that, among other things, recapitalized the SAIF through a special assessment on savings association deposits and bank deposits that had been acquired from savings associations.

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USA PATRIOT Act

        Congress adopted the USA PATRIOT Act (the “Patriot Act”) on October 26, 2001 in response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Under the Patriot Act, certain financial institutions, including banks, are required to maintain and prepare additional records and reports that are designed to assist the government’s efforts to combat terrorism. The Patriot Act includes sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and required additional regulations, including, among other things, standards for verifying client identification when opening an account and rules to promote cooperation among financial institutions, regulators and law enforcement entities in identifying parties that may be involved in terrorism or money laundering.

Federal Securities Laws

        The Company’s common stock is registered with the SEC under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The Company is subject to information reporting, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements of the Exchange Act. The federal Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the new regulations adopted in furtherance thereof made several changes to the Exchange Act and the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. to which the Company is subject. These changes impose additional requirements and restrictions on the Company, including, among other things, restrictions on loans to and other transactions with insiders, additional disclosure requirements in the reports and other documents that the Company files with the SEC, new director independence requirements, certain Board of Director committee requirements, and other corporate governance requirements.

Governmental Monetary and Credit Policies and Economic Controls

        The earnings and growth of the banking industry and ultimately of the Bank are affected by the monetary and credit policies of governmental authorities, including the FRB. An important function of the FRB is to regulate the national supply of bank credit in order to control recessionary and inflationary pressures. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. Government securities, changes in the federal funds rate, changes in the discount rate of member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and may also affect interest rates charged on loans or paid for deposits. The monetary policies of the FRB authorities have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to have such an effect in the future. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, as well as the effect of actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, including the FRB, no prediction can be made as to possible future changes in interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or their effect on the business and earnings of the Company and its subsidiaries.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

        The Company maintains an Internet site atwww.shbi.net on which it makes available, free of charge, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, stockholders may access these reports and documents on the SEC’s web site atwww.sec.gov.

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Item 2. Properties.

        The tables below identify the offices of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company’s main office is the same as Talbot Bank’s Main Office. The Company owns real property at 28969 Information Lane in Easton, Maryland, which houses the Operations, Information Technology and Finance departments of the Company and its subsidiaries. One half of the facility is leased to an unaffiliated third party.

The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland


Main Office
18 East Dover Street
Easton, Maryland 21601

Elliott Road Branch
8275 Elliott Road
Easton, Maryland 21601
Tred Avon Square Branch
210 Marlboro Road
Easton, Maryland 21601

Cambridge Branch
2745 Dorchester Square
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
St. Michaels Branch
1013 South Talbot Street
St. Michaels, Maryland 21663

ATMs


Memorial Hospital at Easton
219 South Washington Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Sailwinds Amoco
511 Maryland Avenue
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
Talbottown
218 North Washington Street
Easton, Maryland 21601

The Centreville National Bank of Maryland


Main Office
109 North Commerce Street
Centreville, Maryland 21617

Kent Office
305 East High Street
Chestertown, Maryland 21620
Route 213 South Office
2609 Centreville Road
Centreville, Maryland 21617

Hillsboro Office
21913 Shore Highway
Hillsboro, Maryland 21641
Stevensville Office
408 Thompson Creek Road
Stevensville, Maryland 21666

Denton Office
850 South 5th Street
Denton, Maryland 21629

Chester Office
300 Castle Marina Road
Chester, Maryland 21619
ATM
Queenstown Harbor Golf Links
Queenstown, Maryland 21658

The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC


Easton Office
106 North Harrison Street
Easton, Maryland 21601

Elliot-Wilson Insurance, LLC
9707 Ocean Gateway
Easton, Maryland 21601
Grasonville Office
301 Saddler Road
Grasonville, Maryland 21638

Mubell Finance, LLC
106 North Harrison Street
Easton, Maryland 21601
Centreville Office
195 Lawyers Row
Centreville, Maryland 21617

Wye Financial Services, LLC
17 East Dover Street, Suite 101
Easton, Maryland 21601

        Talbot Bank owns the real property on which all of its offices are located, except that it operates under leases at its Saint Michaels Branch, its Cambridge Branch, and certain administrative offices at 21 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601. Centreville National Bank owns the real property on which all of its offices are located. The Insurance Subsidiaries do not own any real property, but operate under leases. Wye Financial Services, LLC leases its office space. For information about rent expense for all leased premises, see Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this report.

10

Talbot Bank owns the real property on which all of its offices are located, except that it operates under leases at its Saint Michaels Branch and its Cambridge Branch. Centreville National Bank owns the real property on which all of its offices are located. The Felton Bank owns the real property on which its main office is located and leases the property on which its Milford branch is located. The Insurance Subsidiaries do not own any real property, but operate under leases. Wye Financial Services, LLC occupies space in Talbot Bank’s main office. For information about rent expense for all leased premises, see Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, the Company may become involved in litigation arising from banking, financial, and other activities of the Company. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the future liability, if any, arising out of these matters will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results, or liquidity.


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

None.
PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of EquitySecurities.

MARKET PRICE, HOLDERS AND CASH DIVIDENDS

The shares of the Company’s common stock are listed on the Nasdaq Small Cap Market under the symbol “SHBI”. As of March 1, 2005, the Company had approximately 1,685 holders of record. The high and low sales prices as reported on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market for the shares of the Company’s common stock, as well as the cash dividends declared on those shares, for each quarterly period of 2004 and 2003 are set forth in the table below.

  
2004
 2003 
  Price Range Dividends Price Range Dividends 
  High Low Paid High Low Paid 
First Quarter 
$
39.45
 
$
30.37
 
$
.18
 
$
35.74
 
$
23.60
 
$
.15
 
Second Quarter  
32.72
  
25.15
  
.18
  36.61  28.00  .17 
Third Quarter  
29.70
  
25.25
  
.18
  40.59  29.50  .17 
Fourth Quarter  
37.01
  
29.05
  
.18
  44.00  35.45  .17 
        
$
.72
       
$
.66
 
                    

Stockholders received cash dividends totaling $3,948,218 in 2004 and $3,548,410 in 2003. The ratio of dividends per share to net income per share was 38.71% in 2004, compared to 37.29% in 2003. Cash dividends are typically declared on a quarterly basis and are at the discretion of the Board of Directors, based upon such factors as operating results, financial condition, capital adequacy, regulatory requirements, and stockholder return. The Company’s ability to pay dividends is limited by federal and Maryland law and is generally dependent on the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries, particularly the Banks, to declare dividends to the Company. For more information regarding these limitations, see the Risk Factors attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1 under the heading “The Company’s Ability to Pay Dividends is Limited”.
Stockholders received cash dividends totaling $3,948,218 in 2004 and $3,548,410 in 2003. The ratio of dividends per share to net income per share was 38.71% in 2004, compared to 37.29% in 2003. Cash dividends are typically declared on a quarterly basis and are at the discretion of the Board of Directors, based upon such factors as operating results, financial condition, capital adequacy, regulatory requirements, and stockholder return. The Company’s ability to pay dividends is limited by federal and Maryland law and is generally dependent on the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries, particularly the Banks, to declare dividends to the Company. For more information regarding these limitations, see the Risk Factors attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1 under the heading “The Company’s Ability to Pay Dividends is Limited”.

The transfer agent for the Company’s common stock is:

Registrar & Transfer Company
10 Commerce Drive
Cranford, New Jersey 07016
Investor Relations: 1-800-368-5948
E-mail for investor inquiries:info@rtco.com.

11


EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The Company has three equity compensation plans under which it may issue shares of its common stock to employees, officers, and/or directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. These plans are: (i) the Shore Bancshares, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Stock Option Plan”); the (ii) the Shore Bancshares, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “1998 Stock Purchase Plan”); and (iii) the Talbot Bancshares, Inc. Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Talbot Plan”).

The 1998 Stock Option Plan and the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and its stockholders.In connection with the merger of Talbot Bancshares, Inc. (“Talbot Bancshares”) into the Company in December 2000, the Company assumed options previously granted under, and subject to all terms of, the Talbot Plan. The Company subsequently registered the Talbot Plan with the SEC, and this plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to 114,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (subject to adjustment for capital adjustments, stock dividends, and similar changes in the common stock). The Talbot Plan was previously approved by both the Board of Directors and the stockholders of Talbot Bancshares, but was not approved by the stockholders of the combined companies. Thus, only non-qualified stock options may be granted under the Talbot Plan.

The Talbot Plan is administered by the Personnel Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and will expire on April 9, 2007 unless sooner terminated. Generally, key management employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive option grants. An option granted under the plan vests according to the terms of the related stock option agreements and can generally be exercised for 10 years after grant, unless the Board provides otherwise. The option exercise price will generally be the fair market value of the shares on the date the option is granted. Upon exercise of options granted under the plan, the plan obligates the Company to pay the optionee a tax benefit payment in an amount of U.S. dollars equal to the number of shares as to which the option is being exercised, multiplied by (i) the “tax rate” and (ii) the difference between the per share fair market value at the time of exercise and the per share option price. The tax rate shall be a percentage designated by the Company to result in compensating the optionee for the federal, state and local income tax liability incurred by the optionee by virtue of his exercise of the option and the payment to him of the tax benefit payment. Options are not transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. All unexercised options will lapse upon termination of employment other than because of death, disability or approved retirement. If employment is terminated because of disability or approved retirement, the options will lapse one year or three months after termination, respectively. Upon a “change in control” as defined in the plan, all unexercised options will immediately vest and become exercisable. No options have been granted under the Talbot Plan since the merger with Talbot.

The following table contains information about these equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2004:

Plan Category
 
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
(a)
 
Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights
(b)
 
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in
column (a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)(2)
  
85,225
 
$
14.05
  
74,156
 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (3)
  
0
 
$
0
  
3,491
 
Total
  85,225 
$
14.05
  77,647 

(1)Includes information for the 1998 Stock Option Plan and the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
(2)Columns (a) and (b) of this item also include options assumed by the Company may become involvedunder the Talbot Plan in litigation arising from banking, financial, and other activitiesthe 2000 merger of Talbot Bancshares into the Company. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate thatAs of December 31, 2004, outstanding options assumed in the future liability, if any, arising out of these matters will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results, or liquidity.

-10-



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

        None.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

        Themerger represent 52,203 shares of the Company’s common stock, are listed on the Nasdaq Small Cap Marketwith a weighted-average exercise price of $8.62.

(3)This item covers options under the symbol “SHBI”. As of March 1, 2004,Talbot Plan other than those assumed by the Company had approximately 1,436 holders of record. The high and low sales prices as reported on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market for the shares of the Company’s common stock, as well as the cash dividends declared on those shares, for each quarterly period of 2003 and 2002 are set forth in the table below. These prices reflect inter-dealer prices and may not include retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and they may not represent actual transactions.

2000 merger of Talbot Bancshares into the Company.

 2003 2002 
 Price Range Dividends Price Range Dividends 
 High   Paid High Low Paid 
  
        First Quarter   $35.74  $23.60  $.15  $20.90  $18.20  $.15 
        Second Quarter   36.61  28.00  .17  22.00  19.52  .15 
        Third Quarter   40.59  29.50  .17  22.00  19.55  .15 
        Fourth Quarter   44.00  35.45  .17  23.49  21.50  .15 
          
        
 
                  $.66        $.60 
          
        
 
12

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data.

The following table sets forth certain selected financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2004 and is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information and financial statements, including notes thereto, included elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this annual report. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing in Item 8 of Part II of this report and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing in Item 7 of Part II of this report.

  Years Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except per shares data) 20042003200220012000 
            
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
           
Interest income 
$
38,291
 $34,339 $36,306 $38,938 $39,480 
Interest expense  
9,010
  9,743  12,438  17,061  17,888 
Net interest income  
29,281
  24,596  23,868  21,877  21,592 
Provision for credit losses  
931
  335  356  226  437 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses  
28,350
  24,261  23,512  21,651  21,155 
Noninterest income  
10,224
  9,845  5,968  2,646  3,104 
Noninterest expenses  
22,535
  19,344  15,960  12,026  11,904 
Income before taxes  
16,039
  14,762  13,520  12,271  12,355 
Income taxes  
5,841
  5,266  4,730  4,277  4,398 
NET INCOME
 
$
10,198
 $9,496 $8,790 $7,994 $7,957 
                 
PER SHARE DATA:
                
Net income - basic 
$
1.86
 $1.77 $1.64 $1.50 $1.50 
Net income - diluted  
1.84
  1.74  1.62  1.49  1.48 
Dividends paid  
.72
  .66  .60  .60  .52 
Book value (at year end)  
16.86
  15.47  14.52  13.31  12.21 
Tangible book value (at year end) (1)  
14.29
  14.06  13.08  13.03  11.91 
                 
FINANCIAL CONDITION (at year end):
                
Assets 
$
790,598
 $705,379 $654,066 $582,403 $553,097 
Deposits  
658,672
  592,409  545,192  487,470  464,485 
Total loans, net of unearned income                
and allowance for credit losses  
590,766
  470,895  435,422  388,516  378,307 
Stockholders’ equity  
92,976
  83,527  78,028  70,971  65,024 
                 
PERFORMANCE RATIOS (for the year):
                
Return on average assets  
1.32
%
 1.40% 1.42% 1.42% 1.52%
Return on average stockholders’ equity  
11.17
%
 11.70% 11.79% 11.70% 12.98%
Net interest margin  
4.10
%
 3.91% 4.12% 4.15% 4.40%
Efficiency ratio(2)  
57.04
%
 56.17% 53.49% 49.04% 48.20%
Dividend payout ratio  
38.71
%
 37.29% 36.59% 40.00% 34.66%
Average stockholders’ equity to average total assets  
11.79
%
 11.96% 12.00% 12.16% 11.68%
                 

        Stockholders received dividends totaling $3,548,409 in 2003 and $3,217,282 in 2002. The ratio of dividends per share to net income per share was 37.29% in 2003 compared to 36.6% in 2002. Cash dividends are typically declared on a quarterly basis and are at the discretion of the Board of Directors, based upon such factors as operating results, financial condition, capital adequacy, regulatory requirements, and stockholder return. The Company’s ability to pay dividends is limited by federal and Maryland law and is generally dependent on the ability of the Company’s subsidiaries to declare dividends to the Company. For more information regarding these limitations, see the discussion above in Part I, Item 1 under the caption “Risk Factors—The Company’s Ability to Pay Dividends is Limited”.

        The transfer agent for the Company’s common stock is:


Registrar & Transfer Company
10 Commerce Drive
Cranford, New Jersey 07016
Investor Relations: 1-800-368-5948
E-mail for investor inquiries:info@rtco.com.

-11-



Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

        The following table sets forth certain selected financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2003 and is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information and financial statements, including notes thereto, included elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this annual report. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, which may be found elsewhere in this report.


 Years Ended December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands, except per shares data)2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:                 
Interest income  $34,339 $36,306 $38,938 $39,480 $35,435 
Interest expense   9,743  12,438  17,061  17,888  16,039 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income   24,596  23,868  21,877  21,592  19,396 
Provision for credit losses   335  356  226  437  240 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses   24,261  23,512  21,651  21,155  19,156 
Noninterest income   9,845  5,968  2,646  3,104  2,138 
Noninterest expenses   19,344  15,960  12,026  11,904  10,961 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before taxes   14,761  13,520  12,271  12,355  10,333 
Income taxes   5,266  4,730  4,277  4,398  3,528 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    NET INCOME  $9,496 $8,790 $7,994 $7,957 $6,805 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
PER SHARE DATA:  
Net income - basic  $1.77 $1.64 $1.50 $1.50 $1.28 
Net income - diluted   1.74  1.62  1.49  1.48  1.27 
Dividends paid   .66  .60  .60  .52  .45 
Book value (at year end)   15.47  14.52  13.31  12.21  11.00 
Tangible book value (at year end) (1)   14.06  13.08  13.03  11.91  10.67 
   
FINANCIAL CONDITION (at year end):  
Assets  $705,379 $654,066 $582,403 $553,097 $518,217 
Deposits   592,409  545,192  487,470  464,485  436,021 
Total loans, net of unearned income  
  and allowance for credit losses   470,895  435,422  388,516  378,307  341,800 
Stockholders’ equity   83,527  78,028  70,971  65,024  58,485 
   
PERFORMANCE RATIOS (for the year):  
Return on average assets   1.40% 1.42% 1.42% 1.52% 1.37%
Return on average stockholders’ equity   11.70% 11.79% 11.70% 12.98% 11.85%
Net interest margin   3.91% 4.12% 4.15% 4.40% 4.18%
Efficiency ratio(2)   56.17% 53.49% 49.04% 48.20% 50.90%
Dividend payout ratio   37.29% 36.59% 40.00% 34.66% 35.16%
Average stockholders’ equity to average total assets   11.96% 12.00% 12.16% 11.68% 11.53%

(1)Total stockholders’ equity, net of goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding at year-end.

(2)Noninterest expenses as a percentage of total revenue (net interest income plus total noninterest income). Lower ratios indicate improved productivity.


13


Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion compares the financial condition of the Company at December 31, 2004 to the financial condition at December 31, 2003 and the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto appearing in Item 8 of Part II of this report.

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

The Company recorded a 7.4% increase in net income for 2004 over 2003. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $10,198,000, compared to $9,496,000 and $8,790,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Basic net income per share for 2004 was $1.86, an increase of 5.1% over 2003. Basic net income per share was $1.77 and $1.64 for 2003 and 2002, respectively. Diluted net income per share for 2004 was $1.84, an increase of 5.7% over 2003. Diluted net income per share was $1.74 and $1.62 for 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Return on average assets was 1.32% for 2004, compared to 1.40% for 2003 and 1.42% for 2002. Return on stockholders’ equity for 2004 was 11.17%, compared to 11.70% for 2003 and 11.79% for 2002. When compared to 2003, average assets increased 14.2% totaling $774,880,000, average loans increased 21.4% totaling $555,259,000, average deposits increased 14.1% totaling $648,145,000, and average stockholders’ equity increased 12.5% totaling $91,326,000 for the year ended December 31, 2004.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On February 15, 2005, in furtherance of the Company’s acquisition of all of the assets of The Avon-Dixon Agency, Inc. on May 1, 2002, the Company made a $2.8 million deferred payment (earn-out) to The Avon-Dixon Agency, Inc. The deferred payment was required by the acquisition agreement and was based on the acquired business’ satisfaction of certain performance criteria through December 31, 2004. As a result of this payment, the Company recorded $2.8 million in Goodwill on December 31, 2004. For further information about acquisition-related Goodwill recognized during 2004, see Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industries in which it operates. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions, and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment write-down or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.

The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this financial review, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the determination of the allowance for credit losses to be the accounting area that requires the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

14



The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the consolidated balance sheets. Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements describes the methodology used to determine the allowance for credit losses and a discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for credit losses is included in the Credit Risk Management section of this financial review.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS

Note 1 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements discusses new accounting policies adopted by the Company during 2004 and the expected impact of accounting policies recently issued or proposed but not yet required to be adopted. To the extent the adoption of new accounting standards materially affects the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity, the impacts are discussed in the applicable section(s) of this financial review and notes to the consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income remains the most significant component of the Company’s earnings. It is the excess of interest and fees earned on loans, federal funds sold, and investment securities, over interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Tax equivalent net interest income for 2004 was $29,624,000, representing an 18.6% increase over 2003. Tax equivalent net interest income for 2003 was $24,987,000, a 3.3% increase over 2002. Increased interest income and a reduction in interest expense was the reason for the increased net interest income in 2004. Interest income declined in 2003, but a greater overall reduction of interest expense during that year resulted in an increase in net interest income over 2002. The tax equivalent yield on earning assets was 5.35% for 2004, compared to 5.44% and 6.24% for 2003 and 2002, respectively.

In June of 2004, the FRB began to increase short-term interest rates, but these increases were not enough to increase the overall yields on earning assets that resulted from previous rate reductions. Short-term rates were reduced by 25 basis points in 2003, 50 basis points in 2002, and a record setting eleven reductions totaling 475 basis points in 2001. The federal funds rate was 2.25% at December 31, 2004, compared to 1.0% and 1.25% at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and the New York Prime rate was 5.25% at December 31, 2004, compared to 4.0% and 4.25% at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The rate paid for interest bearing liabilities declined 33 basis points in 2004, from 1.88% for the year ended December 31, 2003 to 1.55% for the year ended December 31, 2004. The average balance of earning assets increased during 2004 totaling $722,490,000, compared to $638,271,000 for 2003. On a tax equivalent basis, net interest income for 2004 was $29,624,000, compared to $24,987,000 for 2003 and $24,184,000 for 2002, representing an increase of 18.6% and 3.3% for 2004 and 2003, respectively.


15


The following table sets forth the major components of net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002.


  
(Dollars in thousands) 
2004
2003 2002 
  Average Interest Yield/ Average Interest Yield/ Average Interest Yield/ 
Balance(1)RateBalance(1)RateBalance(1)Rate 
                    
Earning Assets:                   
Investment securities:                   
Taxable 
$
126,835
 
$
4,359
  
3.44
%
$118,104 $4,332  3.67% 115,012 $5,641  4.91%
Non-taxable  
15,593
  
909
  
5.83
  14,739  914  6.20  11,058  733  6.63 
Loans (2)(3)  
555,259
  
33,065
  
5.95
  457,491  28,981  6.33  423,771  29,646  7.00 
Interest bearing deposits  
4,737
  
46
  
.98
  19,602  202  1.03  9,849  149  1.52 
Federal funds sold  
20,066
  
255
  
1.27
  28,335  301  1.06  27,410  453  1.65 
Total earning assets  
722,490
  
38,634
  
5.35
%
 638,271  34,730  5.44% 587,100  36,622  6.24%
Cash and due from banks  
23,190
        18,436        16,757       
Other assets  
33,685
        26,130        21,550       
Allowance for credit losses  
(4,485
)
       (4,190)       (4,266)      
Total assets 
$
774,880
       $678,647       $621,141       
Interest bearing liabilities:                            
Demand 
$
110,614
 
$
409
  
.37
%
$101,227 $504  .50% 91,939 $762  .83%
Savings  
195,842
  
1,394
  
.71
  153,721  1,388  .90  126,947  1,809  1.43 
Certificates of deposit$100,000 or more
  
86,450
  
2,346
  
2.71
  91,194  2,503  2.74  87,761  3,032  3.45 
Other time  
159,612
  
4,393
  
2.75
  145,035  4,918  3.39  145,539  6,340  4.36 
Interest bearing deposits  
552,518
  
8,542
  
1.55
  491,177  9,313  1.90  452,186  11,943  2.64 
Short-term borrowings  
25,590
  
215
  
0.84
  23,071  178  0.77  20,986  243  1.16 
Long-term debt  
5,000
  
253
  
5.05
  5,000  252  5.04  5,000  252  5.04 
Total interest bearingliabilities
  
583,108
  
9,010
  
1.55
%
 519,248  9,743  1.88% 478,172  12,438  2.60%
Noninterest bearing deposits  
95,627
        73,910        65,067       
Other liabilities  
4,819
        4,308        3,357       
Stockholders’ equity  
91,326
        81,181        74,545       
Total liabilities andstockholders’ equity
 
$
774,880
       $678,647       $621,141       
Net interest spread    
$
29,624
  
3.80
%
   $24,987  3.56%   $24,184  3.64%
Net interest margin        
4.10
%
       3.91%       4.12%
                             

-12-


(1)

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion compares the financial condition of the Company at December 31, 2003 to the financial condition at December 31, 2002 and the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this report.

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

        The Company recorded an 8% increase in net income for 2003 over 2002. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2003 was $9,496,000, compared to $8,790,000 and $7,994,000 for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Basic net income per share for 2003 was $1.77, an increase of 7.9% over 2002. Basic net income per share was $1.64 and $1.50 for 2002 and 2001, respectively. Diluted net income per share was $1.74, an increase of 7.4% over 2002. Diluted net income per share was $1.62 and $1.49 for 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        Return on average assets was 1.40% for 2003, compared to 1.42% for 2002 and 2001. Return on stockholders’ equity for 2003 was 11.70% compared to 11.79% for 2002 and 11.70% for 2001. Average assets increased 9.3% totaling $678,647,000, average loans increased 8.0% totaling $457,491,000, average deposits increased 9.2% totaling $565,087,000 and average stockholders’ equity increased 8.9% totaling $81,181,000 for the year ended December 31, 2003, when compared to 2002.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

        As previously disclosed in documents filed with the SEC, the Company executed a definitive merger agreement with Midstate Bancorp on November 12, 2003. This merger is subject to regulatory approval, the satisfaction of various conditions set forth in the merger agreement, and the approval of the stockholders of Midstate Bancorp, the meeting for which is scheduled to be held on March 16, 2004. There is no guarantee that the merger will be approved or consummated. If the merger is consummated, the Company will acquire Felton Bank, which will operate as an independent bank subsidiary of the Company. Felton Bank’s integration into the Company, and its future growth and profitability, will likely impact the Company’s growth and profitability.

        The regulations of the FRB require the depository institutions owned by a financial holding company to be and remain, among other things, “well managed”. A financial holding company that fails to meet this requirement is prohibited from engaging in any further financial activities without prior approval and must enter into an agreement with the FRB to address compliance. During this corrective period, the FRB may impose any conditions and restrictions on the business of the financial holding company that it deems appropriate. If the financial holding company is unable to comply with the well managed requirement within 180 days after falling out of compliance, then it may be required to divest its interest in one or more of its depository institutions. As of the date of this report, Felton Bank does not meet this requirement.

        Management is working with the FRB to address Felton Bank’s management deficiencies after the proposed merger. Although management believes that it will correct the deficiencies within 180 days after the effective date of the proposed merger, there can be no guarantee that it will meet this timeline. If the Company is not able to correct the deficiency within 180 days after the proposed merger, then the financial activities of its subsidiaries, including insurance producer activities, may be restricted or prohibited and the Company may be required to either divest itself of Felton Bank, merge Felton Bank into one of its other depository institutions, or otherwise restructure its operations. It is not possible to predict the impact that any of these steps would have on the business, financial performance, or profitability of the Company and its subsidiaries.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industries in which it operates. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions, and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment write-down or valuation reserve to be established, or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility. The fair values and the information used to record valuation adjustments for certain assets and liabilities are based either on quoted market prices or are provided by other third-party sources, when available.

-13-



        The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the other financial statement notes and in this financial review, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified the determination of the allowance for credit losses to be the accounting area that requires the most subjective or complex judgments, and as such could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.

        The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses is considered a critical accounting estimate because it requires significant judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends and conditions, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. The loan portfolio also represents the largest asset type on the consolidated balance sheets. Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements describes the methodology used to determine the allowance for credit losses and a discussion of the factors driving changes in the amount of the allowance for credit losses is included in the Credit Risk Management section of this financial review.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS

        Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements discusses new accounting policies adopted by the Company during 2003 and the expected impact of accounting policies recently issued or proposed but not yet required to be adopted. To the extent the adoption of new accounting standards materially affects the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity, the impacts are discussed in the applicable section(s) of this financial review and notes to the consolidated financial statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

        Net interest income remains the most significant component of the Company’s earnings. It is the excess of interest and fees earned on loans, federal funds sold, and investment securities, over interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Net interest income for 2003 was $24,596,000, representing a 3% increase over 2002. Net interest income increased 9% in 2002 compared to 2001, resulting in net interest income of $23,868,000. A reduction in interest expense was the reason for the increased net interest income in both 2003 and 2002. The tax equivalent yield on earning assets was 5.44% for 2003, compared to 6.24% and 7.35% for 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        Again in 2003, the Federal Reserve reduced short-term interest rates by 25 basis points. One rate reduction of 50 basis points occurred in 2002, and a record setting eleven reductions totaling 475 basis points were taken in 2001. The federal funds rate was 1.0% at December 31, 2003 and the New York Prime rate was 4.0%.

        The rate paid for interest bearing liabilities declined 72 basis points from 2.60% for the year ended December 31, 2002 to 1.88% for the year ended December 31, 2003. The average balance of earning assets increased during 2003, totaling $638,271,000, compared to $587,100,000 for 2002. On a tax equivalent basis, net interest income for 2003 was $24,987,000, compared to $24,184,000 for 2002 and $22,191,000 for 2001, representing an increase of 3.3% and 9.0% for 2003 and 2002, respectively.

-14-



        The following table sets forth the major components of net interest income, on a tax equivalent basis, as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.



(Dollars in thousands)2003 2002 2001 

 Average
Balance
 Interest
(1)
 Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest
(1)
 Yield/
Rate
 Average
Balance
 Interest
(1)
 Yield/
Rate
 

Earning Assets:                             
   Investment securities:  
     Taxable  $118,104 $4,332  3.67%$115,012 $5,641  4.91% 104,547 $5,977  5.72%
     Non-taxable   14,739  914  6.20  11,058  733  6.63  9,892  673  6.80 
   Loans (2)(3)   457,491  28,981  6.33  423,771  29,646  7.00  386,161  31,320  8.11 
   Interest bearing deposits   19,602  202  1.03  9,849  149  1.52  10,701  370  3.46 
   Federal funds sold   28,335  301  1.06  27,410  453  1.65  22,923  912  3.98 
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   Total earning assets   638,271  34,730  5.44% 587,100  36,622  6.24% 534,224  39,252  7.35%
     
      
      
    
Cash and due from banks   18,436        16,757        14,815       
Other assets   26,130        21,550        17,240       
Allowance for credit losses   (4,190)       (4,266)       (4,253)      
   
      
      
      
Total assets  $678,647       $621,141       $562,026       
   
      
      
      
Interest bearing liabilities:  
   Demand  $101,227 $504  .50%$91,939 $762  .83% 86,100 $1,494  1.74%
   Savings   153,721  1,388  .90  126,947  1,809  1.43  99,259  2,409  2.43 
   Certificates of deposit  
     $100,000 or more   91,194  2,503  2.74  87,761  3,032  3.45  76,580  4,026  5.26 
   Other time   145,035  4,918  3.39  145,539  6,340  4.36  148,706  8,307  5.59 
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   Interest bearing deposits   491,177  9,313  1.90  452,186  11,943  2.64  410,645  16,236  3.95 
   Short-term borrowings   23,071  178  0.77  20,986  243  1.16  19,315  554  2.87 
   Long-term debt   5,000  252  5.04  5,000  252  5.04  5,000  271  5.42 
   
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   Total interest bearing  
   liabilities   519,248  9,743  1.88% 478,172  12,438  2.60% 434,960  17,061  3.92%
     
      
  
   
  
 
Noninterest bearing deposits   73,910        65,067        56,127       
Other liabilities   4,308        3,357        2,607       
Stockholders’ equity   81,181        74,545        68,332       
   
      
      
      
Total liabilities and  
   stockholders’ equity  $678,647       $621,141       $562,026       
   
      
      
      
Net interest spread     $24,987  3.56%   $24,184  3.64%   $22,191  3.43%
     
      
      
    
Net interest margin         3.91%       4.12%       4.15%

(1) All amounts are reported on a tax equivalent basis computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% exclusive of the alternative minimum tax rate and nondeductible interest expense. The taxable equivalent adjustment amounts utilized in the above table to compute yields aggregated $343 in 2004, $392 in 2003, and $316 in 2002, and $314 in 2001.

2002.

(2)Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans.

(3)Interest income on loans includes amortized loan fees, net of costs, for each category and yields are stated to include all.

        The Company’s tax equivalent yield on loans continued to decline in 2003 as new loans and loans refinanced with the Company were recorded at lower rates than the year before. Increased volume of loans during both 2003 and 2002 was not enough to offset the effects of declining interest rates. The lower overall yield on loans was the primary reason for a $1,892,000 decline in total interest income in 2003. Interest income totaled $34,730,000 for 2003 compared to $36,622,000 for 2002 and $39,252,000 for 2001. Lower yields on taxable investment securities and loans accounted for a decline in interest income of $1,421,000 and $2,785,000, respectively, in 2003 compared to 2002. Increased loan volume generated an additional $2,120,000 of interest income, which was not enough to offset the lower yields.

        Growth in the average balance of earning assets was $51,171,000 or 8.7% for the year ended December 31, 2003. Average loans increased $33,720,000 or 8.0%, totaling $457,491,000, compared to an increase of $37,610,000 or 9.7% during 2002. The average balance of investment securities increased $6,773,000 and federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits in other banks increased $10,678,000. In 2002, the average balance of earning assets increased $52,876,000 or 9.9%, driven primarily by growth in interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold, with lower overall yields than other earning assets. As a percentage of total average earning assets, loans and investment securities totaled 71.7% and 20.8%, respectively, for 2003, compared to 72.2% and 21.5%, respectively, for 2002.

-15-



The Company’s tax equivalent yield on loans continued to decline in 2004 as new loans and loans refinanced with the Company were recorded at lower rates than the year before. An increased volume of loans during 2004 resulted in an increase in interest income for the year when compared to 2003, when the effect of declining rates was much greater than the impact of loan volume on the resultant interest income. In 2004, the increased volume of loans generated $5,866,000 in additional interest income, which was offset by a $1,782,000 decline in interest income due to the reduced yields. Tax equivalent interest income totaled $38,634,000 for 2004, compared to $34,730,000 for 2003 and $36,622,000 for 2002. The primary reason for a $1,892,000 decline in total interest income in 2003 was lower overall yields on loans and other earning assets, which caused interest income declines of $1,421,000 and $2,785,000 for taxable investment securities and loans, respectively, when compared to 2002.

Growth in the average balance of earning assets was $84,219,000 or 13.2% for the year ended December 31, 2004. Average loans increased $33,720,000, or 8.0%, totaling $457,491,000 at December 31, 2004, compared to an increase of $37,610,000, or 9.7%, during 2002. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the average balance of investment securities increased $9,585,000 and federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits in other banks declined $23,134,000 when compared to 2003. In 2003, the average balance of earning assets increased $51,171,000, or 8.7%, when compared to 2002, driven primarily by growth in interest bearing deposits and federal funds sold, with lower overall yields than other earning assets. As a percentage of total average earning assets, loans and investment securities totaled 76.9% and 19.7%, respectively, for 2004, compared to 71.7% and 20.8%, respectively, for 2003.

16

The following Rate/Volume Variance Analysis identifies the portion of the changes in tax equivalent net interest income, which are attributable to changes in volume of average balances or to changes in the yield on earning assets and rates paid on interest bearing liabilities.

  
2004 over (under) 2003
 2003 over (under) 2002 
  
Total
 
Caused By
 Total Caused By 
(Dollars in thousands)
Variance
 
Rate
 
Volume
VarianceRateVolume 
              
Interest income from earning assets:             
Interest Bearing Deposits 
$
(156
)
$
(15
)
$
(141
)
$53 $(95)$148 
Federal funds sold  
(46
)
 
63
  
(109
)
 (152) (161) 9 
Taxable investment securities  
27
  
(281
)
 
308
  (1,309) (1,421) 112 
Non-taxable investment securities  
(5
)
 
(55
)
 
50
  181  (52) 233 
Loans  
4,084
  
(1,782
)
 
5,866
  (665) (2,785) 2,120 
Total interest income  
3,904
  
(2,070
)
 
5,974
  (1,892) (4,514) 2,622 
                    
Interest expense on deposits                   
and borrowed funds:                   
Interest bearing demand  
(95
)
 
(131
)
 
36
  (258) (307) 49 
Savings deposits  
6
  
(321
)
 
327
  (421) (697) 276 
Time deposits  
(682
)
 
(962
)
 
280
  (1,951) (2,030) 79 
Short-term borrowings  
37
  
14
  
23
  (65) (88) 23 
Long term debt  
1
  
-
  
1
  -  -  - 
Total interest expense  
(733
)
 
(1,400
)
 
667
  (2,695) (3,122) 427 
Net interest income 
$
4,637
 
$
(670
)
$
5,307
 $803 $(1,392)$2,195 
                    
The rate and volume variance for each category has been allocated on a consistent basis between rate and volume variances, based on a percentage of rate, or volume, variance to the sum of the absolute two variances.

The Company’s net interest margin (its tax equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets) represents the net yield on earning assets. The net interest margin is managed through loan and deposit pricing and assets/liability strategies. The Company’s net interest margin increased 19 basis points for 2004 to 4.10%, from 3.91% for 2003, compared to a 21 basis point decline for 2003. The Company’s net interest spread, which is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the rate paid for interest bearing liabilities, increased from 3.56% for 2003 to 3.80% for 2004.

Interest expense for 2004 decreased $733,000 when compared to 2003. Lower rates accounted for a $1,400,000 reduction in interest expense, while the increased volume of deposits and other interest bearing liabilities generated additional interest expense of $667,000 for 2004. The average rate paid for certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more remained substantially unchanged, however the rate paid for all other time deposits decreased by 64 basis points. Average interest bearing demand deposits increased $9,387,000 during the year, and the rate paid for those deposits decreased 13 basis points to .37%, compared to .50% for 2003 and ..83% for 2002. The rate paid for short-term borrowings, which consist primarily of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, increased to .84% in 2004 from .77% in 2003.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income increased $379,000 or 3.8% in 2004, compared to an increase of $3,877,000 or 65% in 2003. Service charges on deposits increased $541,000 during 2004. This increase resulted primarily from new and enhanced overdraft products offered to customers, which generated approximately $330,000 of the increase, and operations of the Felton Bank, which contributed $139,000 toward the increase. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $14,000 and $38,000 for 2003 and 2002, respectively. Other service charges and fees increased $522,000 in 2004 as a result of increased letter of credit fees ($94,000), increases in interchange income relating to bank debit and ATM cards ($232,000), an agency management fee received by one of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries ($67,000) and fee income generated by the Felton Bank ($79,000). In 2003, other service charges and fees increased $66,000 or 11.3% when compared to 2002. The Insurance Subsidiaries generated income of $6,383,000, an increase of $346,000 over 2003 (the first full year of operations since being acquired in April 2002). Insurance commission income for the eight months ended December 31, 2002 was $2,872,000. The Company recognized $41,000 in gains on sales of securities in 2004, compared to $448,000 in 2003. These gains were offset by other-than temporary impairment adjustments of $657,500 and $131,000 in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Other-than-temporary impairment adjustments related to certain Freddie Mac preferred stocks and a U.S. Government bond fund owned by the Company in 2004 and 2003, respectively. Other noninterest income decreased $87,000 in 2004, compared to an increase of $345,000 or 64.7% in 2003. The 2003 increase resulted primarily from income generated from the sale of loans on the secondary market totaling $465,000. Mortgage loans that are to be sold in the secondary market are not generally funded by the Company, but the Company receives a commission upon settlement.

17

The following table summarizes noninterest income of the Company for the years ended December 31:

  Years Ended Change from Prior Year 
        
2004/03
 2003/02 
(Dollars in thousands)
2004
20032002
Amount
 
Percent
AmountPercent 
                
Service charges on deposit accounts 
$
2,470
 $1,929 $1,915 
$
541
  
28.1
%
$14  0.7%
Other service charges and fees  
1,170
  648  582  
522
  
80.4
  66  11.3 
Gain on sale of securities  
41
  448  26  
(407
)
 
(90.8
)
 422  1,623.1 
Other than temporary impairment of securities  
(657
)
 (132) -  
(525
)
 
398.1
  (132) (100.0)
Earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries  
26
  37  40  
(11
)
 
(29.2
)
 (3) 7.5 
Insurance agency commissions  
6,383
  6,037  2,872  
346
  
5.7
  3,165  110.2 
Other noninterest income  
791
  878  533  
(87
)
 
(9.9
)
 345  64.7 
Total 
$
10,224
 $9,845 $5,968 
$
379
  
3.8
%
$3,877  65.0%

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expense increased $3,190,000 or 16.5% in 2004, compared to an increase of $3,384,000 or 21.2% in 2003. A significant portion of the overall increase is attributable to the Felton Bank, which was acquired in 2004. Expenses relating to the Felton Bank were: $805,000 in salaries and employee benefits; $171,000 in occupancy and equipment; $85,000 in data processing; $6,000 in directors’ fees; $91,000 in amortization of intangibles; and $270,000 in other noninterest expense. As in 2003, new bank branches were opened in 2004 and the Company experienced increases in all categories of noninterest expense resulting from overall growth. In 2003, the increase in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to the operation of the Insurance Subsidiaries. Expenses related to the operation of the Insurance Subsidiaries in 2003 were: $3,737,000 in salaries and employee benefits; $443,000 in occupancy and equipment expenses; $829,000 in other noninterest expense. For the eight-month period of 2002 during which the Insurance Subsidiaries were operational, noninterest expenses were: $1,949,000 in salaries and employee benefits; $249,000 in occupancy and equipment expense; and $457,000 in other noninterest expense. Salaries attributable to the Insurance Subsidiaries are based in large part on insurance commissions, and, accordingly, these salaries fluctuate with premium revenue fluctuations. Amortization of other intangible assets relate to the Felton Bank and the operation of the Insurance Subsidiaries. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impact of goodwill and other intangible assets on the financial statements. The Company had 268 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2004, compared to 231 and 222 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The following table summarizes noninterest expense of the Company for the years ended December 31:

  Years Ended Change from Prior Year 
        
2004/03
 
2003/02
 
(Dollars in thousands) 
2004
 2003 2002 
Amount
 
Percent
 Amount Percent 
                
Salaries and employee benefits 
$
13,760
 
$
12,243
 
$
9,573
 
$
1,517
  12.4%
$
2,670
  27.9%
Occupancy and equipment  
2,427
  2,034  1,758  
393
  
19.3
  276  15.7 
Data processing  
1,310
  955  889  
355
  
37.1
  66  7.4 
Directors’ fees  
553
  569  472  (16) (2.8) 97  20.6 
Amortization of other intangible assets  
306
  216  129  
90
  
42.1
  87  67.4 
Other operating expenses  
4,178
  3,327  3,139  
851
  
25.6
  188  6.0 
Total 
$
22,534
 
$
19,344
 
$
15,960
 
$
3,190
  16.5%
$
3,384
  21.2%
                       
Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $5,841,000 for 2004, compared to $5,266,000 for 2003 and $4,730,000 for 2002. The effective tax rates on earnings during these three years were 36.4%, 35.7% and 35.0%, respectively.

18


REVIEW OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Asset and liability composition, asset quality, capital resources, liquidity, market risk and interest sensitivity are all factors that affect the Company’s financial condition.

Assets

Total assets increased 12.1% to $790,598,000 at December 31, 2004, compared to an increase of 7.8% for 2003. Average total assets at December 31, 2004 were $774,880,000, an increase of 14.2% over 2003. Average total assets increased 9.3% in 2003, totaling $678,647,000 for the year. The loan portfolio represents 76.9% of average earning assets and is the primary source of income for the Company.

Funding for loans is provided primarily by core deposits and short-term borrowings. Total deposits increased 11.2% to $658,672,000 at December 31, 2004, compared to an 8.7% increase for 2003.

The following table sets forth the average balance of the components of average earning assets as a percentage of total average earning assets as of December 31.

  
2004
 2003 2002 2001 2000 
Investment securities  
19.71
%
 20.81% 21.47% 21.42% 24.25%
Loans  
76.85
  71.68  72.18  72.28  73.66 
Interest bearing depositswith other banks
  
.66
  3.07  1.68  2.00  -- 
Federal funds sold  
2.78
  4.44  4.67  4.30  2.09 
   
100.00
%
 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
                 
Interest Bearing Deposits With Other Banks and Federal Funds Sold

The Company invests excess cash balances in interest bearing accounts and federal funds sold offered by its correspondent banks. These liquid investments are maintained at a level necessary to meet the immediate liquidity needs of the Company. The average balance of interest bearing deposits with other banks and federal funds sold declined $23,134,000 to $24,803,000 during 2004 with the proceeds used to fund loan growth during the year. In 2003, the average balance increased $10,678,000 to $47,937,000.

Investment Securities

The investment portfolio is structured to provide liquidity for the Company and also plays an important role in the overall management of interest rate risk. Investment securities in the held to maturity category are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. The Company intends and has current ability to hold such securities until maturity. Investment securities available for sale are stated at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices. They represent securities which may be sold as part of the Company’s asset/liability strategy or which may be sold in response to changing interest rates. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on these securities are reported net of related income taxes as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity. During 2003 and again in 2004, the Company recognized losses on securities in the amount of $657,500 and $131,394, respectively, due to declines that were determined to be other than temporary. At December 31, 2004, the Company had classified 87% of the portfolio as available for sale and 13% as held to maturity, compared to 90% and 10%, respectively, at December 31, 2003. The percentage of securities designated as available for sale reflects the amount needed to support the anticipated growth and liquidity needs of the Company. With the exception of municipal securities, it is the general practice of the Company to classify all newly purchased securities as available for sale.

At December 31, 2004, investment securities available for sale were $103,434,000, compared to $144,368,000 at December 31, 2003, which represents a decrease of $40,934,000 or 28.4%. The decline was primarily the result of a $29,795,000 decrease in investments in U.S. Government Agency bonds, which totaled $74,469,000 or 72% of the total available for sale portfolio. At December 31, 2003, U.S. Government Agency securities totaled $104,264,000 or 72.2% of the available for sale portfolio. Mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2004 and 2003 totaled $24,413,000 and $30,595,000, respectively, or 23.6% and 21.2% of the available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. During 2004, proceeds from matured or called bond, which were not used as a funding source for loan growth, were typically reinvested in U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities less than 5 years. Earnings on certain U.S. Government Agency Bonds are exempt from state income tax, producing higher effective returns without affecting the overall credit risk and liquidity of the portfolio. Investment securities held to maturity, consisting primarily of tax-exempt municipal bonds, totaled $15,313,000 at December 31, 2004, compared to $13,124,000 at December 31, 2003. The Company does not typically invest in structured notes or other derivative securities.

19

The following table sets forth the maturities and weighted average yields of the investment portfolio as ofDecember 31, 2004.

  1 Year or Less 1-5 Years 5-10 Years Over 10 Years 
  Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average 
(Dollars in thousand)AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield 
                  
Held to Maturity:                 
Obligations of states and                 
political subdivisions (1) 
$
1,010
  4.29%
$
4,566
  3.64%
$
7,130
  3.97%
$
2,952
  
3.60
%
Mortgage backed securities  4  8.81% -  -  -  -  -  - 
Total Held to Maturity 
$
1,014
  4.29%
$
4,566
  3.64%
$
7,130
  3.97%
$
2,952
  3.60%
Available for Sale:                 
U.S. government agencies $7,491  2.26%$63,968  3.14%$3,010  4.10%$-  -%
Mortgage backed securities  656  4.57  15,037  3.67  2,050  4.55  6,670  4.37 
Equity securities  -  -  - -  -  -  4,552  3.20    
Total Available for Sale $8,147  2.27%$79,005  3.42%$5,060  4.23%$11,222  3.51%

        The following Rate/Volume Variance Analysis identifies the portion of the changes in net interest income, which are attributable to changes in volume of average balances or to changes in the yield on earning assets and rates paid on interest bearing liabilities.

(1)

 2003 over (under) 2002
 2002 over (under) 2001
 
 Total Caused By
 Total Caused By
 
(Dollars in thousands)Variance Rate Volume Variance Rate Volume 

Interest income from earning assets:                    
     Interest Bearing Deposits  $53 $(95)$148 $(221)$(209)$(12)
     Federal funds sold   (152) (161) 9  (459) (554) 95 
     Taxable investment securities   (1,309) (1,421) 112  (336) (858) 522 
     Non-taxable investment securities   181  (52) 233  60  (17) 77 
     Loans   (665) (2,785) 2,120  (1,674) (4,328) 2,654 

Total interest income   (1,892) (4,514) 2,622  (2,630) (5,966) 3,336 

Interest expense on deposits  
  and borrowed funds:  
     Interest bearing demand   (258) (307) 49  (732) (784) 52 
     Savings deposits   (421) (697) 276  (600) (1,069) 469 
     Time deposits   (1,951) (2,030) 79  (2,961) (3,267) 306 
     Short-term borrowings   (65) (88) 23  (311) (349) 38 
     Long term debt         (19) (19)  

Total interest expense   (2,695) (3,122) 427  (4,623) (5,488) 865 

Net interest income  $803 $(1,392)$2,195 $1,993 $(478)$2,471 


The rate and volume variance for each category has been allocated on a consistent basis between rate and volume variances, based on a percentage of rate, or volume, variance to the sum of the absolute two variances.

        The Company’s net interest margin (its tax equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets) represents the net yield on earning assets. The net interest margin is managed through loan and deposit pricing and assets/liability strategies. The Company’s net interest margin declined 21 basis points for 2003, from 4.12% to 3.91%, compared to a 3 basis point decline for 2002. The Company’s net interest spread, which is the difference between the average yield on earning assets and the rate paid for interest bearing liabilities, declined from 3.64% in 2002 to 3.56% for 2003.

        Interest expense for 2003 decreased $2,695,000 over interest expense for 2002. Lower rates accounted for a $3,122,000 reduction in interest expense, while the increased volume of deposits and other interest bearing liabilities generated additional interest expense of $427,000 for 2003. The average rate paid for certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more decreased 71 basis points, and for all other time deposits the decrease was 97 basis points. Average interest bearing demand deposits increased $9,288,000 during the year, and the rate paid for those deposits decreased 33 basis points to .50%, compared to .83% for 2002 and 1.74% for 2001. The rate paid for short-term borrowings, which consist primarily of securities sold under agreements to repurchase, decreased 39 basis points to .77%, compared to 1.16% in 2002. The rate paid on the Company’s long-term debt was 5.04% for 2003 and 2002 compared to 5.42% for 2001.

Noninterest Income

        Noninterest income increased $3,877,000 or 65.0% in 2003, compared to an increase of $3,322,000 or 125.5% in 2002. The Insurance Subsidiaries, which were acquired in 2002, reported their first full year of operations in 2003, and insurance commission increases represented $3,165,000 and $2,872,000 of the overall increase for 2003 and 2002, respectively. Service charges on deposit accounts increased $14,000 and $38,000 for 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company recognized $448,000 in gains on sales of securities in 2003, an increase of $422,000 over 2002. These gains were offset by an other-than temporary impairment adjustment of $132,000 in 2003 relating to a U.S. Government bond fund. Other service charges and fees increased $66,000 or 11.3%. Other noninterest income increased $345,000 or 64.7% in 2003 primarily as a result of income generated from the sale of loans on the secondary market totaling $465,000. Mortgage loans that are to be sold in the secondary market are not generally funded by the Company, but the Company receives a commission upon settlement.

-16-



        The following table summarizes noninterest income of the Company as of December 31:


 Years Ended
 Change from Prior Year
 
 2003/02
 2002/01
 
(Dollars in thousands)2003 2002 2001 Amount Percent Amount Percent 

Service charges on deposit accounts  $1,929 $1,915 $1,877 $14  .7%$38  2.0%
Other service charges and fees   648  582  371  66  11.3  211  56.9 
Gain on sale of securities   448  26  10  422  1,623.1% 16  160.0 
Other than temporary impairment of securities   (132)     (132) (100.0)    
Earnings from unconsolidated subsidiaries   37  40  29  (3) 7.5  11  37.9 
Insurance agency commissions   6,037  2,872    3,165  110.2  2872  100.0 
Other noninterest income   878  533  359  345  64.7  174  48.5 

Total  $9,845 $5,968 $2,646 $3,877  65.0%$3,322  125.5%


Noninterest Expense

        Total noninterest expense increased $3,384,000 or 21.2% in 2003, compared to an increase of $3,934,000 or 32.7% in 2002. The increase is primarily attributable to the operation of the Insurance Subsidiaries. Expenses related to the operation of the Insurance Subsidiaries in 2003 were: $3,737,000 in salaries and employee benefits; $443,000 in occupancy and equipment expenses; $829,000 in other noninterest expense; compared to the following amounts for the eight months during 2002: $1,949,000 in salaries and employee benefits; $249,000 in occupancy and equipment expense; and $457,000 in other noninterest expense. Amortization of other intangible assets totaling $209,000 and $122,000 for 2003 and 2002, respectively, is attributable to the operation of the Insurance Subsidiaries. A significant portion of the salaries attributable to the Insurance Subsidiaries is based on commissions and fluctuates in accordance with premium revenue fluctuations. See Note 8 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding the impact of goodwill and other intangible assets on the financial statements. The additional amount of increases in each category of noninterest expense are attributable to the operation of a new Centreville National Bank branch that opened in 2003, as well as general increased costs of operations. The Company had 231 full-time equivalent employees at December 31, 2003, compared to 222 and 163 at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

        The following table summarizes noninterest expense of the Company as of December 31:


Years Ended
 Change from Prior Year
 
 2003/02
 2002/01
 
(Dollars in thousands)2003 2002 2001 Amount Percent Amount Percent 

Salaries and employee benefits  $12,243 $9,573 $6,725 $2,670  27.9%$2,848  42.3%
Occupancy and equipment   2,034  1,758  1,512  276  15.7  246  16.3 
Data processing   955  889  859  66  7.4  30  3.5 
Directors’ fees   569  472  418  97  20.6  54  12.9 
Amortization of goodwill   0  0  140      (140) (100.0)
Amortization of other intangible assets   216  129  7  87  67.4  (122)  
Other operating expenses   3,327  3,139  2,365  188  6.0  774  32.7 

Total  $19,344 $15,960 $12,026 $3,384  21.2%$3,934  32.7%


Income Taxes

        Income tax expense was $5,266,000 for 2003, compared to $4,730,000 for 2002 and $4,277,000 for 2001. The effective tax rates on earnings were 35.7%, 35.0% and 34.9%, respectively.

-17-



REVIEW OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

        Asset and liability composition, asset quality, capital resources, liquidity, market risk and interest sensitivity are all factors which affect the Company’s financial condition.

Assets

        Total assets increased 7.8% to $705,379,000 at December 31, 2003, compared to an increase of 12.3% for 2002. Average total assets were $678,647,000, an increase of 9.3% in 2003. Average total assets increased 10.5% in 2002, totaling $621,141,000 for the year. The loan portfolio represents 71.7% of average earning assets and is the primary source of income for the Company.

        Funding for loans is provided primarily by core deposits and short-term borrowings. Total deposits increased 8.7% to $592,409,000 at December 31, 2003, compared to an 11.8% increase for 2002.

        The following table sets forth the average balance of the components of average earning assets as a percentage of total average earning assets as of December 31.


 2003
 2002
 2001
 2000
 1999
 
Investment securities   20.81% 21.47% 21.42% 24.25% 27.23%
Loans   71.68  72.18  72.28  73.66  68.62 
Interest bearing deposits  
  with other Banks   3.07  1.68  2.00     
Federal funds sold   4.44  4.67  4.30  2.09  4.15 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
 
 
 
 
 
 

Interest Bearing Deposits With Other Banks and Federal Funds Sold

        The Company invests excess cash balances in interest bearing accounts and federal funds sold offered by its correspondent banks. These liquid investments are maintained at a level necessary to meet the immediate liquidity needs of the Company. The average balance of interest bearing deposits with other banks and federal funds sold increased $10,678,000 to $47,937,000 during 2003 and $3,635,000 to $37,259,000 during 2002.

Investment Securities

        The investment portfolio is structured to provide liquidity for the Company and also plays an important role in the overall management of interest rate risk. Investment securities in the held to maturity category are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. The Company has the intent and ability to hold such securities until maturity. Investment securities available for sale are stated at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices. They represent securities which may be sold as part of the Company’s asset/liability strategy or which may be sold in response to changing interest rates. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on these securities are reported net of related income taxes as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity. During 2003, the Company recognized a loss on a U.S. Government bond fund investment in the amount of $131,394 for declines that were determined to be other than temporary. At December 31, 2003, the Company had classified 90% of the portfolio as available for sale and 10% as held to maturity, compared to 89% and 11%, one year ago. The percentage of securities designated as available for sale reflects the amount needed to support the anticipated growth and liquidity needs of the Company. With the exception of municipal securities, it is the general practice of the Company to classify all newly purchased securities as available for sale.

        At December 31, 2003, investment securities available for sale were $144,368,000, which represents an increase of $33,504,000 or 30.2% compared to $110,864,000 one year ago. The increase was primarily the result of increased investment in U.S. Government Agency bonds totaling $104,264,000 or 72.2% of the total available for sale portfolio. At December 31, 2002, U.S. Government Agency securities totaled $68,087,000 or 61.4% of the available for sale portfolio. Mortgage-backed securities totaled $30,595,000 or 21.2% and $32,237,000 or 29.1% of the available for sale portfolio at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. During 2003, proceeds from matured or called bonds were typically reinvested in U.S. Government Agency bonds with maturities less than 5 years. Earnings on certain U.S. Government Agency Bonds are exempt from state income tax and producing higher effective returns without affecting the overall credit risk and liquidity of the portfolio. Investment securities held to maturity, consisting primarily of tax-exempt municipal bonds, totaled $15,313,000 at December 31, 2003, compared to $13,124,000 one year ago. The Company does not invest in structured notes or other derivative securities.

-18-



        The following table sets forth the maturities and weighted average yields of the investment portfolio based upon the earliest possible repricing date as of December 31, 2003.


 1 Year or Less
 1-5 Years
 5-10 Years
 Over 10 Years
 
(Dollars in thousand)Carrying
Amount
 Average
Yield
 Carrying
Amount
 Average
Yield
 Carrying
Amount
 Average
Yield
 Carrying
Amount
 Average
Yield
 

Held to Maturity:                          
Obligations of states and  
  political subdivisions (1)  $1,093  4.39%$5,254  4.02%$5,292  3.63%$3,668  4.04%
Mortgage backed securities       6  9.72         
 
  Total Held to Maturity  $1,093  4.39%$5,260  4.02%$5,292  3.63%$3,668  4.04%
 
   
Available for Sale:  
U.S. government agencies  $7,156  4.21%$91,862  3.18%$5,246  4.11%$  %
Mortgage backed securities   5,192  3.44  18,451  4.39  3,009  4.22  3,942  3.79 
Equity securities               9,510  3.46 
 
  Total Available for Sale  $12,348  4.22%$110,313  3.75%$8,255  4.15%$13,452  3.56%
 

(1) Yields adjusted to reflect a tax equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 35%.

Loans

        The Company continued to experience strong growth trends in the real estate lending market. Loans increased 8.1% in 2003, compared to 11.9% in 2002 and 2.7% in 2001.


Loans

The Company continued to experience strong growth trends in the real estate lending market. Loans increased 25.4% in 2004, compared to 8.1% in 2003 and 11.9% in 2002. Most of the growth in 2004 was concentrated in loans secured by real estate, both construction and other mortgages, which increased $60,381,000 or 164.8% and $49,172,000 or 13.8%, respectively. Commercial, financial and agricultural loans increased $9,338,000 or 14.5% in 2004, compared to an increase of $2,457,000 or 4.0% in 2003. A healthy local real estate market and low interest rates were the driving force behind the growth. The market in which the Company operates has experienced a significant amount of construction and land development activity over the last year, which has also contributed significantly to loan growth. Consumer loans remain a small percentage of the overall loan portfolio and increased $1,612,000 or 9.5% in 2004 when compared to 2003. Loans, net of unearned income, totaled $595,458,000 at December 31, 2004, an increase of $120,503,000 when compared to 2003. The Felton Bank, which was acquired in April 2004, represented approximately $50,364,000 of this growth. Loans, net of unearned income, totaled $474,955,000 at December 31, 2003, an increase of $35,416,000 or 8.1% when compared to 2002. Since 2002, the Company has brokered long-term fixed rate residential mortgage loans for sale on the secondary market.

The table below sets forth trends in the composition of the loan portfolio over the past five years (including net deferred loan fees/costs).
  December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)
2004
2003200220012000 
Commercial, financial and agricultural 
$
73,757
 $64,419 $61,962 $58,953 $54,642 
Real estate - construction  
97,021
  36,640  25,354  20,255  18,587 
Real estate - mortgage  
406,053
  356,881  335,037  293,921  291,136 
Consumer  
18,627
  17,015  17,186  19,577  18,141 
Total Loans 
$
595,458
 $474,955 $439,539 $392,706 $382,506 
                 


20


The table below sets forth the maturities and interest rate sensitivity of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2004.

    Maturing     
  Maturing After one Maturing   
  Within But Within After Five   
  One Year Five Years Years Total 
          
Commercial, financial and agricultural $68,461 $92,637 $14,786 $175,884 
Real estate - construction  49,858  46,403  760  97,021 
Real estate - mortgage  63,248  131,813  108,862  303,923 
Consumer  8,693  7,835  2,102  18,630 
Total $190,260 $278,688 $126,510 $595,458 
              
Rate Terms:             
Fixed-Interest Rate Loans $63,529 $152,217 $46,531 $262,277 
Adjustable-Interest Rate Loans  126,731  126,471  79,979  333,181 
Total $190,260 $278,688 $126,510 $595,458 
              
Deposits

The Company primarily utilizes core deposits to fund its earning assets. At both December 31, 2004 and 2003, deposits provided funding for approximately 89% of average earning assets. Average deposits increased 14.7% in 2004, compared to a 9.2% increase in 2003. The most significant growth occurred in the average balance of money management account and other savings accounts, which increased $42,121,000 or 27.4%. Low interest rates kept depositors from utilizing long-term deposit products for much of the year, but the Company began to offer higher rates paid for time deposits during the third and fourth quarters of 2004 due to increased competition. Certificates of deposit over $100,000 declined on average as a result of a municipal depositor who sought competitive bids and moved money to other financial institutions. The average balance of other time deposits increased $14,577,000 or 10.1% during 2004. In 2003, the average balance of certificates of deposit increased only $2,929,000 or 1.2%. The average balance of noninterest bearing demand deposits increased $21,717,000 or 29.4% in 2004, compared to an increase of $8,843,000 or 13.5% in 2003. NOW and SuperNOW accounts increased $9,387,000 or 9.3% in 2004 and $9,289,000 or 10.1% in 2003.

The Company has not historically relied on brokered deposits or purchased deposits as funding sources for loans.

The following table sets forth the average balances of deposits and the percentage of each category to total deposits for the years ended December 31.

(Dollars in thousands) Average Balances 
2004
2003
2002
 
Noninterest-bearing demand 
$
95,627
  
14.75
%
$73,910  13.08%$65,067  12.58%
Interest bearing deposits                   
NOW and Super NOW  
110,614
  
17.07
  101,227  17.91  91,938  17.77 
Savings  
48,875
  
7.54
  40,726  7.21  35,885  6.93 
Money management  
146,967
  
22.68
  112,995  20.00  91,063  17.61 
Certificates of Deposit and other                   
time deposits less than $100,000  
159,612
  
24.62
  145,035  25.66  145,539  28.14 
Certificates of Deposit $100,000 or more  
86,450
  
13.34
  91,194  16.14  87,761  16.97 
  
$
648,145
  
100.00
%
$565,087  100.00%$517,253  100.00%
                    


21


The following table sets forth the maturity ranges of certificates of deposit with balances of $100,000 or more on December 31, 2004 (in thousands).

Three months or less 
$
10,532
 
Over three through twelve month  
41,734
 
Over twelve months  
39,049
 
  
$
91,315
 
     
Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings consist primarily of securities sold under agreement to repurchase. These short-term obligations are issued in conjunction with cash management services for deposit customers. The Company occasionally borrows from a correspondent bank under a federal funds line of credit arrangement to meet short-term liquidity needs.

The average balance of short-term borrowings increased $2,519,000 or 10.9% in 2004, compared to an increase of $2,085,000 or 9.9% in 2003.

The following table sets forth the Company’s position with respect to short-term borrowings.

(Dollars in thousands)
2004
2003
2002 
   
Interest
   
Interest
   
Interest
 
  Balance Rate Balance Rate Balance Rate 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
             
under agreements to repurchase:
             
Average outstanding for the year 
$
25,590
  
0.84
%
$23,071  0.77%$20,986  1.15%
Outstanding at year end  
27,106
  
0.80
%
 20,957  0.63% 22,008  0.90 
Maximum outstanding at any month end  
30,845
  -  29,781  -  28,585  - 
                    
Capital Management

The Company continues to maintain capital at levels in excess of the minimum risk based capital requirements adopted by the federal banking agencies. Total stockholders’ equity was $92,976,000 at December 31, 2004, 11.3% higher than the previous year. Stockholders’ equity was $83,527,000 at December 31, 2003, an increase of 7.0% over December 31, 2002. The increase in stockholders’ equity in 2004 resulted primarily from the Company’s earnings for the year of $10,198,000, reduced by dividends paid on common stock of $3,948,000. An additional $3,208,000 in stockholder’s equity resulted from the issuance of common stock in conjunction with the acquisition of Felton Bank in 2004.

The Company records unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax, on investment securities available for sale as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholder’s equity. As of December 31, 2004, the portion of the Banks’ investment portfolio designated as “available for sale” had net unrealized holding losses, net of tax, of $278,000, compared to unrealized holding gains, net of tax, of $310,000 at December 31, 2003.


22


The following table compares the Company’s capital ratios as of December 31 to the regulatory requirements.

      Regulatory 
(Dollars in thousands) 
2004
2003Requirements 
Tier 1 capital 
$
82,385
 $75,421    
Tier 2 capital  
4,844
  4,170      
Total capital, less deductions 
$
87,229
 $79,591    
Risk-adjusted assets 
$
629,225
 $492,326    
Risk-based capital ratios:          
Tier 1  
13.04
%
 15.32% 4.0%
Total capital  
13.86
%
 16.17% 8.0%
           
Total Capital 
$
82,385
 $75,421    
Total adjusted assets 
$
772,140
 $703,223    
Leverage capital ratio  
10.67
%
 10.73% 4.0%
           
Management knows of no trends or demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are likely to have a material adverse impact on capital. See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the regulatory capital positions of the Company and the Banks.

Provision for Credit Losses and Risk Management

Originating loans involves a degree of risk that credit losses will occur in varying amounts according to, among other factors, the types of loans being made, the credit-worthiness of the borrowers over the term of the loans, the quality of the collateral for the loan, if any, as well as general economic conditions. The Company’s Board of Directors demands accountability of management, keeping the interests of stockholders’ in focus. Through its Asset/Liability and Audit Committees, the Board actively reviews critical risk positions, including market, credit, liquidity and operational risk. The Company’s goal in managing risk is to reduce earnings volatility, control exposure to unnecessary risk, and ensure appropriate returns for risk assumed. Senior members of management actively manage risk at the product level, supplemented with corporate level oversight through the Asset/Liability Committee and internal audit function. The risk management structure is designed to identify risk issues through a systematic process, enabling timely and appropriate action to avoid and mitigate risk.

Credit Risk Management

The Company’s loan portfolio is subject to varying degrees of credit risk. Credit risk is mitigated through portfolio diversification, limiting exposure to any single industry or customer, collateral protection and standard lending policies and underwriting criteria. The following discussion provides information and statistics on the overall quality of the Company’s loan portfolio. Note 1 to Consolidated Financial Statements describes the accounting policies related to nonperforming loans and charge-offs and describes the methodologies used to develop the allowance for credit losses, including both the specific and nonspecific components. Management believes the policies governing nonperforming loans and charge-offs are consistent with regulatory standards. The amount of the allowance for credit losses and the resulting provision are reviewed monthly by senior members of management and approved quarterly by the Board of Directors.

The allowance is increased by provisions for credit losses charged to expense and recoveries of loans previously charged-off. It is decreased by loans charged-off in the current period. Provisions for credit losses are made to bring the allowance for credit losses within the range of balances that are considered appropriate based upon the allowance methodology and to reflect losses within the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.

The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is determined based upon management’s estimate of the inherent risks associated with lending activities, estimated fair value of collateral, past experience and present indicators such as loan delinquency trends, nonaccrual loans and current market conditions. Management believes the allowance is adequate; however, future changes in the composition of the loan portfolio and financial condition of borrowers may result in additions to the allowance. Examination of the portfolio and allowance by various regulatory agencies and consultants engaged by the Company may result in the need for additional provisions based upon information available at the time of the examination.

Each of the Banks maintains a separate allowance for credit losses, which is only available to absorb losses from their respective loan portfolios. Each Banks’ allowance is subject to regulatory examination and determination as to its adequacy.

23

The allowance for credit losses is comprised of two parts: the specific allowance and the formula allowance. The specific allowance is the portion of the allowance that results from management’s evaluation of specific loss allocations for identified problem loans and pooled reserves based on historical loss experience for each loan category. The formula allowance is determined based on management’s assessment of industry trends and economic factors in the markets in which the Company operates. The determination of the formula allowance involves a higher risk of uncertainty and considers current risk factors that may not have yet manifested themselves in the Company’s historical loss factors.

The specific allowance is based on each Banks’ quarterly analysis of its loan portfolio and is determined based upon the analysis of collateral values, cash flows and guarantor’s financial capacity, whichever are applicable. In addition, allowance factors are applied to internally classified loans for which specific allowances have not been determined and historical loss factors are applied to homogenous pools of unclassified loans. Historical loss factors may be adjusted by management in situations where no historical losses have occurred or where current conditions are not reflective of the specific history of the Company.

The formula allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of external conditions, the effects of which are not directly measured in the determination of the specific allowance. The conditions evaluated in connection with the formula allowance include: general economic and business conditions affecting the Company’s primary lending area; credit quality trends; collateral values; loan values; loan volumes and concentrations; seasoning of the loan portfolio; specific industry conditions within the portfolio segments; recent loss experience; duration of the current business cycle; bank regulatory examination results; and findings of internal loan review personnel. Management reviews the conditions which impact the formula allowance quarterly and to the extent any of these conditions relate to specifically identifiable loans may reflect the adjustment in the specific allowance. Where any of these conditions is not related to a specific loan or loan category, management’s evaluation of the probable loss related to the condition is reflected in the formula allowance.

While the local economy does not appear to show signs of weakness or the effects of the recent recession exhibited elsewhere in the nation, management is aware that the effects of continued weakness in the national economy and/or a weakness in the local economy could result in future higher loss levels for the Company.

The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans was .13% in 2004, compared to .09% in 2003. At December 31, 2004, the allowance for credit losses was $4,692,000, or .85% of average outstanding loans, and 319% of total nonaccrual loans. This compares to an allowance of $4,060,000, or .89% of average outstanding loans and 406% of nonaccrual loans, at December 31, 2003, and an allowance for credit losses of $4,117,000, or .97% of outstanding loans and 534% of nonaccrual loans, at December 31, 2002.

Management’s decision regarding the amount of the provision is influenced in part by growth in commercial and real estate loan balances. The Company experienced higher levels of charge-offs during 2004 than it had experienced during the prior five years. Charge-offs were $887,000 in 2004, compared to $530,000 in 2003 and $538,000 in 2002. Charge-offs were $335,000 and $378,000 in 2001 and 2000, respectively.


24


The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s loan loss experience for the years ended December 31.

(Dollars in thousands) 20042003200220012000 
            
Balance, beginning of year $4,060 $4,117 $4,189 $4,199 $3,991 
                 
Loans charged off:                
Real estate loans  (131) (7) (86) (5) (61)
Installment loans  (94) (114) (170) (155) (73)
Commercial and other  (662) (409) (282) (175) (244)
   (887) (530) (538) (335) (378)
Recoveries:                
Real estate loans  20  35  16  2  18 
Installment loans  63  56  76  60  50 
Commercial and other  79  47  18  37  81 
   162  138  110  99  149 
Net losses charged off  (725) (392) (428) (236) (229)
Allowance of acquired institution  426  -  -  -  - 
Provision for credit losses  931  335  356  226  437 
Balance, end of year $4,692 $4,060 $4,117 $4,189 $4,199 
                 
Average loans outstanding $555,259 $457,491 $423,771 $386,161 $367,075 
                 
Percentage of net charge-offs to average                
loans outstanding during the year  .13% .09% .10% .06% .06%
Percentage of allowance for loan losses                
at year-end to average loans  0.85% 0.89% 0.97% 1.08% 1.14%
                 
Total non-accrual loans of the Company increased in 2004, representing .25% of total loans, net of unearned income at December 31, 2004, compared to .21% one year earlier. Specific valuation allowances totaling $442,000 have been established for these nonaccrual loans. Loans 90 days past due increased from $1,128,000 for 2003 to $2,969,000 for 2004, but $2,881,000 or 97% of those loans were real estate secured and present limited loss exposure to the Company.

The following table summarizes the past due and non-performing assets of the Company as of December 31.

(Dollars in thousands) 20042003200220012000 
            
Non-performing assets:           
Non-accrual loans $1,469 $1,002 $771 $943 $623 
Other real estate and other assets owned  391  -  54  56  14 
Total non-performing assets  1,860  1,002  825  999  637 
Loans 90 days past due  2,969  1,128  374  1,532  1,333 
Total non-performing assets and past due loans $4,829 $2,130 $1,199 $2,531 $1,970 
                 
Non-accrual loans to total loans at period end  .25% .21% .18% .24% .16%
Non-accrual loans and past due loans,                
to total loans at period end  .75% .45% .26% .64% .51%

During 2004, there was no change in the methods or assumptions affecting the allowance methodology. The provision for credit losses was $931,000 for the year, compared to $335,000 for 2003. The amount of the provision is determined based upon management’s analysis of the portfolio, growth and changes in the condition of credits and their resultant specific loss allocations. Historically, the Company has experienced the majority of its losses in the commercial loan portfolio, which are typically not secured by real estate. Because the majority of loan growth is in loans secured by real estate, which have experienced minimal losses over the past five years, the required allowance for those type of loans is minimal compared to the amount required for non real estate secured commercial loans.

Net charge-offs during 2004 were $725,000, compared to $392,000 during 2003 and 2002. The increase relates primarily to losses identified in December 2004 attributable to a single commercial loan relationship. The allowance increased $632,000, or 15.6%, of which $426,000 is due to the acquisition of Felton Bank. During 2003, the allowance decreased $57,000, or 1.4%, totaling $4,060,000 or ..89% of total loans at December 31, 2003.
25

The overall quality of the loan portfolio was strong at December 31, 2004, with nonaccrual loans and delinquencies within acceptable levels for the industry. There was no unallocated portion of the allowance at December 31, 2004, compared to 1.3% of the total allowance at December 31, 2003. The allowance pertaining to commercial, financial and agricultural loans represented 39.7% of the total allowance at December 31, 2004, compared to 33.5% at December 31, 2003. The decline is attributable in part to the improved condition of several large commercial customers, the recognition of previously identified losses, and improved underwriting practices. The amount of the reserve allocated to real estate mortgage loans decreased from 55% at December 31, 2003 to 48.2% at December 31, 2004. Growth in the allowance in 2004 is concentrated in the commercial and construction loan categories as these types of loans have more risk than consumer and commercial real estate secured loans. The Company’s loans are primarily made in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester Counties in Maryland and in Kent County, Delaware.

Real estate mortgage loans represented 68.3% of the portfolio at December 31, 2004, compared to 75.2% at December 31, 2003. The Company has experienced relatively low historical losses with respect to these loans as a result of underlying collateral values, its substantial experience in the markets it serves, and its conservative lending practices. Real estate secured construction and land development loans increased to 16.3% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2004, compared to 7.7% one year ago.

The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for credit losses and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans for the years ended December 31,

  
2004
 
2003
 2002 2001 2000 
(Dollars in thousands) Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % 
                     
Commercial, Financial andAgricultural
 
$
1,863
  
12.3
%
$1,362  13.6%$1,869  14.1%$1,563  15.0%$1,694  14.3%
Real Estate-Construction  
429
  
16.3
  253  7.7  172  5.8  135  5.2  126  4.9 
Real Estate-Mortgage  
2,262
  
68.3
  2,231  75.2  1,825  76.2  1,918  74.8  1,807  76.1 
Consumer  
138
  
3.1
  160  3.5  169  3.9  387  5.0  412  4.7 
Unallocated  
-
  
-
  54  -  82  -  186  -  160  - 
  
$
4,692
  
100
%
$4,060  100%$4,117  100%$4,189  100%$4,199  100%
                                
Market Risk Management

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, exchange rates or equity pricing. The Company’s principal market risk is interest rate risk that arises from its lending, investing and deposit taking activities. The Company’s profitability is dependent on the Banks’ net interest income. Interest rate risk can significantly affect net interest income to the degree that interest bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different intervals than interest earning assets. The Banks’ Asset/Liability Committees oversee the management of interest rate risk. The primary purpose of these committees is to manage the exposure of net interest margins to unexpected changes due to interest rate fluctuations. These efforts affect the loan pricing and deposit rate policies of the Company as well as the asset mix, volume guidelines, and liquidity and capital planning.
The Company does not utilize derivative financial or commodity instruments or hedging strategies in its management of interest rate risk. Since the Company is not exposed to market risk from trading activities and does not utilize hedging strategies or off-balance sheet management strategies, the Asset/Liability Committees of the Banks rely on “gap” analysis as its primary tool in managing interest rate risk. Gap analysis summarizes the amount of interest sensitive assets and liabilities, which will reprice over various time intervals. The difference between the volume of assets and liabilities repricing in each interval is the interest sensitivity “gap”. “Positive gap” occurs when more assets reprice in a given time interval, while “negative gap” occurs when more liabilities reprice. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had a negative gap position within the one-year repricing interval because the interest sensitive liabilities exceeded the interest sensitive assets within the one-year repricing interval by $41.8 million, or 5.3% of total assets. Rates paid for interest bearing liabilities reached their theoretical floors during 2004, but currently offered rates for time deposits began to increase during the second half of the year. As of December 31, 2003, the Company likewise had a negative gap position within the one-year repricing interval because the interest sensitive liabilities exceeded the interest sensitive assets within the one-year repricing interval by $52.1 million, or 7.4% of total assets.
26

The following table summarizes the Company’s interest sensitivity at December 31, 2004. Loans, federal funds sold, time deposits and short-term borrowings are classified based upon contractual maturities if fixed-rate or earliest repricing date if variable rate. Investment securities are classified by contractual maturities or, if they have call provisions, by the most likely repricing date.
   3 Months 1 Year   
Non-
   
  Within through through After Sensitive   
December 31, 2004
3 Months12 Months5 Years5 YearsFundsTotal 
(Dollars in Thousands)             
ASSETS:
             
Loans $316,924 $56,115 $181,350 $41,068 $(4,691)$590,766 
Investment securities  575  7,271  72,736  37,447  1,067  119,096 
Interest bearing deposits with other banks  961  -  -  -  -  961 
Federal funds sold  20,539  -  -  -  -  20,539 
Other assets  -  -  -  -  59,236  59,236 
Total Assets $338,999 $63,386 $254,086 $78,515 $55,612 $790,598 
LIABILITIES:
                   
Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over $10,532 $41,734 $39,049 $- $- $91,315 
Other time deposits  19,715  36,057  99,835  -  -  155,607 
Savings and money market  196,752  -  -  -  -  196,752 
NOW and SuperNOW  112,327  -  -  -  -  112,327 
Noninterest bearing demand  -  -  -  -  102,672  102,672 
Short-term borrowings  27,106  -  -  -  -  27,106 
Long-term debt  -  -  5,000  -  -  5,000 
Other liabilities  -  -  -  -  6,843  6,843 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  -  -  -  -  92,976  92,976 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 $366,432 $77,791 $143,884 $- $202,491 $790,598 
Excess $(27,433)$(14,405)$110,202 $78,515 $(146,879)$- 
Cumulative Excess $(27,433)$(41,838)$68,364 $146,879 $- $- 
Cumulative Excess as percent of total assets  (3.47)% (5.29)% 8.76% 18.58% -  - 
                    

In addition to gap analysis, the Banks utilize simulation models to quantify the effect a hypothetical immediate plus or minus 200 basis point change in rates would have on net interest income and the fair value of capital. The model takes into consideration the effect of call features of investments as well as prepayments of loans in periods of declining rates. When actual changes in interest rates occur, the changes in interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities may differ from the assumptions used in the model. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the models produced similar sensitivity profiles for net interest income and the fair value of capital, which are provided below.
  Immediate Change in Rates 
  +200 +100 -100 -200 Policy 
  Basis PointsBasis PointsBasis PointsBasis PointsLimit 
2004           
% Change in Net Interest Income  8.90% 5.19% (6.41)% (14.09)% + 25%
% Change in Fair Value of Capital  2.49% 1.90% (4.08)% (10.31)% +15%
                 
2003                
% Change in Net Interest Income  8.20% 5.07% (7.39)% (14.57)% + 25%
% Change in Fair Value of Capital  3.42% 2.44% (5.22)% (11.17)% +15%
                 
The slight change in the Company’s interest rate sensitivity profile from 2003 to 2004 resulted from a decline in the Company’s excess liabilities repricing within one year from $52.1 million at December 31, 2003 to $41.8 at December 31, 2004.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

In the normal course of business, to meet the financing needs of its customers, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these financial instruments is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support the financial instruments with credit risk. The amount of collateral or other security is determined based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.
27

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Letters of credit and other commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the letters of credit and commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Further information about these arrangements is provided in Note 20 to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Management does not believe that any of the foregoing arrangements have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Liquidity Management

Liquidity describes the ability of the Company to meet financial obligations that arise during the normal course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of customers and to fund current and planned expenditures. Liquidity is derived through increased customer deposits, maturities in the investment portfolio, loan repayments and income from earning assets. To the extent that deposits are not adequate to fund customer loan demand, liquidity needs can be met in the short-term funds markets. The Company has arrangements with correspondent banks whereby it has $19,500,000 available in federal funds lines of credit and a reverse repurchase agreement available to meet any short-term needs which may not otherwise be funded by its portfolio of readily marketable investments that can be converted to cash. The Talbot Bank and Centreville National Bank are also members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, which provides another source of liquidity. At December 31, 2004 the Federal Home Loan Bank had issued a letter of credit in the amount of $20,000,000 on behalf of the Talbot Bank to a local government entity as collateral for its deposits.

At December 31, 2004, the Company’s loan to deposit ratio was 90%, which is approximately 10% higher than one year ago. Investment securities available for sale totaling $103,434,000 were available for the management of liquidity and interest rate risk. Cash and cash equivalents were $43,551,000 at December 31, 2004, which is $3,180,000 less than one year ago. Management is not aware of any demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will materially affect the Company’s ability to maintain liquidity at satisfactory levels.

The Company has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments that may require future cash payments.

The following table presents, as of December 31, 2004, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date.

  Within One to Three to Over five 
(Dollars in Thousands) one year three years five years years 
Deposits without a stated maturity(a) $
411,751
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Certificates of Deposit(a)  108,037  87,305  51,580  - 
Short-term borrowings  27,106  -  -  - 
Long-term debt  -  5,000  -  - 
Operating Leases  243  170  -  - 
Purchase obligations  4,796  -  -  - 
Contingent earn-out payments  2,913  -  -  - 
  $
555,476
 
$
92,475
 
$
51,580
 
$
-
 

(a) Includes accrued interest payable

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The information required by this item may be found in Item 7 of Part II of this report under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Market Risk Management”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

28

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of the growth in 2003 was concentrated in loans secured by real estate, which increased $21,844,000 or 6.5%. Commercial, financial and agricultural loans increased $2,457,000 or 4.0%, and real estate construction loans increased $11,286,000 or 44.5%. A healthy local real estate market and low interest rates were the driving force behind the growth. Consumer loans did not grow during 2003, following a consumer loan decline of $2,391,000 or 13.9% in 2002. Many homeowners took advantage of the low interest rate environment during the year and refinanced their residential mortgage loans, paying off consumer debt with equity from their homes. Loans, net of unearned income, totaled $474,955,000 at December 31, 2003, an increase of $35,416,000 when compared to 2002. Loans, net of unearned income, totaled $439,539,000 on December 31, 2002, an increase of $46,833,000 or 2.7% when compared to 2001. During September 2002, the Company began to broker long-term fixed rate residential mortgage loans for sale on the secondary market.

        The table below sets forth trends in the composition of the loan portfolio over the past five years (excluding net deferred loan fees).


 December 31, 
(Dollars in thousands)2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 

 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $64,419 $61,962 $58,953 $54,642 $55,468 
Real estate - - construction   36,640  25,354  20,255  18,587  15,643 
Real estate - - mortgage   356,881  335,037  293,921  291,136  258,443 
Consumer   17,015  17,186  19,577  18,141  16,237 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Total Loans  $474,955 $439,539 $392,706 $382,506 $345,791 
 
 
 
 
 
 

-19-



        The table below sets forth the maturities and interest rate sensitivity of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2003.


 Maturing
Within
One Year
 Maturing
After one
But Within
Five Years
 Maturing
After Five
Years
 Total 
 
 
Commercial, financial and agricultural  $38,576 $18,337 $7,506 $64,419 
Real estate - construction   23,424  13,216    36,640 
Real estate - mortgage   79,345  169,632  107,904  356,881 
Consumer   7,479  8,091  1,445  17,015 
 
 
 
 
 
     Total  $148,824 $209,276 $116,855 $474,955 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Rate Terms:  
   Fixed-Interest Rate Loans  $56,906 $131,192 $39,574 $227,672 
   Adjustable-Interest Rate Loans   91,918  78,085  77,280  247,283 
 
 
 
 
 
     Total  $148,824 $209,277 $116,854 $474,955 
 
 
 
 
 

Deposits

        The Company primarily utilizes core deposits to fund its earning assets. At both December 31, 2003 and 2002, deposits provided funding for approximately 88% of average earning assets. Average deposits increased 9.2% in 2003, compared to a 10.8% increase in 2002. The most significant growth occurred in the average balance of money management accounts, which increased $21,932,000 or 24.1%. Low interest rates kept depositors from utilizing long-term deposit products such as certificates of deposit, whose average balance increased only $2,929,000 or 1.2% during 2003. The average balance of savings accounts increased $4,841,000 or 13.5%, while the average balance of noninterest bearing demand increased $8,843,000 or 13.5% and NOW and SuperNOW accounts increased $9,289,000 or 10.1%.

        Increased deposits in 2002 and 2001 were partly driven by depositors looking for principal protection despite low rates being paid on these accounts. During 2002, the average balance of noninterest bearing demand deposits increased $8,940,000 or 15.9%, NOW and SuperNOW increased $5,838,000 or 6.8%, savings increased $5,505,000 or 18.1%, money management increased $22,184,000 or 32.2% and certificates of deposit $100,000 or more increased $11,181,000 or 14.6% when compared to 2001.

        The Company does not accept brokered deposits, nor does it rely on purchased deposits as a funding source for loans.

        The following table sets forth the average balances of deposits and the percentage of each category to total deposits for the years ended December 31.


(Dollars in thousands)
Average Balances
 
 2003 2002 2001 

 
Noninterest-bearing demand  $73,910  13.08%$65,067  12.58%$56,127  12.02%
Interest bearing deposits  
   NOW and Super NOW   101,227  17.91  91,938  17.77  86,100  18.45 
   Savings   40,726  7.21  35,885  6.93  30,380  6.51 
   Money management   112,995  20.00  91,063  17.61  68,879  14.76 
   Certificates of Deposit and other  
     time deposits less than $100,000   145,035  25.66  145,539  28.14  148,706  31.86 
   Certificates of Deposit $100,000 or more   91,194  16.14  87,761  16.97  76,580  16.40 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   $565,087  100.00%$517,253  100.00%$466,772  100.00%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

-20-



        The following table sets forth the maturity ranges of certificates of deposit with balances of $100,000 or more on December 31, 2003 (in thousands).


        Three months or less  $21,035 
        Over three through twelve month   12,548 
        Over twelve months   37,802 
 
 
           $71,385 
 
 

Short-Term Borrowings

        Short-term borrowings consist primarily of securities sold under agreement to repurchase. These short-term obligations are issued in conjunction with cash management services for deposit customers. From time to time in order to meet short-term liquidity needs the Company may borrow from a correspondent bank under a federal funds line of credit arrangement.

        The average balance of short-term borrowings increased $2,085,000 or 9.9% in 2003, compared to an increase of $1,671,000 or 8.7% in 2002.

        The following table sets forth the Company’s position with respect to short-term borrowings.


(Dollars in thousands)
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
 Interest Interest Interest 
 Balance Rate Balance Rate Balance Rate 
Federal funds purchased and securities sold                    
   under agreements to repurchase:  
     Average outstanding for the year  $23,071  0.77%$20,986  1.15%$19,315  2.87%
     Outstanding at year end   20,957  0.63% 22,008  0.90% 17,054  1.15 
     Maximum outstanding at any month end   29,781    28,585    25,175   

Capital Management

        The Company continues to maintain capital at levels in excess of the risk based capital guidelines adopted by the federal banking agencies. Total stockholders’ equity was $83,527,000 at December 31, 2003, 7.0% higher than the previous year. Stockholders’ equity was $78,028,000 at December 31, 2002, an increase of 9.9% over December 31, 2001. The increase in stockholders’ equity in 2003 is primarily due to earnings of the Company for the year of $9,496,000, reduced by dividends paid on common stock of $3,548,000.

        The Company records unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax, on investment securities available for sale as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholder’s equity. As of December 31, 2003, the portion of the Banks’ investment portfolio designated as “available for sale” had net unrealized holding gains, net of tax, of $310,000, compared to $1,152,000 at December 31, 2002.

-21-



        The following table compares the Company’s capital ratios as of December 31 to the regulatory requirements.


 (Dollars in thousands)  2003 Regulatory
2002
 Requirements 
 
 
 Tier 1 capital  $75,421 $68,799    
 Tier 2 capital   4,170  9,229    
 
 
 Total capital, less deductions  $79,591 $78,028    
 Risk-adjusted assets  $492,326 $449,988    
 Risk-based capital ratios:  
 Tier 1   15.32% 15.29% 4.0% 
     Total capital   16.17% 17.34% 8.0% 
 
 
 Total Capital  $75,421 $68,799    
 Total adjusted assets  $703,223 $641,378    
 Leverage capital ratio   10.73% 10.73% 4.0% 
 
 

        Management knows of no trends or demands, commitments, events or uncertainties, which will materially affect capital.

Provision for Credit Losses and Risk Management

        Originating loans involves a degree of risk that credit losses will occur in varying amounts according to, among other factors, the types of loans being made, the credit-worthiness of the borrowers over the term of the loans, the quality of the collateral for the loan, if any, as well as general economic conditions. The Company’s Board of Directors demands accountability of management, keeping the interests of stockholders’ in focus. Through its Asset/Liability and Audit Committees, the Board actively reviews critical risk positions, including market, credit, liquidity and operational risk. The Company’s goal in managing risk is to reduce earnings volatility, control exposure to unnecessary risk, and ensure appropriate returns for risk assumed. Senior members of management actively manage risk at the product level, supplemented with corporate level oversight through the Asset/Liability Committee and internal audit function. The risk management structure is designed to identify risk issues through a systematic process, enabling timely and appropriate action to avoid and mitigate risk.

Credit Risk Management

        The Company’s loan portfolio is subject to varying degrees of credit risk. Credit risk is mitigated through portfolio diversification, limiting exposure to any single industry or customer, collateral protection and standard lending policies and underwriting criteria. The following discussion provides information and statistics on the overall quality of the Company’s loan portfolio. Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements describes the accounting policies related to nonperforming loans and charge-offs and describes the methodologies used to develop the allowance for credit losses, including both the specific and nonspecific components. Management believes the policies governing nonperforming loans and charge-offs are consistent with regulatory standards. The amount of the allowance for credit losses and the resulting provision are reviewed monthly by senior members of management and approved quarterly by the Board of Directors.

        The allowance is increased by provisions for credit losses charged to expense and recoveries of loans previously charged-off. It is decreased by loans charged-off in the current period. Provisions for credit losses are made to bring the allowance for credit losses within the range of balances that are considered appropriate based upon the allowance methodology and to reflect losses within the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.

        The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is determined based upon management’s estimate of the inherent risks associated with lending activities, estimated fair value of collateral, past experience and present indicators such as loan delinquency trends, nonaccrual loans and current market conditions. Management believes the allowance is adequate; however, future changes in the composition of the loan portfolio and financial condition of borrowers may result in additions to the allowance. Examination of the portfolio and allowance by various regulatory agencies and consultants engaged by the Company may result in the need for additional provisions based upon information available at the time of the examination.

        Each of the Banks maintains a separate allowance for credit losses, which is only available to absorb losses from their respective loan portfolios. Each Banks’ allowance is subject to regulatory examination and determination as to its adequacy.

-22-



        The allowance for credit losses is comprised of two parts: the specific allowance and the formula allowance. The specific allowance is the portion of the allowance that results from management’s evaluation of specific loss allocations for identified problem loans and pooled reserves based on historical loss experience for each loan category. The formula allowance is determined based on management’s assessment of industry trends and economic factors in the markets in which the Company operates. The determination of the formula allowance involves a higher risk of uncertainty and considers current risk factors that may not have yet manifested themselves in the Company’s historical loss factors.

        The specific allowance is based on each Banks’ quarterly analysis of its loan portfolio and is determined based upon the analysis of collateral values, cash flows and guarantor’s financial capacity, whichever are applicable. In addition, allowance factors are applied to internally classified loans for which specific allowances have not been determined and historical loss factors are applied to homogenous pools of unclassified loans. Historical loss factors may be adjusted by management in situations where no historical losses have occurred or where current conditions are not reflective of the specific history of the Company.

        The formula allowance is based upon management’s evaluation of external conditions, the effects of which are not directly measured in the determination of the specific allowance. The conditions evaluated in connection with the formula allowance include: general economic and business conditions affecting the Company’s primary lending area; credit quality trends; collateral values; loan values; loan volumes and concentrations; seasoning of the loan portfolio; specific industry conditions within the portfolio segments; recent loss experience; duration of the current business cycle; bank regulatory examination results; and findings of internal loan review personnel. Management reviews the conditions which impact the formula allowance quarterly and to the extent any of these conditions relate to specifically identifiable loans may reflect the adjustment in the specific allowance. Where any of these conditions is not related to a specific loan or loan category, management’s evaluation of the probable loss related to the condition is reflected in the formula allowance.

        While the local economy does not seem to be showing signs of weakness or the effect of the recent recession exhibited elsewhere in the nation, management is aware that the effects of continued weakness in the national economy could result in future higher loss levels for the Company.

        The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans was .09% in 2003, compared to .10% in 2002. At December 31, 2003, the allowance for credit losses was $4,060,000, or ..89% of average outstanding loans, and 406% of total nonaccrual loans. This compares to an allowance of $4,117,000, or .97% of average outstanding loans and 534% of nonaccrual loans, at December 31, 2002, and an allowance for credit losses of $4,189,000, or 1.08% of outstanding loans and 444% of nonaccrual loans, at December 31, 2001.

        Management’s decision regarding the amount of the provision is influenced in part by growth in commercial and real estate loan balances. In 2003 and 2002, the Company experienced its higher levels of charge-offs than it had experienced in the prior five years. Charge-offs were $530,000 and $538,000 in 2003 and 2002, respectively. Charge-offs were $335,000 and $378,000 in 2001 and 2000, respectively.

-23-



        The following table sets forth a summary of the Company’s loan loss experience for the years ended December 31.


(Dollars in thousands)2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 

 
 
Balance, beginning of year  $4,117 $4,189 $4,199 $3,991 $3,931 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loans charged off:  
     Real estate loans   (7) (86) (5) (61) (121)
     Installment loans   (114) (170) (155) (73) (146)
     Commercial and other   (409) (282) (175) (244) (162)
 
 
 
 
 
 
    (530) (538) (335) (378) (429)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Recoveries:  
     Real estate loans   35  16  2  18  50 
     Installment loans   56  76  60  50  43 
     Commercial and other   47  18  37  81  156 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    138  110  99  149  249 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Net losses charged off   (392) (428) (236) (229) (180)
   Provision for credit losses   335  356  226  437  240 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, end of year  $4,060 $4,117 $4,189 $4,199 $3,991 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans outstanding  $457,491 $423,771 $386,161 $367,075 $324,507 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Percentage of net charge-offs to average  
       loans outstanding during the year   .09% .10% .06% .06% .06%
     Percentage of allowance for loan losses  
       at year-end to average loans   0.89% 0.97% 1.08% 1.14% 1.23%

        Total non-accrual loans of the Company increased in 2003, representing .21% of total loans, net of unearned income at December 31, 2003, compared to .18% one year earlier. Specific valuation allowances totaling $349,000 have been established for these nonaccrual loans. Loans 90 days past due increased from $374,000 for 2002 to $1,128,000 for 2003, but $992,000 or 87.9% of those loans were real estate secured and present limited loss exposure to the Company.

        The following table summarizes the past due and non-performing assets of the Company as of December 31.


(Dollars in thousands)2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 

 
Non-performing assets:                 
  Non-accrual loans  $1,002 $771 $943 $623 $1,812 
  Other real estate and other assets owned     54  56  14  137 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total non-performing assets   1,002  825  999  637  1,949 
Loans 90 days past due   1,128  374  1,532  1,333  1,333 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Total non-performing assets and past due loans  $2,130 $1,199 $2,531 $1,970 $3,282 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Non-accrual loans to total loans at period end   .21% .18% .24% .16% .52%
Non-accrual loans and past due loans,  
  to total loans at period end   .45% .26% .64% .51% .91%

        During 2003 there was no change in the methods or assumptions affecting the allowance methodology. The provision for credit losses was $335,000 for the year compared to $356,000 for 2002. The amount of the provision is determined based upon management’s analysis of the portfolio, growth and changes in the condition of credits and their resultant specific loss allocations. Improvements in the condition of several large commercial credits resulted in a decline in the allowance requirement attributable to those types of loans. In addition, previously identified losses on other commercial loans were recognized during 2003. Growth in loans secured by real estate required an increased allocation of the reserve and offset the improved credit quality experienced in other categories of loans.

        Net charge-offs declined as a result of increased recoveries during 2003 compared to 2002. Net charge-offs were $392,000 compared to $428,000 for 2003 and 2002, respectively. The allowance decreased $57,000 or 1.4% during 2003, totaling $4,060,000 or .89% of total loans at December 31, 2003.

-24-



        The overall quality of the loan portfolio was strong at December 31, 2003, with nonaccrual loans and delinquencies within acceptable levels for the industry. The unallocated portion of the allowance at December 31, 2003 and 2002 was 1.3% and 2.0% of the total allowance, respectively. The allowance pertaining to commercial, financial and agricultural loans represented 33.5% of the total allowance at December 31, 2003, compared to 45.4% at December 31, 2002. The decline is attributable in part to the improved condition of several large commercial customers, the recognition of previously identified losses, and better overall underwriting practices. The amount of the reserve allocated to real estate mortgage loans increased from 44.4% at December 31, 2002 to 55% at December 31, 2003 as the result of continued growth in the real estate mortgage portfolio and the identification of increased specific loss allocations. The Company’s loans are primarily made in Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester Counties on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

        Real estate mortgage loans represented 75.2% of the portfolio at December 31, 2003, compared to 76.2% at December 31, 2002. The Company has experienced low loss levels with respect to these loans as a result of its substantial experience in the markets it serves as well as its conservative lending practices.

        The following table sets forth the allocation of the allowance for credit losses and the percentage of loans in each category to total loans for the years ended December 31,


 2003
 2002
 2001
 2000
 1999
 
(Dollars in thousands)Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % Amount % 

 
Commercial, Financial and                                
   Agricultural  $1,362  13.6%$1,869  14.1%$1,563  15.0%$1,694  14.3%$1,437  16.1%
Real Estate-Construction   253  7.7  172  5.8  135  5.2  126  4.9  108  4.5 
Real Estate-Mortgage   2,231  75.2  1,825  76.2  1,918  74.8  1,807  76.1  1,991  74.7 
Consumer   160  3.5  169  3.9  387  5.0  412  4.7  438  4.7 
Unallocated   54    82    186    160    17   
   
 
   $4,060  100%$4,117  100%$4,189  100%$4,199  100%$3,991  100%
   
 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        In the normal course of business, to meet the financing needs of its customers, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these financial instruments is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support the financial instruments with credit risk. The amount of collateral or other security is determined based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

        Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Letters of credit and other commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the letters of credit and commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. For further information about these arrangements, see Note 20 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

Liquidity Management

        Liquidity describes the ability of the Company to meet financial obligations that arise during the normal course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of customers and to fund current and planned expenditures. Liquidity is derived through increased customer deposits, maturities in the investment portfolio, loan repayments and income from earning assets. To the extent that deposits are not adequate to fund customer loan demand, liquidity needs can be met in the short-term funds markets. The Company has arrangements with correspondent banks whereby it has $17,000,000 available in federal funds lines of credit and a reverse repurchase agreement available to meet any short-term needs which may not otherwise be funded by its portfolio of readily marketable investments that can be converted to cash. The Banks are also members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, which provides another source of liquidity.

-25-



        At December 31, 2003, the Company’s loan to deposit ratio was 80%, which was approximately the same as one year ago. Investment securities available for sale totaling $144,368,000 were available for the management of liquidity and interest rate risk. Cash and cash equivalents were $46,731,000 at December 31, 2003, $22,737,000 less than one year ago. Management is not aware of any demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will materially affect the Company’s ability to maintain liquidity at satisfactory levels.

        The Company has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments, that may require future cash payments.

        The following table presents, as of December 31, 2003, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date.


(Dollars in Thousands)Within
one year
 One to
three years
 Three to
five years
 Over five
years
 

 
Deposits without a stated maturity(a)  $377,540 $ $ $ 
Certificates of Deposit(a)   96,782  43,406  75,096   
Short-term borrowings   20,957       
Long-term debt     5,000     
Operating Leases   264  154  8   
Purchase obligations   621       
Contingent earn-out payments     1,913     
 
 
 
 
 
   $496,164 $50,473 $75,104 $ 
 
 
 
 
 

(a) Includes accrued interest payable

Market Risk Management

        Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, exchange rates or equity pricing. The Company’s principal market risk is interest rate risk that arises from its lending, investing and deposit taking activities. The Company’s profitability is dependent on the Banks’ net interest income. Interest rate risk can significantly affect net interest income to the degree that interest bearing liabilities mature or reprice at different intervals than interest earning assets. The Banks’ Asset/Liability Committees oversee the management of interest rate risk. The primary purpose of these committees is to manage the exposure of net interest margins to unexpected changes due to interest rate fluctuations. These efforts affect the loan pricing and deposit rate policies of the Company as well as the asset mix, volume guidelines, and liquidity and capital planning.

        The Company does not utilize derivative financial or commodity instruments or hedging strategies in its management of interest rate risk. Since the Company is not exposed to market risk from trading activities and does not utilize hedging strategies or off-balance sheet management strategies, the Asset/Liability Committees of the Banks rely on “gap” analysis as its primary tool in managing interest rate risk. Gap analysis summarizes the amount of interest sensitive assets and liabilities, which will reprice over various time intervals. The difference between the volume of assets and liabilities repricing in each interval is the interest sensitivity “gap”. “Positive gap” occurs when more assets reprice in a given time interval, while “negative gap” occurs when more liabilities reprice. As of December 31, 2003, the Company had a negative gap position within the one-year repricing interval. Rates paid for interest bearing liabilities are approaching their theoretical floors with very little room left for reductions in the rates being paid to depositors. The following table summarizes the Company’s interest sensitivity at December 31, 2003. Loans, federal funds sold, time deposits and short-term borrowings are classified based upon contractual maturities if fixed-rate or earliest repricing date if variable rate. Investment securities are classified by contractual maturities or, if they have call provisions, by the most likely repricing date.

-26-



December 31, 2003Within
3 Months
        3 Months
through
12 Months
         1 Year
through
5 Years
        After
5 Years
        Non-
Sensitive
Funds
        Total 

 
(Dollars in Thousands)                  
ASSETS:
   Loans$222,231 $47,696 $171,795 $33,233 $(4,060)$470,895 
Investment securities 12,665  41,130  57,711  41,298  6,877  159,681 
Interest bearing deposits with other banks 9,897          9,897 
Federal funds sold 17,443          17,443 
Other assets         47,463  47,463 
 
 
   Total Assets$262,236 $88,826 $229,506 $74,531 $50,280 $705,379 
 
 
LIABILITIES:
Certificates of deposit $100,000 and over$21,035 $12,548 $37,802 $ $ $71,385 
Other time deposits 22,820  39,972  80,700      143,492 
Savings and money market 182,448          182,448 
NOW and SuperNOW 103,415          103,415 
Noninterest bearing demand         91,669  91,669 
Short-term borrowings 20,957          20,957 
Long-term debt     5,000      5,000 
Other liabilities         3,486  3,486 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY           83,527  83,527 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity$350,675 $52,520 $123,502   $178,682 $705,379 
 
 
   Excess$(88,439)$36,306 $106,004 $74,531 $(128,402)$ 
   Cumulative Excess$(88,439)$(52,133)$53,871 $128,402 $ $ 
   Cumulative Excess as percent of total (12.54)% (7.39)% 7.64% 18.20%    

        In addition to gap analysis, the Banks utilize simulation models to quantify the effect a hypothetical immediate plus or minus 200 basis point change in rates would have on net interest income and the fair value of capital. The model takes into consideration the effect of call features of investments as well as prepayments of loans in periods of declining rates. When actual changes in interest rates occur, the changes in interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities may differ from the assumptions used in the model. As of December 31, 2003, the model produced the following sensitivity profile for net interest income and the fair value of capital.


 Immediate Change in Rates 
 +200
Basis Points
+100
Basis Points
-100
Basis Points
-200
Basis Points
Policy
Limit

% Change in Net Interest Income8.20%5.07%(7.39)%(14.57)%±25%
% Change in Fair Value of Capital3.42%2.44%(5.22)%(11.17)%±15%

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

        The information required by this item may be found in Item 7 of Part II of this report under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation—Market Risk Management”, which is incorporated herein by reference.

-27-



Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Independent Auditors’ ReportRegistered Public Accounting Firm29 30
Consolidated Balance Sheets30 31
Consolidated Statements of Income31 32
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity32 33
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows33 34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements35 36


29


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Shore Bancshares, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Shore Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Shore Bancshares, Inc. as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the criteria established inInternal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission(COSO) and our report dated March 11, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment of, and the effective operation of, internal control over financial reporting.


/s/ Stegman and Company
Baltimore, Maryland
March 11, 2005 


30


CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2004 and 2003
  
2004
2003 
      
ASSETS
     
Cash and due from banks 
$
22,050,846
 $19,391,392 
Interest bearing deposits with other banks  
960,812
  9,897,025 
Federal funds sold  
20,539,412
  17,442,889 
Investment securities:       
Available for sale - at fair value  
103,433,819
  144,368,198 
       
Held to maturity - at amortized cost - fair value of(2004) $15,802,385 and (2003) $15,584,968
  
15,662,077
  15,313,009 
Loans, less allowance for credit losses (2004) $4,692,202 and(2003) $4,059,964
  
590,765,937
  470,894,601 
Insurance premiums receivable  
385,923
  844,576 
Premises and equipment, net  
13,069,835
  11,301,549 
Accrued interest receivable on loans and investment securities  
3,275,042
  3,041,981 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary  
859,133
  1,202,786 
Goodwill  
11,938,714
  5,990,132 
Other intangible assets  
2,242,367
  1,580,902 
Deferred income taxes  
1,542,544
  855,640 
Other real estate  
390,825
  - 
Other assets  
3,480,229
  3,254,315 
Total assets 
$
790,597,515
 $705,378,995 
        
LIABILITIES
       
Deposits:       
Noninterest bearing demand 
$
102,671,672
 $91,669,053 
NOW and Super NOW  
112,326,736
  103,415,076 
Certificates of deposit, $100,000 or more  
91,315,421
  71,385,479 
Other time and savings  
352,358,525
  325,939,805 
   
658,672,354
  592,409,413 
        
Accrued interest payable  
630,062
  415,185 
Short-term borrowings  
27,106,241
  20,957,294 
Long term debt  
5,000,000
  5,000,000 
Contingent earn-out payments payable  
3,312,500
  - 
Other liabilities  
2,900,705
  3,069,623 
Total liabilities  
697,621,862
  621,851,515 
        
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
       
       
Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 35,000,000 shares;issued and outstanding
       
(2004) 5,515,198 shares; (2003) 5,400,793 shares  
55,152
  54,008 
Additional paid in capital  
28,016,571
  24,231,213 
Retained earnings  
65,182,004
  58,932,021 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income  
(278,074
)
 310,238 
Total stockholders’ equity  
92,975,653
  83,527,480 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 
$
790,597,515
 $705,378,995 
        

The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

31


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
  200420032002 
        
INTEREST INCOME
       
Loans, including fees 
$
33,034,103
 $28,916,967 $29,604,305 
Interest and dividends on investment securities:          
Taxable  
4,353,701
  4,314,727  5,615,608 
Tax-exempt  
601,803
  603,421  483,731 
Federal funds sold  
254,618
  301,316  453,458 
Other interest  
46,568
  202,025  149,300 
Total interest income  
38,290,793
  34,338,456  36,306,402 
           
INTEREST EXPENSE
          
NOW and Super NOW accounts  
409,441
  503,993  753,898 
Certificates of deposit, $100,000 or more  
2,345,737
  2,503,373  3,031,783 
Other time and savings  
5,787,514
  6,305,204  8,157,742 
Interest on short-term borrowings  
214,504
  178,052  243,001 
Interest on long term debt  
252,642
  251,951  251,952 
Total interest expense  
9,009,838
  9,742,573  12,438,376 
           
NET INTEREST INCOME
  
29,280,955
  24,595,883  23,868,026 
           
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
  
931,345
  335,000  356,066 
           
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISIONFOR CREDIT LOSSES
  
28,349,610
  24,260,883  23,511,960 
           
NONINTEREST INCOME
          
Service charges on deposit accounts  
2,470,350
  1,928,521  1,915,103 
Other service charges and fees  
1,169,648
  648,251  582,329 
Gain on sale of securities  
41,440
  447,713  26,126 
Recognized loss on impairment of securities  
(657,500
)
 (131,394) - 
Insurance agency commissions  
6,383,212
  6,036,792  2,871,620 
Other operating income  
816,450
  914,839  573,311 
   
10,223,600
  9,844,722  5,968,489 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
          
Salaries and wages  
10,658,637
  9,372,409  7,386,228 
Employee benefits  
3,101,617
  2,871,206  2,187,051 
Occupancy expense  
1,448,320
  1,225,476  1,019,380 
Furniture and equipment expense  
978,635
  808,143  738,362 
Data processing  
1,309,746
  955,108  889,329 
Directors’ fees  
553,249
  569,039  471,618 
Amortization of other intangible assets  
306,533
  215,786  129,484 
Other operating expenses  
4,177,648
  3,327,042  3,139,012 
   
22,534,385
  19,344,209  15,960,464 
           
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
  
16,038,825
  14,761,396  13,519,985 
Federal and state income taxes  
5,840,624
  5,265,701  4,729,841 
           
NET INCOME
 
$
10,198,201
 $9,495,695 $8,790,144 
           
Basic earnings per common share 
$
1.86
 $1.77 $1.64 
           
Diluted earnings per common share 
$
1.84
 $1.74 $1.62 
           
Cash dividends paid per common share 
$
.72
 $.66 $.60 
           
The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

32

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

       
Accumulated
   
   
Additional
   
Other
 
Total
 
  Common Paid in Retained Comprehensive Stockholders’ 
  Stock Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Equity 
Balances, January 1, 2002 $53,330 $23,039,084 $47,411,873 $466,346 $70,970,633 
Comprehensive income:                
Net income  -  -  8,790,144  -  8,790,144 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                
Unrealized gain on available for                
sale securities, net of reclassification                
adjustment of $(416)  -  -  -  685,490  685,490 
                 
Total comprehensive income  9,475,634             
                 
Shares repurchased and retired  (12) (20,832) -  -  (20,844)
Shares issued in purchaseaccounting acquisitions
  390  799,610  -  -  800,000 
Shares issued for employee stock                
based awards and related tax effects  13  19,746  -  -  19,759 
Cash dividends paid $.60 per share  -  -  (3,217,282) -  (3,217,282)
                 
Balances, December 31, 2002  53,721  23,837,608  52,984,735  1,151,836  78,027,900 
Comprehensive income:                
Net income  -  -  9,495,695  -  9,495,695 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                
Unrealized loss on available for                
sale securities, net of reclassification adjustment                
of $(104,509)
  -  -  -  (841,598) (841,598)
Total comprehensive income              8,654,097 
                 
Shares issued for employee stock                
based awards and related tax effects  287  393,605  -  -  393,892 
Cash dividends paid $.66 per share  -  -  (3,548,409) -  (3,548,409)
                 
Balances, December 31, 2003  54,008  24,231,213  58,932,021  310,238  83,527,480 
Comprehensive income:                
Net income  -  -  10,198,201  -  10,198,201 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:                
Unrealized loss on available for                
sale securities, net of reclassification                
adjustment of $225,865  -  -  -  (588,312) (588,312)
Total comprehensive income  -  -  -  -  9,609,889 
Shares issued for employee stock                
based awards and related tax effects  316  577,805  -  -  578,121 
Shares issued for purchase accountingacquisition
  828  3,207,553  -  -  3,208,381 
Cash dividends paid $.72 per share  -  -  (3,948,218) -  (3,948,218)
Balances, December 31, 2004 $55,152 $28,016,571 $65,182,004 $(278,074)$92,975,653 
                 

The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.
33


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002


  
2004
20032002 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
       
Net income 
$
10,198,201
 $9,495,695 $8,790,144 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided          
by operating activities:
          
Depreciation and amortization  
1,474,954
  1,521,160  1,266,580 
Discount accretion on debt securities  
(116,838
)
 (60,236) (110,316)
Gain on sale of securities  
(41,440
)
 (579,107) (26,126)
Recognized loss on impairment of securities  
657,500
  131,394  - 
Provision for credit losses, net  
931,345
  335,000  356,000 
Deferred income taxes  
(273,569
)
 75,412  (19,996)
Loss (gain) on disposal of premises and equipment  
37,789
  -  (1,125)
Loss on other real estate owned  
-
  2,143  4,000 
Net changes in:          
Insurance premiums receivable  
458,653
  774,582  (1,619,158)
Accrued interest receivable  
(877
)
 (83,542) 362,484 
Other assets  
75,538
  (387,710) (300,028)
Accrued interest payable  
46,269
  (221,558) (148,251)
Other liabilities  
(314,669
)
 (132,195) 2,077,457 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities  
13,132,856
  10,871,038  10,631,665 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
          
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale  
16,955,388
  8,770,500  3,017,109 
Proceeds from maturities and principal payments          
of securities available for sale  
63,612,769
  112,185,011  79,132,663 
Purchases of securities available for sale  
(31,222,203
)
 ( 156,031,628) (77,385,015)
Proceeds from maturities and principal payments          
of securities held to maturity  
2,155,368
  2,836,613  3,991,642 
Purchases of securities held to maturity  
(2,533,504
)
 (5,051,827) (6,223,062)
Net increase in loans  
(83,345,923
)
 (35,807,512) (47,306,853)
Purchase of premises and equipment  
(1,827,159
)
 (3,469,743) (1,599,409)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned  
-
  51,973  43,000 
Proceed from sale of investment in unconsolidated subsidiary  
379,490
  -  - 
Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment  -  -  22,000 
Acquisition, net of stock issued and cash acquired  
(234,845
)
 -  (5,949,073)
           
Net cash used in investing activities  
(36,060,619
)
 (76,516,613) (52,256,998)
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
          
Net increase in demand, NOW,          
money market, and savings deposits  
6,901,851
  76,290,829  36,418,059 
Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit  
10,365,672
  (29,073,330) 21,304,227 
Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings  
6,148,947
  (1,050,823) 4,954,253 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  
279,275
  290,308  17,031 
Repurchase of common stock  
-
  -  (20,844)
Dividends paid  
(3,948,218
)
 (3,548,410) (3,217,282)
           
Net cash provided by financing activities  
19,747,527
  42,908,574  59,455,444 
           

34

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

  200420032002 
        
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
  
(3,180,236
)
 (22,737,001) 17,830,111 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ATBEGINNING OF YEAR
  
46,731,306
  69,468,307  51,638,196 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ATEND OF YEAR
 
$
43,551,070
 $46,731,306 $69,468,307 
           
Supplemental cash flows information:          
           
Interest paid 
$
8,794,961
 $9,964,131 $12,586,627 
           
Income taxes paid 
$
5,832,108
 $5,559,256 $4,680,382 
           
Transfers from loans to other real estate 
$
390,825
 $- $45,000 
           
Details of acquisitions:          
Fair value of assets acquired 
$
49,538,073
 $- $307,611 
Fair value of liabilities acquired  
( 49,309,778
)
 -  - 
Stock issued for acquisition  
( 3,208,381
)
 -  (800,000)
Purchase price in excess of net assets acquired  
3,214,931
  -  6,441,462 
Net cash paid for acquisition 
$
234,845
 $- $5,949,073 
           
           
The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

35


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

NOTE 1.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to in these Notes as the “Company”), with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. The investments in subsidiaries are recorded on the Company’s books (Parent only) on the basis of its equity in the net assets of the subsidiaries. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to prevailing practices within the industries in which it operates. For purposes of comparability, certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to conform with the current period presentation.

Nature of Operations
The Company provides commercial banking services from its locations in the Maryland Counties of Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Kent, Caroline, and Dorchester and Kent County in Delaware. Its primary source of revenue is from providing commercial, real estate and consumer loans to customers located on the Delmarva Peninsula. A full range of insurance and investment services are offered through the Company’s nonbank subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The allowance for credit losses is a material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near-term. Management believes that the allowance for credit losses is sufficient to address the probable losses in the current portfolio. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the Company’s allowance for credit losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Investment Securities Available for Sale
Investment securities available for sale are stated at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices. They represent those securities which management may sell as part of its asset/liability strategy or which may be sold in response to changing interest rates, changes in prepayment risk or other similar factors. The cost of securities sold is determined by the specific identification method. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on these securities are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of related income taxes. Declines in the fair value of individual available-for-sale securities below their cost that are other than temporary result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value and are reflected in earnings as realized losses. Factors affecting the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include a downgrading of the security by a rating agency, a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, or that management would not have the intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Investment Securities Held to Maturity
Investment securities held to maturity are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. The Company intends and has the ability to hold such securities until maturity. Declines in the fair value of individual held-to-maturity securities below their cost that are other than temporary result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. Factors affecting the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include a downgrading of the security by the rating agency, a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, or that management would not have the ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.


36


Loans
Loans are stated at their principal amount outstanding net of any deferred fees and costs. Interest income on loans is accrued at the contractual rate based on the principal amount outstanding. Fees charged and costs capitalized for originating loans are being amortized substantially on the interest method over the term of the loan. A loan is placed on nonaccrual when it is specifically determined to be impaired or when principal or interest is delinquent for 90 days or more. Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from income. Interest income generally is not recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. Interest payments received on such loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Interest income on other nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and interest payments according to the loan’s contractual terms. The impairment of a loan is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Generally, the Company measures impairment on such loans by reference to the fair value of the collateral. Income on impaired loans is recognized on a cash basis, and payments are first applied against the principal balance outstanding. Impaired loans do not include groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans such as residential mortgage and consumer installment loans that are evaluated collectively for impairment. Reserves for probable credit losses related to these loans are based upon historical loss ratios and are included in the allowance for credit losses.

Allowance for Credit Losses
The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is based on the size and current risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, an assessment of individual problem loans and actual loss experience, current economic events in specific industries and geographical areas, including unemployment levels, and other pertinent factors, including regulatory guidance and general economic conditions and other observable data. Determination of the allowance is inherently subjective as it requires significant estimates, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows or collateral value of impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans that are based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance. A provision for credit losses is charged to operations based on management’s periodic evaluation of the factors previously mentioned, as well as other pertinent factors. Evaluations are conducted at least quarterly and more often if deemed necessary.

The Company’s systematic methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance includes the two following components: (1) the formula allowance component reflecting historical losses, as adjusted, by credit category and (2) the specific allowance component for risk rated credits on an individual or portfolio basis. The components of the allowance for credit losses represent an estimation done pursuant to either Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” or SFAS No. 114 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” The specific component of the allowance for credit losses reflects expected losses resulting from analysis developed through credit allocations for individual loans and historical loss experience for each loan category. The specific credit allocations are based on a regular analysis of all loans over a fixed-dollar amount where the internal credit rating is at or below a predetermined classification. The historical loan loss element is determined statistically using a loss migration analysis that examines loss experience and the related internal grading of loans charged off. The loss migration analysis is performed quarterly and loss factors are updated regularly based on actual experience. The specific component of the allowance for credit losses also includes consideration of concentrations and changes in portfolio mix and volume.

The formula portion of the allowance reflects management’s estimate of probable inherent but undetected losses within the portfolio due to uncertainties in economic conditions, delays in obtaining information, including unfavorable information about a borrower’s financial condition, the difficulty in identifying triggering events that correlate perfectly to subsequent loss rates, and risk factors that have not yet manifested themselves in loss allocation factors. In addition, the formula allowance includes a component that explicitly accounts for the inherent imprecision in loan loss migration models. Historical loss experience data used to establish allocation estimates may not precisely correspond to the current portfolio. The uncertainty surrounding the strength and timing of economic cycles, including management’s concerns over the effects of the prolonged economic downturn in the current cycle, also affects the allocation model’s estimates of loss. The historical losses used in the migration analysis may not be representative of actual losses inherent in the portfolio that have not yet been realized.
37

Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives range from three to ten years for furniture, fixtures and equipment; three to five years for computer hardware and data handling equipment; and ten to forty years for buildings and building improvements. Land improvements are amortized over a period of fifteen years; and leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the respective lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while improvements which extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the asset.
Long-lived assets are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment exists when the expected undiscounted future cash flows of a long-lived asset are less than its carrying value. In that event, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is no longer ratably amortized into the income statement over an estimated life, but rather is tested at least annually for impairment. Intangible assets that have finite lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives and also continue to be subject to impairment testing. All of the Company’s other intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized on a straight-line basis over varying periods not exceeding fifteen years. Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company’s goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over fifteen years. Note 8 includes a summary of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets as well as further detail about the effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 142.

Other Real Estate
Other real estate represents assets acquired in satisfaction of loans either by foreclosure or deeds taken in lieu of foreclosure. Properties acquired are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs at the time of acquisition with any deficiency charged to the allowance for credit losses. Thereafter, costs incurred to operate or carry the properties as well as reductions in value as determined by periodic appraisals are charged to operating expense. Gains and losses resulting from the final disposition of the properties are included in noninterest expense.

Short-Term Borrowings
Short-term borrowing are comprised primarily of repurchase agreements which are securities sold to the Company’s customers, at the customers’ request, under a continuing “roll-over” contract that matures in one business day. The underlying securities sold are U.S. Treasury notes or Government Agency bonds, which are segregated from the Company’s other investment securities by its safekeeping agents.

Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Income tax expense is based on the results of operations, adjusted for permanent differences between items of income or expense reported in the financial statements and those reported for income tax purposes.

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

Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

38


Statement of Cash Flows
Cash and demand balances due from banks, interest bearing deposits with other banks and federal funds sold are considered “cash and cash equivalents” for financial reporting purposes.

Stock-Based Compensation
The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation” and SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure”, but applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its plans. No compensation expense related to the plans was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002. If the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost based on fair value of the award on date of grant and recognized cost based upon the vesting dates under the plans consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, net income and earnings per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts as follows for the years ended December 31:

  
2004
 2003 2002 
Net income:       
As reported 
$
10,198,201
 $9,495,695 $8,790,144 
Less pro forma stock-based compensationexpense determined under the fair
          
value method, net of related tax effects  
(49,407
)
 (32,328) (29,700)
Pro forma net income 
$
10,148,794
 $9,463,367 $8,760,444 
           
Basic net income per share:          
As reported 
$
1.86
 $1.77 $1.64 
Pro forma  
1.85
  1.76  1.64 
           
Diluted earnings per share          
As reported 
$
1.84
 $1.74 $1.62 
Pro forma  
1.83
  1.74  1.62 

The pro forma amounts are not representative of the effects on reported net income for future years.

Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs of approximately $217,000, $169,000, and $179,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29, Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions.” This statement amends the principle that exchanges of nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged and more broadly provides for exceptions regarding exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. This Statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.

In December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock Issued for Employees.” SFAS No. 123R requires that all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, be valued at fair value on the grant date and be expensed over the applicable vesting period. SFAS No. 123R is effective for the Company on July 1, 2005. The Company will transition to SFAS No. 123R using the “modified prospective application.” Under the “modified prospective application,” compensation costs will be recognized in the financial statements for all new share-based payments granted after July 1, 2005. Additionally, the Company will recognize compensation costs for the portion of previously granted awards for which the requisite service has not been rendered (“nonvested awards”) that are outstanding as of July 1, 2005 over the remaining requisite service period of the awards. The compensation expense to be recognized for the nonvested awards will be based on the fair value of the awards. The Company does not expect the impact of utilizing the “modified prospective application” to adopt SFAS No. 123R to be materially different from the pro forma information shown above in this Note 1 under “Stock-Based Compensation.”
39

In March 2004,FASB Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) released Issue 03-01, “Meaning of Other Than Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments.” EITF 03-1 provides guidance for determining whether impairment for certain debt and equity investments is other-than-temporary and the measurement of the impaired loss. Certain disclosure requirements of EITF 03-1 were adopted in 2003 and the Company complied with the new disclosure requirements in its consolidated financial statements. The recognition and measurement requirements of EITF 03-01 were initially effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004. In September 2004, however, the FASB staff issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) EITF 03-1-1, which delayed the effective date for certain measurement and recognition guidance contained in Issue 03-1. The FSP requires the application of pre-existing other-than-temporary guidance during the period of delay until a final consensus is reached. Management does not anticipate the issuance of the final consensus will have a material impact on financial condition, the results of operations, or liquidity. During 2004, the Company recorded a $657,500 write-down relating to its investment in FHLMC preferred stock whose decline in value was determined to be other-than-temporary.

In December 2003, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued Statement of Position (SOP) 03-3, “Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in a Transfer”. SOP 03-3 requires acquired loans, including debt securities, to be recorded at the amount of the purchase’s initial investment and prohibits carrying over valuation allowances from the seller for those-individually-evaluated loans that have evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination, and it is probable all contractual cash flows on the loan will be unable to be collected. SOP 03-3 also requires the excess of all undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition over the purchase’s initial investment to be recognized as interest income on a level-yield basis over the life of the loan. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected are recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life, while subsequent decreases are recognized as impairment. Loans carried at fair value, loans held for sale, and loans to borrowers in good standing under revolving credit agreements are excluded from the scope of SOP 03-3. The guidance is effective for loans acquired in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2004 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, result of operations, or liquidity.

Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the prior year statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation.

NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS

On April 1, 2004, the Company completed its merger with Midstate Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware bank holding company (“Midstate Bancorp”). Pursuant to the merger agreement, each outstanding share of common stock of Midstate Bancorp was converted into the right to receive (i) $31.00 in cash, plus (ii) 0.8732 shares of the common stock of the Company, with cash being paid in lieu of fractional shares at the rate of $33.83 per share. The Company paid $2,953,710 in cash and issued 82,786 shares of common stock to stockholders of Midstate Bancorp in connection with the merger. The Company recorded approximately $2,636,000 of Goodwill and $968,000 of other intangible assets as a result of the acquisition.

On May 1, 2002, the Company acquired certain assets of The Avon-Dixon Agency, Inc., a full service insurance agency, and its subsidiaries, all located in Easton, Maryland. The acquisition agreement called for a deferred payment (earn-out) to be made on or before February 15, 2005, the exact amount of which would depend upon the acquired business meeting certain performance criteria through December 31, 2004. The Company recorded a deferred payment of $2,800,000 on December 31, 2004 as additional Goodwill. On November 1, 2002, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC acquired certain assets of W. M. Freestate & Son, Inc., a full service insurance agency located in Centreville, Maryland. The acquisition agreement called for a deferred payment (earn-out) to be made on or before December 16, 2005, the exact amount of which would depend upon the acquired business meeting certain performance criteria through December 31, 2004. The Company has not yet made this payment but recorded a deferred payment of $512,500 on December 31, 2004 as additional Goodwill.

NOTE 3.CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB”) requires banks to maintain certain minimum cash balances consisting of vault cash and deposits in the Federal Reserve Bank or in other commercial banks. Such balances averaged approximately $11,877,000 and $9,276,000 during 2004 and 2003, respectively.

40


NOTE 4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities are as follows:

  Gross Gross Estimated   
  Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair 
Available for sale securities:
 Cost Gains Losses Value 
December 31, 2004:
         
Obligations of U.S. Government agenciesand corporations
 
$
74,961,442
 
$
46,913
 
$
539,525
 
$
74,468,830
 
Other securities:             
Mortgage backed securities  
24,379,611
  
199,610
  
165,979
  
24,413,242
 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock  
1,614,100
  
-
  
-
  
1,614,100
 
Federal Reserve Bank stock  
302,250
  
-
  
-
  
302,250
 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation             
Cumulative preferred stock  
2,342,500
  
-
  
-
  
2,342,500
 
Equity securities  
284,180
  
8,717
  
-
  
292,897
 
  
$
103,884,083
 
$
255,240
 
$
705,504
 
$
103,433,819
 
December 31, 2003:             
Obligations of U.S. Government agenciesand corporations
 $103,936,791 $542,450 $215,488 $104,263,753 
Other securities:             
Mortgage backed securities  30,195,164  553,683  153,979  30,594,868 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock  2,469,400  -  -  2,469,400 
Federal Reserve Bank stock  302,250  -  -  302,250 
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation             
Cumulative preferred stock  5,972,500  32,500  247,500  5,757,500 
Equity securities  978,641  1,786  -  980,427 
  $143,854,746 $1,130,419 $616,967 $144,368,198 

Held to Maturity securities:
         
December 31, 2004
         
Obligations of states and political subdivisions 
$
15,658,414
 
$
219,019
 
$
79,047
 
$
15,798,386
 
Mortgage backed securities  
3,663
  
336
  
-
  
3,999
 
  
$
15,662,077
 
$
219,355
 
$
79,047
 
$
15,802,385
 
December 31, 2003             
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $15,307,658 $323,029 $51,600 $15,579,087 
Mortgage backed securities  5,351  530  -  5,881 
  $15,313,009 $323,559 $51,600 $15,584,968 
              

Gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual available-for-sale securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004 are as follows:

  Continuous unrealized losses existing for: 
   Less than 12 12 Months 
Total Unrealized
 
Available for sale securities:
 Fair Value Months or More Losses 
Obligations of U.S. Government         
Agencies and Corporations 
$
56,061,108
 
$
420,979
 
$
118,546
 
$
539,525
 
Mortgage-backed securities  
13,138,768
  
63,857
  
102,122
  
165,979
 
  
$
69,199,876
 
$
484,836
 
$
220,668
 
$
705,504
 
              
The available-for-sale investment portfolio has a fair value of approximately $103 million, of which approximately $69 million have unrealized losses from their purchase price. Of these securities, $56 million or 81% are government agency bonds, and $13 million or 19% are mortgage-backed securities. The securities representing the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale portfolio all have modest duration risk, low credit risk, and minimal loss (approximately 1.02%) when compared to book value. The unrealized losses that exist are the result of market changes in interest rates since the original purchase. These factors coupled with the fact the Company has both the intent and ability to hold these investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value substantiates that the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale portfolio are temporary. During 2004, the Company recorded impairment losses in the amount of $657,500 for losses on Freddie Mac Preferred Stock investments that were determined to be other than temporary.
41

Gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual held-to-maturity securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2004 are as follows:
  Continuous unrealized losses existing for: 
   Less than 12 12 Months 
Total Unrealized
 
Held-to-Maturity:
 Fair Value Months or More Losses 
          
Obligations of states and political subdivisions $5,770,037 $31,906 $47,141 $79,047 
              
The held-to-maturity investment portfolio has a fair value of approximately $16 million, of which approximately $6 million have some unrealized losses from their purchase price. The securities representing the unrealized losses in the held-to-maturity portfolio are all municipal securities with modest duration risk, low credit risk, and minimal losses (approximately .50%) when compared to book value. The unrealized losses that exist are the result of market changes in interest rates since the original purchase. These factors coupled with the Company’s intent and ability to hold these investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value substantiates that the unrealized losses in the held-to-maturity portfolio are temporary.

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities by maturity date at December 31, 2004 are as follows:

  Available for Sale 
Held to Maturity
 
  Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated 
  Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value 
Due in one year or less 
$
8,176,846
 
$
8,147,033
 
$
1,013,541
 
$
1,023,037
 
Due after one year through five years  
79,323,330
  
79,004,649
  
4,566,629
  
4,630,620
 
Due after five years through ten years  
5,112,415
  
5,060,055
  
7,130,397
  
7,137,173
 
Due after ten years  
6,728,462
  
6,670,335
  
2,951,510
  
3,011,555
 
   
99,341,053
  
98,882,072
  
15,662,077
  
15,802,385
 
Equity securities  
4,543,030
  
4,551,747
  
-
  
-
 
  
$
103,884,083
 
$
103,433,819
 
$
15,662,077
 
$
15,802,385
 
              
The maturity date for mortgage-backed securities is determined by its expected maturity. The maturity date for the remaining debt securities is determined using its contractual maturity date.


42


The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities which have been pledged as collateral for obligations to federal, state and local government agencies, and other purposes as required or permitted by law, or sold under agreements to repurchase. All pledged securities are held in the available for sale investment portfolio.

  December 31, 2004 
December 31,2003
 
  Amortized Estimated Amortized Estimated 
  Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value 
          
Available for sale 
$
77,185,632
 
$
76,863,198
 $68,483,332 $68,881,748 
              
There were no obligations of states or political subdivisions whose carrying value, as to any issuer, exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2004 or 2003.

Proceeds from sales of investment securities were $16,955,000, $8,771,000, and $3,017,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Gross gains from sales of investment securities were $129,000, $449,000, and $26,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively. Gross losses were $88,000 and $1,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. There were no gross losses in 2002.

NOTE 5. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The Company grants residential mortgage, consumer and commercial loans to customers primarily in the Maryland counties of Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Kent, Caroline and Dorchester and in Kent County, Delaware. The principal categories of the loan portfolio at December 31 are summarized as follows:

  
2004
 2003 
Real estate loans:     
Construction and land development 
$
97,010,075
 $36,639,173 
Secured by farmland  
18,740,634
  14,401,354 
Secured by residential properties  
240,594,157
  221,309,705 
Secured by non-farm, nonresidential properties  
147,207,463
  121,338,281 
Loans to farmers (loans to finance agricultural production and other loans)  
4,495,116
  3,518,341 
Commercial and industrial loans  
68,163,985
  60,153,828 
Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures  
18,485,816
  16,498,761 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions in the United States, tax-exempt  
1,082,824
  1,060,363 
All other loans  
133,156
  159,063 
   
595,913,226
  475,078,869 
Net deferred loan fees/costs  
(455,087
)
 (124,304)
   
595,458,139
  474,954,565 
Allowance for credit losses  
(4,692,202
)
 (4,059,964)
  
$
590,765,937
 $470,894,601 
        
In the normal course of banking business, loans are made to officers and directors and their affiliated interests. These loans are made on substantially the same terms and conditions as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with outsiders and are not considered to involve more than the normal risk of collectibility. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, such loans outstanding, both direct and indirect (including guarantees), to directors, their associates and policy-making officers, totaled approximately $16,384,000, and $12,014,000, respectively. During 2004 and 2003, loan additions were approximately $10,031,000 and $3,149,000, and loan repayments were approximately $5,661,000 and $3,307,000, respectively.


43


Activity in the allowance for credit losses is summarized as follows:

  
2004
 2003 2002 
        
Balance, beginning of year 
$
4,059,964
 $4,116,598 $4,189,368 
           
Loans charged off:          
Real estate loans  
(130,624
)
 (7,369) (86,623)
Installment loans  
(94,052
)
 (113,717) (170,187)
Commercial and other  
(662,246
)
 (409,329) (282,081)
   
(886,922
)
 (530,415) (538,891)
Recoveries:          
Real estate loans  
19,681
  35,060  15,541 
Installment loans  
62,896
  56,592  76,177 
Commercial and other  
79,093
  47,129  18,337 
   
161,670
  138,781  110,055 
           
Net loans charged off  
(725,252
)
 (391,634) (428,836)
Allowance of acquired institution  
426,145
  -  - 
Provision  
931,345
  335,000  356,066 
           
Balance, end of year 
$
4,692,202
 $4,059,964 $4,116,598 
           
 Information with respect to impaired loans and the related valuation allowance as of December 31 is as follows:
   
2004
  2003  2002 
Impaired loans with valuation allowance 
$
1,245,881
 $729,340 $433,091 
Impaired loans with no valuation allowance  
222,784
  272,348  379,355 
           
Total impaired loans 
$
1,468,665
 $1,001,688 $812,446 
           
Allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans 
$
441,930
 $349,268 $116,024 
Allowance for loan losses related to other than impaired loans  
4,250,272
  3,710,696  4,000,574 
           
Total allowance for loan losses 
$
4,692,202
 $4,059,964 $4,116,598 
           
Interest income on impaired loans recorded on the cash basis 
$
11,177
 $26,464 $78,312 
           
Average recorded investment in impaired loans for the year 
$
1,174,632
 $826,098 $676,565 


NOTE 6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

A summary of premises and equipment at December 31 is as follows:

  
2004
 2003 
Land 
$
3,313,344
 $2,928,862 
Buildings and land improvements  
10,628,881
  9,279,151 
Furniture and equipment  
6,013,936
  5,403,013 
   
19,956,161
  17,611,026 
Accumulated depreciation  
(6,886,326
)
 (6,309,477)
  
$
13,069,835
 $11,301,549 
        
Depreciation expense totaled $846,359, $702,042 and $576,390 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.


44


The Company leases facilities under operating leases. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $314,015, $330,927 and $267,418, respectively. Future minimum annual rental payments are approximately as follows:

2005 $243,280 
2006  139,690 
2007  29,867 
2008 and thereafter  - 
Total minimum lease payments $412,837 
     

NOTE 7. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY

At December 31, 2004, the Company owned, through The Centreville National Bank of Maryland (“Centreville National Bank”), 20.00% of the outstanding common stock of the Delmarva Data Bank Processing Center, Inc. (“Delmarva Data”). During 2004, Centreville National Bank sold shares of Delmarva Data to another institution. The investment is carried at cost, adjusted for the Company’s equity in Delmarva Data’s undistributed income.

  December 31 
  
2004
 2003 2002 
        
Balance, beginning of year 
$
1,202,786
 $1,165,567 $1,125,567 
Sale of stock  
(379,490
)
 -  - 
Equity in net income  
35,837
  37,219  40,000 
           
Balance, end of year 
$
859,133
 $1,202,786 $1,165,567 
           

Data processing and other expenses paid to Delmarva Data totaled approximately $1,554,000, $1,277,000, and $1,063,000 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Effective January 1, 2002, goodwill is no longer being amortized but rather tested for impairment under the provisions of SFAS No. 142. The acquired intangible assets apart from goodwill will continue to be amortized over their remaining estimated lives.

The significant components of goodwill and acquired intangible assets are as follows:

  
2004
 
2003
 
       
Weighted
       
Weighted
 
  Gross   
Net
 
Average
 
Gross
  
Net
 
Average
 
  Carrying Accumulated Carrying Remaining Carrying Accumulated Carrying Remaining 
  Amount Amortization Amount Life Amount Amortization Amount Life 
                  
Goodwill 
$
12,605,832
 
$
667,118
 
$
11,938,714
 - $6,657,250 $667,118 $5,990,132  - 
Core Deposit Intangible  
968,000
  
90,748
  
877,252
 
7.3
  -  -  -    
Unidentifiable intangible                        
resulting from branchacquisitions
  
104,144
 
89,685
  
14,459
 
2.1
  104,144  82,742  21,402  3.1 
Insurance expirations  
1,270,000
 
216,778
  
1,053,222
12.4
  1,270,000  132,111  1,137,889  13.4 
Other identifiable intangibles  
620,883
 
323,449
  
297,434
2.4
  620,883  199,272  421,611  3.4 
Total 
$
15,568,859
 
$
1,387,778
 
$
14,181,081
  $8,652,277 $1,081,243 $7,571,034    


Future annual estimated annual amortization expense is as follows:

2005 $336,786 
2006  336,786 
2007  247,632 
2008  205,667 
2009  205,667 


Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was subjected to an annual assessment for impairment during 2004. As a result of annual assessment reviews, the Company determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. The Company will continue to review goodwill on an annual basis for impairment and as events occur or circumstances change.

45

NOTE 9.DEPOSITS

The approximate amount of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more at December 31, 2004 and 2003 was $91,315,000 and $71,385,000, respectively.

The approximate maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2004 are as follows:

Due in one year or less 
$
108,037,000
 
Due in one to three years  
87,305,000
 
Due in three to five years  
51,580,000
 
  
$
246,922,000
 
     

NOTE 10. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-term borrowings at December 31, 2004 and 2003 consisted of securities sold under agreements to repurchase. These short-term obligations represent securities sold to customers, at the customers’ request, under a “roll-over” contract that matures in one business day. The underlying securities sold are U.S. Treasury Notes or Government agency securities, which are segregated in the Company’s custodial accounts from other investment securities. The Company may periodically borrow from a correspondent federal funds line of credit arrangement or a secured reverse repurchase agreement to meet short-term liquidity needs. The following table summarizes certain information for short-term borrowings:

  2004 2003 
      
Average amount outstanding during the year 
$
25,590,183
 $23,071,327 
Weighted average interest rate during the year  
.84
%
 .77%
Amount outstanding at year end 
$
27,106,241
 $20,957,294 
Weighted average rate at year end  
.80
%
 .63%
Maximum amount at any month end 
$
30,845,388
 $29,780,959 
        

NOTE 11. LONG-TERM DEBT

As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company had a convertible advance from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta in the amount of $5,000,000 at an interest rate of 4.97%, due March 29, 2006. The Company has pledged its wholly owned residential real estate mortgage loan portfolio under a blanket floating lien as collateral for this advance.

NOTE 12.BENEFIT PLANS

401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan
The Company has a 401(k) and profit sharing plan covering substantially all full-time employees. The plan calls for matching contributions by the Company, and the Company makes discretionary contributions based on profits. Company contributions to this plan included in expense totaled $750,260 (2004), $728,812 (2003), and $592,413 (2002).

The Felton Bank has a 401(k) plan covering substantially all full-time employees. The plan calls for matching contributions by the Felton Bank. During 2004, matching contributions totaled $10,244.
NOTE 13. STOCK OPTION PLANS

The Company has two stock option plans whereby incentive and nonqualified stock options may be granted periodically to directors, executive officers, and key employees at the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee. The plans provide for both immediate and graduated vesting schedules and originally reserved 194,000 shares of common stock for grant. At December 31, 2004, a total of 53,966 shares remained available for grant under the plans. The plans were adopted in 1998 and 1995 and the options granted have a life not to exceed ten years.

The Company also has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that was adopted in 1998 and amended in 2003 that allows employees to receive options to purchase common stock at an amount equivalent to 85% of the fair market value of the common stock. As amended, the plan reserved 45,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the plan. There were 23,681 shares available for grant under the plan at December 31, 2004.

46

Following is a summary of changes in shares under option for all plans for the years indicated:

  Year Ended December 31, 
  
2004
 
2003
 
  Number Weighted Average Number Weighted Average 
  of SharesExercise Priceof SharesExercise Price 
Outstanding at beginning of year  113,084 $12.25  139,534 $11.52 
Granted  5,979  24.98  5,401  24.03 
Exercised  (32,826) 9.64  (29,309) 10.03 
Expired/Cancelled  (1,012) 20.49  (2,542) 22.95 
Outstanding at end of year  85,225 $14.05  113,084 $12.25 
              
Weighted average fair value of optionsgranted during the year
    $8.26   $7.12 
              

The following summarizes information about options outstanding at December 31, 2004:

-28-


Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Options OutstandingWeighted Average
Remaining
Exercise PriceNumberNumberContract Life
$  6.85  
4,323
4,323
.61
   8.78 
47,880
47,880
1.95
32.00
4,000
4,000
4.05
21.00
3,570
2,676
5.05
19.75
16,935
5,265
7.42
24.03
3,196
3,196
.26
24.98
5,321
5,321
1.68
85,225
72,661

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
and the Stockholders of
Shore Bancshares, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Shore Bancshares, Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Shore Bancshares, Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, and the consolidated results of its operations and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions used for options that vest during the years ended December 31, 2004.




Baltimore, Maryland
January 23, 2004
/s/ Stegman & Company

-29-



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2003 and 2002


 2003 2002 

 
  
ASSETS        
    Cash and due from banks  $19,391,392 $22,321,279 
    Interest bearing deposits with other banks   9,897,025  20,005,728 
    Federal funds sold   17,442,889  27,141,300 
    Investment securities:  
      Available for sale - at fair value   144,368,198  110,863,542 
      Held to maturity - at amortized cost - fair value of  
        (2003) $15,584,968 and (2002) $13,379,216   15,313,009  13,124,236 
    Loans, less allowance for credit losses (2003) $4,059,964  
        (2002) $4,116,598   470,894,601  435,422,089 
    Insurance premiums receivable   844,576  1,619,158 
    Premises and equipment, net   11,301,549  8,533,848 
    Accrued interest receivable on loans and investment securities   3,041,981  2,958,439 
    Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary   1,202,786  1,165,567 
    Goodwill   5,990,132  5,990,132 
    Other intangible assets   1,580,902  1,796,687 
    Deferred income taxes   855,640  270,130 
    Other real estate     54,116 
    Other assets   3,254,315  2,800,242 
 
 
 
   
      Total assets  $705,378,995 $654,066,493 
 
 
 
   
LIABILITIES  
    Deposits:  
      Noninterest bearing demand  $91,669,053 $70,109,964 
      NOW and Super NOW   103,415,076  99,434,204 
      Certificates of deposit, $100,000 or more   71,385,479  99,643,911 
      Other time and savings   325,939,805  276,003,835 
 
 
 
    592,409,413  545,191,914 
   
    Accrued interest payable   415,185  636,743 
    Short-term borrowings   20,957,294  22,008,117 
    Long term debt   5,000,000  5,000,000 
    Other liabilities   3,069,623  3,201,819 
 
 
 
   
      Total liabilities   621,851,515  576,038,593 
 
 
 
   
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
    Common stock, par value $.01, authorized 35,000,000 shares;  
      issued and outstanding (2003) 5,400,793 shares;  
      (2002) 5,372,064 shares   54,008  53,721 
    Additional paid in capital   24,231,213  23,837,608 
    Retained earnings   58,932,021  52,984,735 
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   310,238  1,151,836 
 
 
 
   
        Total stockholders’ equity   83,527,480  78,027,900 
 
 
 
   
        Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $705,378,995 $654,066,493 
 
 
 

The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

-30-



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001


 2003 2002 2001 

 
INTEREST INCOME           
  Loans, including fees  $28,916,967 $29,604,305 $31,256,323 
  Interest and dividends on investment securities:  
    Taxable   4,314,727  5,615,608  5,955,160 
    Tax-exempt   603,421  483,731  443,986 
  Federal funds sold   301,316  453,458  912,517 
  Other interest   202,025  149,300  369,903 
 
 
 
 
        Total interest income   34,338,456  36,306,402  38,937,889 
 
 
 
 
   
INTEREST EXPENSE  
  NOW and Super NOW accounts   503,993  753,898  1,483,160 
  Certificates of deposit, $100,000 or more   2,503,373  3,031,783  4,025,784 
  Other time and savings   6,305,204  8,157,742  10,727,057 
  Interest on short-term borrowings   178,052  243,001  554,585 
  Interest on long term debt   251,951  251,952  270,602 
 
 
 
 
        Total interest expense   9,742,573  12,438,376  17,061,188 
 
 
 
 
   
NET INTEREST INCOME   24,595,883  23,868,026  21,876,701 
   
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES   335,000  356,066  226,000 
 
 
 
 
   
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION  
    FOR CREDIT LOSSES   24,260,883  23,511,960  21,650,701 
 
 
 
 
   
NONINTEREST INCOME  
  Service charges on deposit accounts   1,928,521  1,915,103  1,876,591 
  Gain on sale of securities   316,319  26,126  9,631 
  Insurance agency commissions   6,036,792  2,871,620   
  Other operating income   1,563,090  1,155,640  759,906 
 
 
 
 
    9,844,722  5,968,489  2,646,128 
 
 
 
 
NONINTEREST EXPENSE  
  Salaries and wages   9,372,409  7,386,228  5,046,246 
  Employee benefits   2,871,206  2,187,051  1,678,466 
  Occupancy expense   1,225,476  1,019,380  824,164 
  Furniture and equipment expense   808,143  738,362  687,548 
  Data processing   955,108  889,329  858,635 
  Directors’ fees   569,039  471,618  417,559 
  Goodwill amortization       140,445 
  Amortization of other intangible assets   215,786  129,484  6,943 
  Other operating expenses   3,327,042  3,139,012  2,365,871 
 
 
 
 
    19,344,209  15,960,464  12,025,877 
 
 
 
 
   
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   14,761,396  13,519,985  12,270,952 
Federal and state income taxes   5,265,701  4,729,841  4,276,857 
 
 
 
 
   
NET INCOME  $9,495,695 $8,790,144 $7,994,095 
 
 
 
 
   
Basic earnings per common share  $1.77 $1.64 $1.50 
 
 
 
 
   
Diluted earnings per common share  $1.74 $1.62 $1.49 
 
 
 
 
   
Cash dividends paid per common share  $.66 $.60 $.60 
 
 
 
 

The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

-31-



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001


 Common
Stock

 Additional
Paid in
Capital

 Retained
Earnings

 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

 Total
Stockholders’
Equity

 
Balances, January 1, 2001  $53,242 $22,923,707 $42,601,248 $(553,944)$65,024,253 
Comprehensive income:  
Net income       7,994,095    7,994,095 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:  
Unrealized loss on available for  
   sale securities, net of reclassification  
   adjustment of $(7,110)         1,020,290  1,020,290 
         
 
Total comprehensive income           9,014,385 
         
 
   
Shares repurchased and retired     (1,020)      (1,020)
Shares issued pursuant to employee  
   benefit plans   88  116,397      116,485 
Premium received on issuance of  
   shares in unconsolidated subsidiary       14,170    14,170 
Cash dividends paid $.60 per share       (3,197,640)   (3,197,640)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Balances, December 31, 2001   53,330  23,039,084  47,411,873  466,346  70,970,633 
Comprehensive income:  
Net income       8,790,144    8,790,144 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:  
Unrealized gain on available for  
   sale securities, net of reclassification  
   adjustment of $(416)         685,490  685,490 
         
 
Total comprehensive income           9,475,634 
         
 
   
Shares repurchased and retired   (12) (20,832)     (20,844)
Shares issued in acquisition of   390  799,610        800,000 
   insurance agencies  
Shares issued pursuant to employee  
   benefit plans   13  19,746      19,759 
Cash dividends paid $.60 per share       (3,217,282)   (3,217,282)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Balances, December 31, 2002  $53,721 $23,837,608 $52,984,735 $1,151,836 $78,027,900 
Comprehensive income:  
Net income       9,495,695    9,495,695 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:  
Unrealized loss on available for  
   sale securities, net of reclassification  
   adjustment of $(104,509)         (841,598) (841,598)
         
 
Total comprehensive income           8,654,097 
         
 
   
Shares issued pursuant to employee  
   benefit plans   287  393,605      393,892 
Cash dividends paid $.66 per share       (3,548,409)   (3,548,409)
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Balances, December 31, 2003  $54,008 $24,231,213 $58,932,021 $310,238 $83,527,480 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

-32-



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001


 2003 2002 2001 

 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:           
  Net income  $9,495,695 $8,790,144 $7,994,095 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash  
    provided by operating activities:  
    Depreciation and amortization   1,521,160  1,266,580  995,676 
    Discount accretion on debt securities   (60,236) (110,316) (131,060)
    Gain on sale of securities   (447,713) (26,126) (9,631)
    Provision for credit losses, net   (119,392) (72,770) (9,640)
    Deferred income taxes   75,412  (19,996) (136,433)
    (Gain) loss on disposal of premises and equipment     (1,125) 328 
    Loss on other real estate owned   2,143  4,000  5,000 
    Net changes in:  
      Insurance premiums receivable   774,582  (1,619,158)  
      Accrued interest receivable   (83,542) 362,484  1,012,644 
      Other assets   (491,294) (302,756) (367,486)
      Accrued interest payable   (221,558) (148,251) (220,884)
      Other liabilities   (132,195) 2,077,457  (205,051)
 
 
 
 
   
        Net cash provided by operating activities   10,313,062  10,200,167  8,927,558 
 
 
 
 
   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:  
    Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale   8,770,500  3,017,109  5,509,843 
    Proceeds from maturities and principal payments  
      of securities available for sale   112,185,011  79,132,663  77,482,056 
    Purchases of securities available for sale   (156,031,628) (77,385,015) (101,367,542)
    Proceeds from maturities and principal payments  
      of securities held to maturity   2,836,613  3,991,642  13,274,235 
    Purchases of securities held to maturity   (5,051,827) (6,223,062) (1,622,415)
    Net increase in loans   (35,353,120) (46,878,083) (10,246,466)
    Purchase of premises and equipment   (3,469,743) (1,599,409) (738,686)
    Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned   51,973  43,000   
    Proceeds from sale of premises and equipment     22,000   
    Acquisition, net of stock issued     (5,949,073)  
 
 
 
 
        Net cash used in investing activities   (76,062,221) (51,828,228) (17,708,975)
 
 
 
 
   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:  
    Net increase in demand, NOW,  
      money market, and savings deposits   76,290,829  36,418,059  20,424,729 
    Net (decrease) increase in certificates of deposit   (29,073,330) 21,304,227  2,559,913 
    Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings   (1,050,823) 4,954,253  801,682 
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock   393,892  19,759  116,485 
    Repurchase of common stock     (20,844) (1,020)
    Dividends paid   (3,548,410) (3,217,282) (3,197,640)
 
 
 
 
        Net cash provided by financing activities   43,012,158  59,458,172  20,704,149 
 
 
 
 

-33-



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001


 2003 2002 2001 

 
 
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   (22,737,001) 17,830,111  11,922,732 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
BEGINNING OF YEAR
   69,468,307  51,638,196  39,715,464 
 
 
 
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT
END OF YEAR
  $46,731,306 $69,468,307 $51,638,196 
 
 
 
 
 
Supplemental cash flows information:  
 
Interest paid  $9,964,131 $12,586,627 $17,282,072 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes paid  $5,559,256 $4,680,382 $4,439,933 
 
 
 
 
��
Transfers from loans to other real estate  $ $45,000 $47,000 
 
 
 
 

The notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these statements.

-34-



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to in these Notes as the “Company”), with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. The investments in subsidiaries are recorded on the Company’s books (Parent only) on the basis of its equity in the net assets of the subsidiaries. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to prevailing practices within the industries in which it operates. For purposes of comparability, certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to conform with the current period presentation.

Nature of Operations

The Company provides commercial banking services from its locations in the Maryland Counties of Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Kent, Caroline, and Dorchester. Its primary source of revenue is from providing commercial, real estate and consumer loans to customers located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. A full range of insurance and investment services are offered through the Company’s nonbank subsidiaries.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The allowance for credit losses is a material estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near-term. Management believes that the allowance for credit losses is sufficient to address the probable losses in the current portfolio. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the Company’s allowance for credit losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance based on their judgements about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Investment Securities Available for Sale

Investment securities available for sale are stated at estimated fair value based on quoted market prices. They represent those securities which management may sell as part of its asset/liability strategy or which may be sold in response to changing interest rates, changes in prepayment risk or other similar factors. The cost of securities sold is determined by the specific identification method. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on these securities are reported as accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders’ equity, net of related income taxes. Declines in the fair value of individual available-for-sale securities below their cost that are other than temporary result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value and are reflected in earnings as realized losses. Factors affecting the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include a downgrading of the security by a rating agency, a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, or that management would not have the intent and ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Investment Securities Held to Maturity

Investment securities held to maturity are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. The Company intends and has the ability to hold such securities until maturity. Declines in the fair value of individual held-to-maturity securities below their cost that are other than temporary result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. Factors affecting the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include a downgrading of the security by the rating agency, a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, or that management would not have the ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

-35-



Loans

Loans are stated at their principal amount outstanding net of any deferred fees and costs. Interest income on loans is accrued at the contractual rate based on the principal amount outstanding. Fees charged and costs capitalized for originating loans are being amortized substantially on the interest method over the term of the loan. A loan is placed on nonaccrual when it is specifically determined to be impaired or when principal or interest is delinquent for 90 days or more. Any unpaid interest previously accrued on those loans is reversed from income. Interest income generally is not recognized on specific impaired loans unless the likelihood of further loss is remote. Interest payments received on such loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Interest income on other nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest payments received. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Loans are considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect all principal and interest payments according to the loan’s contractual terms. The impairment of a loan is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Generally, the Company measures impairment on such loans by reference to the fair value of the collateral. Income on impaired loans is recognized on a cash basis, and payments are first applied against the principal balance outstanding. Impaired loans do not include groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans such as residential mortgage and consumer installment loans that are evaluated collectively for impairment. Reserves for probable credit losses related to these loans are based upon historical loss ratios and are included in the allowance for credit losses.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is maintained at a level believed adequate by management to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is based on the size and current risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, an assessment of individual problem loans and actual loss experience, current economic events in specific industries and geographical areas, including unemployment levels, and other pertinent factors, including regulatory guidance and general economic conditions and other observable data. Determination of the allowance is inherently subjective as it requires significant estimates, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows or collateral value of impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans that are based on historical loss experience, and consideration of current economic trends, all of which may be susceptible to significant change. Loan losses are charged off against the allowance, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance. A provision for credit losses is charged to operations based on management’s periodic evaluation of the factors previously mentioned, as well as other pertinent factors. Evaluations are conducted at least quarterly and more often if deemed necessary.

The Company’s systematic methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance includes the two following components: (1) the formula allowance component reflecting historical losses, as adjusted, by credit category and (2) the specific allowance component for risk rated credits on an individual or portfolio basis. The components of the allowance for credit losses represent an estimation done pursuant to either Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 5, “Accounting for Contingencies,” or SFAS No. 114 “Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan.” The specific component of the allowance for credit losses reflects expected losses resulting from analysis developed through credit allocations for individual loans and historical loss experience for each loan category. The specific credit allocations are based on a regular analysis of all loans over a fixed-dollar amount where the internal credit rating is at or below a predetermined classification. The historical loan loss element is determined statistically using a loss migration analysis that examines loss experience and the related internal grading of loans charged off. The loss migration analysis is performed quarterly and loss factors are updated regularly based on actual experience. The specific component of the allowance for credit losses also includes consideration of concentrations and changes in portfolio mix and volume.

The formula portion of the allowance reflects management’s estimate of probable inherent but undetected losses within the portfolio due to uncertainties in economic conditions, delays in obtaining information, including unfavorable information about a borrower’s financial condition, the difficulty in identifying triggering events that correlate perfectly to subsequent loss rates, and risk factors that have not yet manifested themselves in loss allocation factors. In addition, the formula allowance includes a component that explicitly accounts for the inherent imprecision in loan loss migration models. Historical loss experience data used to establish allocation estimates may not precisely correspond to the current portfolio. The uncertainty surrounding the strength and timing of economic cycles, including management’s concerns over the effects of the prolonged economic downturn in the current cycle, also affects the allocation model’s estimates of loss. The historical losses used in the migration analysis may not be representative of actual losses inherent in the portfolio that have not yet been realized.

-36-



Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives range from three to ten years for furniture, fixtures and equipment; three to five years for software, hardware, and data handling equipment; and ten to forty years for buildings and building improvements. Land improvements are amortized over a period of fifteen years; and leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the respective lease. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while improvements which extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the asset.

Long-lived assets are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment exists when the expected undiscounted future cash flows of a long-lived asset are less than its carrying value. In that event, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. On January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”. Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill is no longer ratably amortized into the income statement over an estimated life, but rather is tested at least annually for impairment. Intangible assets that have finite lives continue to be amortized over their estimated useful lives and also continue to be subject to impairment testing. All of the Company’s other intangible assets have finite lives and are amortized on a straight-line basis over varying periods not exceeding fifteen years. Prior to adoption of SFAS No. 142, the Company’s goodwill was amortized on a straight-line basis over fifteen years. Note 8 includes a summary of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets as well as further detail about the effect of the adoption of SFAS No. 142.

Other Real Estate

Other real estate represents assets acquired in satisfaction of loans either by foreclosure or deeds taken in lieu of foreclosure. Properties acquired are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs at the time of acquisition with any deficiency charged to the allowance for credit losses. Thereafter, costs incurred to operate or carry the properties as well as reductions in value as determined by periodic appraisals are charged to operating expense. Gains and losses resulting from the final disposition of the properties are included in noninterest expense.

Short-Term Borrowings

Short-term borrowing are comprised primarily of repurchase agreements which are securities sold to the Company’s customers, at the customers’ request, under a continuing “roll-over” contract that matures in one business day. The underlying securities sold are U.S. Treasury notes or Government Agency bonds, which are segregated from the Company’s other investment securities by its safekeeping agents.

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Income tax expense is based on the results of operations, adjusted for permanent differences between items of income or expense reported in the financial statements and those reported for income tax purposes.

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

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

-37-



Statement of Cash Flows

Cash and demand balances due from banks, interest bearing deposits with other banks and federal funds sold are considered “cash and cash equivalents” for financial reporting purposes.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation plans are accounted for based on the intrinsic value method set forth in Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations. For disclosure purposes net income and earnings per share are provided as if the fair value method has been applied in accordance with SFAS Nos. 123 and 148.

The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation” and SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure”, but applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its plans. No compensation expense related to the plans was recorded during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001. If the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost based on fair value of the award on date of grant and recognized cost based upon the vesting dates under the plans consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, net income and earnings per share would have been changed to the pro forma amounts as follows for the years ended December 31:


 2003
 2002
 2001
 
Net income:        
   As reported  $9,495,695 $8,790,144 $7,994,095 
   Less pro forma stock-based compensation  
      expense determined under the fair value  
      method, net of related tax effects   (32,328) (29,700) (18,234)
 
 
 
 
Pro forma net income  $9,463,367 $8,760,444 $7,975,861 
 
 
 
 
   
Basic net income per share:  
   As reported  $1.77 $1.64 $1.50 
   Pro forma   1.76  1.64  1.50 
   
Diluted earnings per share  
   As reported  $1.74 $1.62 $1.49 
   Pro forma   1.74  1.62  1.48 

The pro forma amounts are not representative of the effects on reported net income for future years.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”. The Statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. There was no material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations upon adoption of this Statement.

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity”. SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both a liability and equity. It requires that an issuer classify certain financial instruments as a liability, although the financial instrument may previously have been classified as equity. This Statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. There was no material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations upon adoption of this Statement.

-38-



In November 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”), which covers guarantees such as standby letters of credit, performance guarantees, and direct or indirect guarantees of the indebtedness of others, but not guarantees of funding. FIN 45 requires a guarantor to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability in an amount equal to the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee, and requires disclosure about the maximum potential payments that might be required, as well as the collateral or other recourse obtainable. The recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 were effective on a prospective basis after December 31, 2002, and its adoption by the Company on January 1, 2003 has not had a significant effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“FIN 46”), which explains identification of variable interest entities and the assessment of whether to consolidate these entities. FIN 46 requires existing unconsolidated variable interest entities to be consolidated by their primary beneficiaries if the entities do not effectively disperse risks among the involved parties. The provisions of FIN 46 are effective for all financial statements issued after January 1, 2003. The Company has no significant variable interests in any entities which would require disclosure or consolidation.

NOTE 2. ACQUISITIONS

On November 12, 2003, the Company executed a definitive merger agreement with Midstate Bancorp, Inc. (“Midstate Bancorp”). Under the terms of the agreement, Midstate Bancorp will merge with and into Shore Bancshares, Inc. The merger agreement provides that each share of Midstate Bancorp common stock will be exchanged for (i) $31.00 in cash and (ii) between 0.8513 to 0.9015 shares of Shore Bancshares common stock, depending on the price of Shore Bancshares, Inc. common stock prior to the merger. This merger is subject to regulatory approval, the satisfaction of various conditions set forth in the agreement, and the approval of Midstate Bancorp stockholders, the meeting for which is scheduled for March 16, 2004. Management anticipates a closing date on or about March 31, 2004.

On May 1, 2002, Shore Bancshares, Inc. completed its acquisition of certain assets of The Avon-Dixon Agency, Inc., a full service insurance agency, and its subsidiaries, all located in Easton, Maryland. The initial purchase price was $5,600,000, of which $4,800,000 was paid in cash and $800,000 was paid in 39,037 shares of Shore Bancshares, Inc. common stock. An additional $1,400,000 may be payable in cash if specific performance criteria set forth in the purchase agreement are realized. The Company recorded approximately $4,082,000 of goodwill and $1,542,000 of other intangible assets as a result of the acquisition. On November 1, 2002, the Company’s subsidiary, The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC acquired certain assets of W. M. Freestate & Son, Inc. a full service insurance agency located in Centreville, Maryland. The Company is now offering a full range of insurance products and services to the public.

NOTE 3. CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

The Federal Reserve requires banks to maintain certain minimum cash balances consisting of vault cash and deposits in the Federal Reserve Bank or in other commercial banks. Such balances averaged approximately $9,276,000 and $8,370,000 during 2003 and 2002, respectively.

-39-



NOTE 4. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities are as follows:


Available for sale securities:
  Amortized
Cost

 Gross
Unrealized
Gains

 Gross
Unrealized
Losses

 Estimated
Fair
Value

 
   December 31, 2003:              
   Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  
     and corporations  $103,936,791 $542,450 $215,488 $104,263,753 
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions          
   Other securities:  
     Mortgage backed securities   30,195,164  553,683  153,979  30,594,868 
     Federal Home Loan Bank stock   2,469,400      2,469,400 
     Federal Reserve Bank stock   302,250      302,250 
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation  
       Cumulative preferred stock   5,972,500  32,500  247,500  5,757,500 
     Equity securities   978,641  1,786    980,427 
 
 
 
 
 
   $143,854,746 $1,130,419 $616,967 $144,368,198 
 
 
 
 
 
   December 31, 2002:  
   U.S. Treasury securities  $1,031,871 $32,509 $ $1,064,380 
   Obligations of U.S. Government agencies  
     and corporations   66,775,750  1,311,649    68,087,399 
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions   110,000  1,440    111,440 
   Other securities:  
     Mortgage backed securities   31,242,556  998,202  3,375  32,237,383 
     Federal Home Loan Bank stock   2,154,000      2,154,000 
     Federal Reserve Bank stock   302,250      302,250 
     Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation  
       Cumulative preferred stock   5,980,513    350,588  5,629,925 
     Equity securities   1,390,036  2,078  115,349  1,276,765 
 
 
 
 
 
   $108,986,976 $2,345,878 $469,312 $110,863,542 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Held to Maturity securities:
  
   December 31, 2003  
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $15,307,658 $323,029 $51,600 $15,579,087 
   Mortgage backed securities   5,351  530    5,881 
 
 
 
 
 
   $15,313,009 $323,559 $51,600 $15,584,968 
 
 
 
 
 
   December 31, 2002  
   Obligations of states and political subdivisions  $13,116,712 $293,804 $39,530 $13,370,986 
   Mortgage backed securities   7,524  706    8,230 
 
 
 
 
 
   $13,124,236 $294,510 $39,530 $13,379,216 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual available-for-sale securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2003 are as follows:
 
 Continuous unrealized losses existing for: 
Available for sale securities:
  Fair Value
 Less than 12
Months

 More than 12
Months

 Total Unrealized
Losses

 
   Obligations of U.S. Government              
     Agencies and Corporations  $24,785,186 $211,630 $3,858 $215,488 
   Mortgage-backed securities   8,347,418  153,979    153,979 
   Equity Securities   4,225,000  247,500    247,500 
 
 
 
 
 
   $37,357,604 $613,109 $3,858 $616,967 
 
 
 
 
 

The available-for-sale investment portfolio has a fair value of approximately $144 million, of which approximately $37 million have some unrealized losses from their purchase price. Of these securities, $28 million or 75% are government agency bonds, and $9 million or 25% are mortgage-backed securities. The securities representing the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale portfolio all have modest duration risk, low credit risk, and minimal loss (approximately .42%) when compared to book value. The unrealized losses that exist are the result of market changes in interest rates since the original purchase. These factors coupled with the fact the Company has both the intent and ability to hold these investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value substantiates that the unrealized losses in the available-for-sale portfolio are temporary. During 2003, the Company recorded write-downs in the amount of $131,394 for declines on a U.S. Government bond fund investment that were determined to be other than temporary.

-40-



Gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual held-to-maturity securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2003 are as follows:


 Continuous unrealized losses existing for:
Held-to-Maturity
  Fair Value
 Less than 12
Months

 More than 12
Months

 Total Unrealized
Losses  

                  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions   $3,211,284   $48,156   $3,473   $51,600 
    
   
   
   
 

The held-to-maturity investment portfolio has a fair value of approximately $16 million, of which approximately $3 million have some unrealized losses from their purchase price. The securities representing the unrealized losses in the held-to-maturity portfolio are all municipal securities with modest duration risk, low credit risk, and minimal losses (approximately .34%) when compared to book value. The unrealized losses that exist are the result of market changes in interest rates since the original purchase. These factors coupled with the Company’s intent and ability to hold these investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value substantiates that the unrealized losses in the held-to-maturity portfolio are temporary.

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities by maturity date at December 31, 2003 are as follows:


 Available for Sale
 Held to Maturity
 
 Amortized
Cost

 Estimated
Fair Value

 Amortized
Cost

 Estimated
Fair Value

 
Due in one year or less  $12,090,113 $12,348,456 $1,093,201 $1,114,728 
Due after one year through five years   109,720,632  110,312,523  5,259,513  5,400,256 
Due after five years through ten years   8,271,969  8,255,256  5,292,275  5,349,257 
Due after ten years   4,049,241  3,942,386  3,668,020  3,720,727 
 
 
 
 
 
    134,131,955  134,858,621  15,313,009  15,584,968 
Equity securities   9,722,791  9,509,577     
 
 
 
 
 
   $143,854,746 $144,368,198 $15,313,009 $15,584,968 
 
 
 
 
 

The maturity date for mortgage-backed securities is determined by its expected maturity. The maturity date for the remaining debt securities is determined using its contractual maturity date.

-41-



The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities which have been pledged as collateral for obligations to federal, state and local government agencies and other purposes as required or permitted by law.


 December 31, 2003
 December 31, 2002
 
 Amortized
Cost

 Estimated
Fair Value

 Amortized
Cost

 Estimated
Fair Value

 
                  Available for sale  $68,483,332 $68,881,748 $80,957,596 $82,929,770 
                  Held to maturity       1,602,339  1,619,188 
 
 
 
 
 
   $68,483,332 $68,881,748 $82,559,935 $84,548,958 
 
 
 
 
 

There were no obligations of states or political subdivisions whose carrying value, as to any issuer, exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2003 or 2002.

Proceeds from sales of investment securities were $8,770,500, $3,017,109, and $5,509,843 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

NOTE 5. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The Company grants residential mortgage, consumer and commercial loans to customers primarily in the Maryland Counties of Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Kent, Caroline and Dorchester. The principal categories of the loan portfolio at December 31 are summarized as follows:


 2003
 2002
 
Real estate loans:        
   Construction and land development  $36,639,173 $25,354,196 
   Secured by farmland   14,401,354  13,447,623 
   Secured by residential properties   221,309,705  217,302,483 
   Secured by non-farm, nonresidential properties   121,338,281  104,308,342 
Loans to farmers (loans to finance agricultural production and other loans)   3,518,341  3,697,703 
Commercial and industrial loans   60,153,828  55,238,077 
Loans to individuals for household, family, and other personal expenditures   16,498,761  16,889,122 
Obligations of states and political subdivisions in the United States, tax-exempt   1,060,363  2,991,206 
All other loans   159,063  285,585 
 
 
 
    475,078,869  439,514,337 
   Net deferred loan fees/costs   (124,304) 24,350 
 
 
 
    474,954,565  439,538,687 
   Allowance for credit losses   (4,059,964) (4,116,598)
 
 
 
   $470,894,601 $435,422,089 
 
 
 

In the normal course of banking business, loans are made to officers and directors and their affiliated interests. These loans are made on substantially the same terms and conditions as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with outsiders and are not considered to involve more than the normal risk of collectibility. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, such loans outstanding, both direct and indirect (including guarantees), to directors, their associates and policy-making officers, totaled approximately $12,014,000, and $12,172,000, respectively. During 2003 and 2002, loan additions were approximately $3,149,000 and $11,836,000, and loan repayments were approximately $3,307,000 and $5,627,000, respectively.

-42-



Activity in the allowance for credit losses is summarized as follows:


 2003
 2002
 2001
 
 
Balance, beginning of year  $4,116,598 $4,189,368 $4,199,008 
 
 
 
 
   
   Loans charged off:  
     Real estate loans   (7,369) (86,623) (5,338)
     Installment loans   (113,717) (170,187) (154,631)
     Commercial and other   (409,329) (282,081) (175,225)
 
 
 
 
    (530,415) (538,891) (335,194)
 
 
 
 
   Recoveries:  
     Real estate loans   35,060  15,541  1,847 
     Installment loans   56,592  76,177  60,694 
     Commercial and other   47,129  18,337  37,013 
 
 
 
 
    138,781  110,055  99,554 
 
 
 
 
   
   Net loans charged off   (391,634) (428,836) (235,640)
   Provision   335,000  356,066  226,000 
 
 
 
 
   
   Balance, end of year  $4,059,964 $4,116,598 $4,189,368 
 
 
 
 

Information with respect to impaired loans and the related valuation allowance as of December 31 is as follows:


 2003
 2002
 2001
 
   Impaired loans with valuation allowance  $729,340 $433,091 $560,539 
   Impaired loans with no valuation allowance   272,348  379,355  382,537 
 
 
 
 
       Total impaired loans  $1,001,688 $812,446 $943,076 
 
 
 
 
   Allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans  $349,268 $116,024 $76,935 
   Allowance for loan losses related to other than impaired loans   3,710,696  4,000,574  4,112,433 
 
 
 
 
   Total allowance for loan losses  $4,059,964 $4,116,598 $4,189,368 
 
 
 
 
   Interest income on impaired loans recorded on the cash basis  26,464 $78,312 $19,467 
 
 
 
 
   Average recorded investment in impaired loans for the year  $826,098 $471,469 $644,549 
 
 
 
 

NOTE 6. PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

A summary of premises and equipment at December 31 is as follows:


 2003
 2002
 
Land  $2,928,862 $2,115,542 
Buildings and land improvements   9,279,151  7,123,036 
Furniture and equipment   5,403,013  4,924,664 
 
 
 
    17,611,026  14,163,242 
Accumulated depreciation   (6,309,477) (5,629,394)
 
 
 
   $11,301,549 $8,533,848 
 
 
 

Depreciation expense totaled $702,042, $576,390 and $553,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

-43-



The Company leases facilities under operating leases. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $330,927, $267,418 and $147,198, respectively. Future minimum annual rental payments are approximately as follows:


      2004   $264,367 
       2005    121,269 
        2006    33,190 
         2007    8,200 
   Thereafter    
 
 
    Total minimum lease payments  $427,026 
 
 

NOTE 7. INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARY

Through Centreville National Bank, the Company owns 29.25% of the outstanding common stock of the Delmarva Data. The investment is carried at cost, adjusted for the Company’s equity in Delmarva Data’s undistributed income.


 December 31
 
 2003
 2002
 2001
 
 
Balance, beginning of year  $1,165,567 $1,125,567 $1,082,128 
Premium received on issuance of stock       14,170 
Equity in net income   37,219  40,000  29,269 
 
 
 
 
   
Balance, end of year  $1,202,786 $1,165,567 $1,125,567 
 
 
 
 

Data processing and other expenses paid to Delmarva Data totaled approximately $1,277,000, $1,063,000, and $954,000 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Effective January 1, 2002, goodwill is no longer being amortized but rather tested for impairment under the provisions of SFAS No. 142. The acquired intangible assets apart from goodwill will continue to be amortized over their remaining estimated lives.

The significant components of goodwill and acquired intangible assets are as follows:


 2003 2002 
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Carrying
Amount
 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
 Gross
Carrying
Amount
 Accumulated
Amortization
 Net
Carrying
Amount
 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Life
 
 
 
 
Goodwill  $6,657,250 $667,118 $5,990,132   $6,657,250 $667,118 $5,990,132   
Unidentifiable intangible  
   resulting from branch  
   acquisitions   104,144  82,742  21,402  3.1  104,144  75,799  28,345  4.1 
Insurance expirations   1,270,000  132,111  1,137,889  13.4  1,270,000  47,444  1,222,556  14.8 
Other identifiable intangibles   620,883  199,272  421,611  3.4  620,883  75,097  545,786  4.8 
 
     Total  $8,652,277 $1,081,243 $7,571,034    $8,652,277 $865,458 $7,786,819    
 

Future annual estimated annual amortization expense, excluding goodwill is as follows:


2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
$ 215,786
215,786
215,786
134,322
84,667

Under the provisions of SFAS No. 142, goodwill was subjected to an initial assessment for impairment as of January 1, 2002.

-44-



The Company also performed an annual test for impairment. As a result of both the initial and annual assessment reviews, the Company determined that there was no impairment of goodwill. The Company will continue to review goodwill on an annual basis for impairment and as events occur or circumstances change.

The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 effective January 1, 2002. The following presents the pro forma effects of applying SFAS No. 142 to the year ended December 31, 2001.


 Years ended December 31, 
 2003 2002 2001 

 
Goodwill amortization:           
     Pre-tax  $ $ $147,388 
     After - -tax       144,706 
Net income:  
     Reported  $9,495,695 $8,790,144 $7,994,095 
     Add back: goodwill amortization, net of tax effect       144,706 
         Adjusted net income   9,495,695  8,790,144  8,138,801 
Basic net income per share:  
     Reported  $1.77 $1.64 $1.50 
     Goodwill amortization   .00  .00  .03 
         Adjusted net income per share - basic  $1.77 $1.64 $1.53 
Diluted net income per share:  
     Reported  $1.74 $1.62 $1.49 
     Goodwill amortization   .00  .00  .02 
         Adjusted net income per share - diluted  $1.74 $1.62 $1.51 

NOTE 9. SIGNIFICANT DEPOSITS

The approximate maturities of certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more at December 31 are as follows:


 2003
 2002
 
Three months or less  $21,035,000 $46,991,000 
Over three through twelve months   12,548,000  17,374,000 
Over twelve months   37,802,000  35,279,000 
 
 
 
 
   $71,385,000 $99,644,000 
 
 
 

NOTE 10. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Short-term borrowings at December 31, 2003 and 2002 consisted of securities sold under agreements to repurchase. These short-term obligations represent securities sold to customers, at the customers’ request, under a “roll-over” contract that matures in one business day. The underlying securities sold are U.S. Treasury Notes or Government agency securities, which are segregated, in the Company’s custodial accounts from other investment securities. From time to time in order to meet short-term liquidity needs the Company may borrow from a correspondent federal funds line of credit arrangement or a secured reverse repurchase agreement. The following table summarizes certain information for short-term borrowings:


 2003
 2002
 
Average amount outstanding during the year  $23,071,327 $20,986,113 
Weighted average interest rate during the year   .77% 1.15%
Amount outstanding at year end  $20,957,294 $22,008,117 
Weighted average rate at year end   .63% .90%
Maximum amount at any month end  $29,780,959 $28,585,030 

-45-



NOTE 11. LONG-TERM DEBT

As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had a convertible advance from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta in the amount of $5,000,000 at an interest rate of 4.97%. The advance is due March 29, 2006 and has a one-time call provision in 2004. The Company has pledged its wholly-owned residential real estate mortgage loan portfolio under a blanket floating lien as collateral for this advance.

NOTE 12. BENEFIT PLANS

401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan

The Company has a 401(k) and profit sharing plan covering substantially all full-time employees. The plan calls for matching contributions by the Company, and the Company makes discretionary contributions based on profits. Company contributions to this plan included in expense totaled $728,812 (2003), $592,413 (2002), and $387,764 (2001).

NOTE 13. STOCK OPTION PLANS

The Company has two stock option plans whereby incentive and nonqualified stock options may be granted periodically to directors, executive officers, and key employees at the discretion of the Company’s Compensation Committee. The plans provide for both immediate and graduated vesting schedules and originally reserved 194,000 shares of common stock for grant. At December 31, 2003, a total of 53,466 shares remained available for grant under the plans. The plans were adopted in 1998 and 1995 and the options granted have a life not to exceed ten years.

The Company also has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that was adopted in 1998 and amended in 2003 that allows employees to receive options to purchase common stock at an amount equivalent to 85% of the fair market value of the common stock. As amended, the plan reserved 45,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the plan. There were 29,208 shares available for grant under the plan at December 31, 2003.

Following is a summary of changes in shares under option for all plans for the years indicated:


 Year Ended December 31,
 2003
 2002
 Number
of Shares

 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 Number
of Shares

 
Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Outstanding at beginning of year   139,534  $11.52   112,546  $  9.67 
Granted   5,401  24.03   29,423  19.75 
Exercised   (29,309) 10.03   (2,012) 16.35 
Expired/Cancelled   (2,542) 22.95   (423) 17.31 
    
      
    
Outstanding at end of year   113,084  $12.25   139,534  $11.52 
    
      
    
Weighted average fair value of options  
granted during the year   $  7.12
   $  7.91
 

The following summarizes information about options outstanding at December 31, 2003:


 Options Outstanding Options Outstanding and Exercisable   
 Exercise Price
Number
 Number

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contract Life

 
  $   6.85  30,134  30,134  1.61  
  8.78  47,880  47,880  2.95  
  32.00  4,500  3,600  5.05  
  21.00  3,970  2,382  6.05  
  16.97  4,057  4,057  .26  
  19.75  18,643  2,743  8.42  
  24.03  3,900  3,900  1.26  
 

  
     113,084  94,696     
 

  

-46-



The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions used for options that vest during the years ended December 31, 2002. No options were granted during 2001.


 2003
 2002
 
                                      Dividend yield   1.70% 2.20%
                                      Expected volatility   20.00% 15.00%
                                      Risk free interest   4.23% 4.58%
                                      Expected lives (in years)   2.17  10 

NOTE 14. DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The Company has a supplemental deferred compensation plan to provide retirement benefits to its President and Chief Executive Officer. The plan calls for fixed annual payments of $20,000 to be credited to the participant’s account. The participant is 100% vested in amounts credited to his account. Contributions to the plan were $20,000 in 2003, 2002, and 2001.

The Company also has agreements with certain directors under which they have deferred part of their fees and compensation. The amounts deferred are invested in insurance policies, owned by the Company, on the lives of the respective individuals. Amounts available under the policies are to be paid to the individuals as retirement benefits over future years. Cash surrender values and the accrued benefit obligation included in other assets and other liabilities at December 31, are as follows:


 2003
 2002
 
            Cash surrender value  $1,970,630 $1,910,401 
            Accrued benefit obligations   697,633  563,772 

-47-



NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES

Income taxes included in the balance sheets as of December 31 are as follows:


 2003
 2002
 
Federal income taxes currently (receivable) payable  $(25,038)$90,539 
State income taxes currently payable   42,666  220,630 
Deferred income tax benefits   855,640  270,130 

Components of income tax expense for each of the three years ended December 31 are as follows:


 2003
 2002
 2001
 
Currently payable:           
   Federal  $4,500,099 $4,091,475 $3,897,184 
   State   826,384  670,478  521,055 
 
 
 
 
    5,326,483  4,761,953  4,418,239 
 
 
 
 
Deferred income tax benefits:  
   Federal   (50,635) (27,431) (115,756)
   State   (10,147) (4,681) (25,626)
 
 
 
 
    (60,782) (32,112) (141,382)
 
 
 
 
   
   $5,265,701 $4,729,841 $4,276,857 
 
 
 
 

A reconciliation of tax computed at the statutory federal tax rates of 35% to the actual tax expense for the three years ended December 31 follows:


 2003
 2002
 2001
 
Tax at federal statutory rate   35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
   Tax effect of:  
   Tax-exempt income   (2.0) (2.0) (1.8)
   Non-deductible expenses   .1  .1  .5 
   State income taxes, net of federal benefit   3.6  3.2  2.4 
   Other   (1.0) (1.3) (1.2)
 
 
 
 
   
Income tax expense   35.7% 35.0% 34.9%
 
 
 
 

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:


 2003
 2002
 
Deferred tax assets:        
   Allowance for credit losses  $1,435,285 $1,319,725 
   Provision for off balance sheet commitments   42,566  40,249 
   Provision for loss on other real estate     1,931 
   Loan fees   24,570  19,290 
   Deferred compensation   269,455  208,790 
 
 
 
     Total deferred tax assets   1,771,876  1,589,985 
 
 
 
   
Deferred tax liabilities:  
   Depreciation   373,039  227,769 
   Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividend   27,613  27,613 
   Undistributed income of unconsolidated subsidiary   66,577  63,702 
   Loan origination fees and costs   258,500  212,556 
   Unrealized gains on available for sale securities   144,457  724,729 
   Other   46,050  63,486 
 
 
 
     Total deferred tax liabilities   916,236  1,319,855 
 
 
 
     Net deferred tax assets  $855,640 $270,130 
 
 
 

-48-



NOTE 16. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per share is derived by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and does not include the effect of any potentially dilutive common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings per share is derived by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and warrants. For the year ended December 31, 2002 options to purchase 5,500 shares of common stock were excluded from computing diluted earnings per share because their effects were antidilutive.


 2003
 2002
 2001
 
Basic:           
Net income (applicable to common stock)  $9,495,695 $8,790,144 $7,994,095 
Average common shares outstanding   5,376,618  5,358,969  5,330,022 
Basic earnings per share  $1.77 $1.64 $1.50 
   
Diluted:  
Net income (applicable to common stock)  $9,495,695 $8,790,144 $7,994,095 
Average common shares outstanding   5,376,618  5,358,969  5,330,022 
Diluted effect of stock options   72,303  69,609  52,376 
 
 
 
 
Average common shares outstanding - diluted   5,448,921  5,428,578  5,382,398 
Diluted earnings per share  $1.74 $1.62 $1.49 

NOTE 17. REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

The Company and the Banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory — and possibly additional discretionary — actions by regulators, that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Banks’ assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Banks’ capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Banks to maintain amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets. Management believes as of December 31, 2003, that the Company and the Banks met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2003, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency categorized the Banks as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the Banks must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since those notifications that management believes have changed the Banks’ category.

-49-



Capital levels and ratios for Shore Bancshares, Inc., Talbot Bank, and Centreville National Bank as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, compared with the minimum requirements, are presented below:


 Actual
 For Capital
Adequacy Purposes

 To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions

 
 Amount
 Ratio
 Amount
 Ratio
 Amount
 Ratio
 
As of December 31, 2003:                    
   Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):  
       Company  $79,591,000  16.17%$39,386,080  8.00%$32,967,500  10.00%
       The Talbot Bank  $48,500,000  14.71%$26,374,000  8.00%$32,967,500  10.00%
       The Centreville National Bank  $26,335,000  16.66%$12,648,960  8.00%$15,811,200  10.00%
   Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):  
       Company  $75,421,000  15.32%$19,693,040  4.00%      
       The Talbot Bank  $45,688,000  13.86%$13,187,040  4.00%$21,857,420  6.00%
       The Centreville National Bank  $24,977,000  15.80%$6,324,480  4.00%$13,068,160  6.00%
   Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets):  
       Company  $75,421,000  10.73%$28,128,920  4.00%      
       The Talbot Bank  $45,688,000  10.45%$17,485,800  4.00%$21,857,250  5.00%
       The Centreville National Bank  $24,977,000  9.56%$10,454,480  4.00%$13,068,100  5.00%
   
As of December 31, 2002:  
   Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):  
       Company  $73,020,000  16.23%$35,999,040  8.00%      
       The Talbot Bank  $46,810,000  14.17%$24,828,080  8.00%$31,035,100  10.00%
       The Centreville National Bank  $25,477,000  18.41%$11,070,080  8.00%$13,837,600  10.00%
   Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):  
       Company  $68,799,000  15.29%$17,999,520  4.00%      
       The Talbot Bank  $43,980,000  14.17%$12,414,040  4.00%$18,621,060  6.00%
       The Centreville National Bank  $24,086,000  17.41%$5,535,040  4.00%$8,302,560  6.00%
   Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets):  
       Company  $68,799,000  10.73%$25,655,120  4.00%      
       The Talbot Bank  $43,980,000  11.06%$15,902,760  4.00%$19,878,450  5.00%
       The Centreville National Bank  $24,086,000  10.01%$9,623,640  4.00%$12,029,550  5.00%

Bank and holding company regulations, as well as Maryland law, impose certain restrictions on dividend payments by the Banks, as well as restricting extensions of credit and transfers of assets between the Banks and the Company. At December 31, 2003, the Banks could have paid dividends to the parent company of approximately $7,647,000 without the prior consent and approval of the regulatory agencies. The Company had no outstanding receivables from subsidiaries at year-end December 31, 2003 and 2002.

NOTE 18. LINES OF CREDIT

The Banks had $17,000,000 in unsecured federal funds lines of credit and a reverse repurchase agreement available on a short-term basis from correspondent banks. In addition, the Banks have credit availability of approximately $95,370,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. The Banks have pledged as collateral, under blanket lien, all qualifying residential loans under borrowing agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Federal Home Loan Bank had issued a letter of credit in the amounts of $20,000,000 on behalf of the Talbot Bank to a local government entity as collateral for its deposits.

-50-



NOTE 19. DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

  Cash and Cash Equivalents


 For those short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.
2004
2003

Dividend yield

  Investment Securities2.29

%
1.70%

Expected volatility
27.60
%
20.00%
Risk free interest
4.0
%
4.23%
Expected lives (in years)
2.25
2.17
 For all investments in debt securities, fair values are based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

  Loan Receivables


 The fair value of categories of fixed rate loans, such as commercial loans, residential mortgage, and other consumer loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. Other loans, including variable rates loans, are adjusted for differences in loan characteristics.

  Financial Liabilities


 The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. These estimates do not take into consideration the value of core deposit intangibles. The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and long-term debt is estimated using the rates offered for similar borrowings.

  Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit


 The majority of the Company’s commitments to grant loans and standby letters of credit are written to carry current market interest rates if converted to loans. Because commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are generally unassignable by the Company or the borrower, they only have value to the Company and the borrower and therefore it is impractical to assign any value to these commitments.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, excluding goodwill, as of December 31 are as follows:

NOTE 14. DEFERRED COMPENSATION

 2003
 2002
 
 Carrying
Amount

 
Estimated
Fair
Value

 Carrying
Amount

 
Estimated
Fair
Value

 
Financial assets:              
   Cash and cash equivalents  $46,731,306 $46,731,000 $69,468,306 $69,469,000 
   Investment securities   159,681,207  159,953,000  123,987,778  124,243,000 
   Loans   474,954,565  476,470,000  438,544,965  445,314,000 
   Less: allowance for loan losses   (4,059,964) (4,060,000) (4,116,598) (4,117,000)
 
 
 
 
 
   $677,307,114 $679,094,000 $627,884,451 $634,909,000 
 
 
 
 
 
   
Financial liabilities:  
   Deposits  $592,409,413 $595,767,000 $546,487,433 $551,415,000 
   Short-term borrowings   20,957,294  20,957,000  22,008,117  22,008,000 
   Long-term debt   5,000,000  5,284,000  5,000,000  5,377,000 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   $618,366,707 $622,008,000 $573,495,550 $578,800,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized financial instruments:  
   Commitments to extend credit  $142,813,000 $ $119,844,000 $ 
   Standby letters of credit   9,453,000    6,660,000   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   $152,266,000 $ $126,504,000 $ 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company has a supplemental deferred compensation plan to provide retirement benefits to its President and Chief Executive Officer. The plan calls for fixed annual payments of $20,000 to be credited to the participant’s account. The participant is 100% vested in amounts credited to his account. Contributions to the plan were $20,000 in 2004, 2003, and 2002.

-51-


Centreville National Bank has agreements with certain of its directors under which they have deferred part of their fees and compensation. The amounts deferred are invested in insurance policies, owned by Centreville National Bank, on the lives of the respective individuals. Amounts available under the policies are to be paid to the individuals as retirement benefits over future years. Cash surrender values and the accrued benefit obligation included in other assets and other liabilities at December 31 are as follows:

  
2004
 2003 
Cash surrender value 
$
2,046,706
 $1,970,630 
Accrued benefit obligations  
820,719
  697,633 

47

NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES

Income taxes included in the balance sheets as of December 31 are as follows:
  
2004
 2003 
Federal income taxes currently (receivable) payable 
$
263,652
 $(25,038)
State income taxes currently payable  
86,100
  42,666 
Deferred income tax benefits  
1,542,544
  855,640 

Components of income tax expense for each of the three years ended December 31 are as follows:

  
2004
 2003 2002 
Currently payable:       
Federal 
$
4,913,929
 $4,500,099 $4,091,475 
State  
918,988
  826,384  670,478 
   
5,832,917
  5,326,483  4,761,953 
Deferred income tax expense (benefits):          
Federal  
5,399
  (50,635) (27,431)
State  
2,308
  (10,147) (4,681)
   
7,707
  (60,782) (32,112)
  
$
5,840,624
 $5,265,701 $4,729,841 
           

A reconciliation of tax computed at the statutory federal tax rates of 35% to the actual tax expense for the three years ended December 31 follows:

  
2004
 2003 2002 
Tax at federal statutory rate  
35.0
%
 35.0% 35.0%
Tax effect of:          
Tax-exempt income  
(1.5
)
 (2.0) (2.0)
Non-deductible expenses  
.2
  .1  .1 
State income taxes, net of federal benefit  
3.7
  3.6  3.2 
Other  
(1.0
)
 (1.0) (1.3)
Income tax expense  
36.4
%
 35.7% 35.0%
           

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows:

  
2004
 2003 
Deferred tax assets:     
Allowance for credit losses 
$
1,735,196
 $1,435,285 
Provision for off balance sheet commitments  
57,850
  42,566 
Net operating loss carryforward  
303,137
  - 
Unrealized losses on available for sale securities  
172,169
  - 
Recognized loss on impaired securities  
304,671
  50,744 
Loan fees  
75,182
  24,570 
Deferred compensation  
313,528
  269,455 
Total deferred tax assets  
2,961,733
  1,822,620 
Deferred tax liabilities:       
Depreciation  
363,979
  373,039 
Purchase accounting adjustments  
635,149
  - 
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividend  
27,613
  27,613 
Undistributed income of unconsolidated subsidiary  
69,345
  66,577 
Loan origination fees and costs  
288,934
  258,500 
Unrealized gains on available for sale securities  
-
  195,201 
Other  
34,169
  46,050 
Total deferred tax liabilities  
1,419,189
  966,980 
Net deferred tax assets 
$
1,542,544
 $855,640 
        
The Company had unused net operating loss carryforward of approximately $816,000 at December 31, 2004 that resulted from the acquisition of the Felton Bank in 2004. In accordance with current tax laws, the Company is allowed to utilize the loss carryforward over a 20-year period beginning in 2004. The Company expects to utilize the entire loss carryforward.

48

NOTE 16. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per share is derived by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and does not include the effect of any potentially dilutive common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings per share is derived by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and warrants. For the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2002 options to purchase 4,000 and 5,500 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from computing diluted earnings per share because their effects were antidilutive.

  
2004
 2003 2002 
Basic:       
Net income (applicable to common stock) 
$
10,198,201
 $9,495,695 $8,790,144 
Average common shares outstanding  
5,482,928
  5,376,618  5,358,969 
Basic earnings per share 
$
1.86
 $1.77 $1.64 
           
Diluted:          
Net income (applicable to common stock) 
$
10,198,201
 $9,495,695 $8,790,144 
Average common shares outstanding  
5,482,928
  5,376,618  5,358,969 
Diluted effect of stock options  
47,230
  72,303  69,609 
Average common shares outstanding - diluted  
5,530,158
  5,448,921  5,428,578 
Diluted earnings per share 
$
1.84
 $1.74 $1.62 
           

NOTE 17.REGULATORY CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

The Company and each of The Talbot Bank of Easton, Maryland (“Talbot Bank”), Centreville National Bank, and The Felton Bank (“Felton Bank” and together with Talbot Bank and Centreville National Bank, the “Banks”) are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - and possibly additional discretionary - actions by regulators, that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Banks’ assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Banks’ capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Banks to maintain amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets. Management believes as of December 31, 2004 that the Company and the Banks met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2004, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency categorized Talbot Bank and Centreville National Bank, respectively, as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Banks must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table. At December 31, 2004, Felton Bank did not meet the minimum total risk-based ratio to be categorized as well capitalized under the framework for prompt corrective action. The Company has since made additional capital contributions to the Felton Bank to achieve the minimum required total risk based capital ratio. Management knows of no trends or demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that are likely to have a material adverse impact on the ability of the Company or any of the Banks to remain in the well capitalized category.
49


Capital levels and ratios for the Company, Talbot Bank, Centreville National Bank and Felton Bank as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, compared with the minimum requirements, are presented below:

         To Be Well 
         Capitalized Under 
    
For Capital
 Prompt Corrective 
  Actual Adequacy Purposes Action Provisions 
  Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio 
As of December 31, 2004:
             
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
             
Company
 
$
87,229,000
  
13.86
%
$
50,338,000
  
8.00
%
$
62,922,500
  
10.00
%
Talbot Bank
 
$
49,620,000
  
12.65
%
$
31,383,040
  
8.00
%
$
39,228,800
  
10.00
%
Centreville National Bank
 
$
27,691,000
  
14.69
%
$
15,085,280
  
8.00
%
$
18,856,600
  
10.00
%
Felton Bank
 
$
4,478,000
  
9.68
%
$
3,700,240
  
8.00
%
$
4,625,300
  
10.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):
                   
Company
 
$
82,385,000
  
13.04
%
$
25,169,000
  
4.00
%
      
Talbot Bank
 
$
46,857,000
  
11.94
%
$
15,691,520
  
4.00
%
$
23,537,280
  
6.00
%
Centreville National Bank
 
$
26,121,000
  
13.85
%
$
7,542,640
  
4.00
%
$
11,313,960
  
6.00
%
Felton Bank
 
$
3,967,000
  
8.09
%
$
1,850,000
  
4.00
%
$
2,775,180
  
6.00
%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets):
                   
Company
 
$
82,385,000
  
10.67
%
$
30,885,600
  
4.00
%
      
Talbot Bank
 
$
46,857,000
  
10.76
%
$
17,411,920
  
4.00
%
$
21,764,900
  
5.00
%
Centreville National Bank
 
$
26,121,000
  
9.61
%
$
10,871,480
  
4.00
%
$
13,589,350
  
5.00
%
Felton Bank
 
$
3,967,000
  
6.58
%
$
2,410,200
  
4.00
%
$
3,012,750
  
5.00
%
                    
As of December 31, 2003:                   
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                   
Company $79,591,000  16.17%$39,386,080  8.00%$32,967,500  10.00%
Talbot Bank $48,500,000  14.71%$26,374,000  8.00%$32,967,500  10.00%
Centreville National Bank $26,335,000  16.66%$12,648,960  8.00%$15,811,200  10.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets):                   
Company $75,421,000  15.32%$19,693,040  4.00%      
Talbot Bank $45,688,000  13.86%$13,187,040  4.00%$21,857,420  6.00%
Centreville National Bank $24,977,000  15.80%$6,324,480  4.00%$13,068,160  6.00%
Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets):                   
Company $75,421,000  10.73%$28,128,920  4.00%      
Talbot Bank $45,688,000  10.45%$17,485,800  4.00%$21,857,250  5.00%
Centreville National Bank $24,977,000  9.56%$10,454,480  4.00%$13,068,100  5.00%
                    
Bank and holding company regulations, as well as Maryland and Delaware law, impose certain restrictions on dividend payments by the Banks, as well as restricting extensions of credit and transfers of assets between the Banks and the Company. At December 31, 2004, the Banks could have paid dividends to the parent company of approximately $7,899,000 without the prior consent and approval of the regulatory agencies. The Company had no outstanding receivables from subsidiaries at year-end December 31, 2004 and 2003.

NOTE 18. LINES OF CREDIT

The Banks had $19,500,000 in unsecured federal funds lines of credit and a reverse repurchase agreement available on a short-term basis from correspondent banks. In addition, the Banks have credit availability of approximately $98,494,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. The Banks have pledged as collateral, under blanket lien, all qualifying residential loans under borrowing agreements with the Federal Home Loan Bank. At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Federal Home Loan Bank had issued a letter of credit in the amounts of $20,000,000 on behalf of the Talbot Bank to a local government entity as collateral for its deposits.
50


NOTE 19.DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents
For short-term instruments, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Investment Securities
For all investments in debt securities, fair values are based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

Loan Receivables
The fair value of categories of fixed rate loans, such as commercial loans, residential mortgage, and other consumer loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. Other loans, including variable rates loans, are adjusted for differences in loan characteristics.

Financial Liabilities
The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts, and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities. These estimates do not take into consideration the value of core deposit intangibles. The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and long-term debt is estimated using the rates offered for similar borrowings.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit
The majority of the Company’s commitments to grant loans and standby letters of credit are written to carry current market interest rates if converted to loans. Because commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are generally unassignable by the Company or the borrower, they only have value to the Company and the borrower and therefore it is impractical to assign any value to these commitments.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, excluding goodwill, as of December 31 are as follows:

  
2004
 2003 
  Estimated Estimated     
  Carrying Fair Carrying Fair 
  Amount Value Amount Value 
Financial assets:         
Cash and cash equivalents 
$
43,551,070
 
$
43,551,000
 $46,731,306 $46,731,000 
Investment securities  
119,095,896
  
119,236,000
  159,681,207  159,953,000 
Loans  
594,458,139
  
599,331,000
  474,954,565  476,470,000 
Less: allowance for loan losses  
(4,692,202
)
 
(4,692,000
)
 (4,059,964) (4,060,000)
  
$
752,412,903
 
$
757,426,000
 $677,307,114 $679,094,000 
              
Financial liabilities:             
Deposits 
$
658,672,354
 
$
653,693,000
 $592,409,413 $595,767,000 
Short-term borrowings  
27,106,241
  
27,106,000
  20,957,294  20,957,000 
Long-term debt  
5,000,000
  
5,114,000
  5,000,000  5,284,000 
  
$
690,778,595
 
$
685,913,000
 $618,366,707 $622,008,000 
Unrecognized financial instruments:             
Commitments to extend credit 
$
181,067,000
 
$
-
 $142,813,000 $- 
Standby letters of credit  
22,021,000
  
-
  9,453,000  - 
  
$
203,088,000
 
$
-
 $152,266,000 $- 



51


NOTE 20.FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

In the normal course of business, to meet the financing needs of its customers, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these financial instruments is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support the financial instruments with credit risk. The amount of collateral or other security is determined based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Letters of credit and other commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the letters of credit and commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Commitments outstanding as of December 31 are as follows:

  
2004
 2003 
      
Commitments to extend credit 
$
181,067,000
 $142,813,000 
Letters of credit  
22,021,000
  9,453,000 
  
$
203,088,000
 $152,266,000 
        

NOTE 21. CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, the Company may become involved in litigation arising from banking, financial, and other activities. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the future liability, if any, arising out of these matters will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results, or liquidity.

52


NOTE 22.PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed financial information for Shore Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company Only) is as follows:

Condensed Balance Sheets
December 31, 2004 and 2003
  
2004
 2003 
Assets:     
Cash 
$
790,710
 $733,612 
Investment in subsidiaries  
91,967,166
  79,782,185 
Investment in equity securities  -  100,035 
Income taxes receivable  
451,254
  248,001 
Premises and equipment, net  
2,882,676
  2,842,827 
Other assets  
83,865
  108,359 
Total assets 
$
96,175,671
 $83,815,019 
        
Liabilities:       
Accounts payable 
$
112,883
 $124,251 
Deferred tax liability  
287,135
  163,288 
Earn-out payment payable  
2,800,000
  - 
   
3,200,018
  287,539 
Stockholders’ equity:       
Common stock  
55,152
  54,008 
Additional paid in capital  
28,016,571
  24,231,213 
Retained earnings  
65,182,004
  58,932,021 
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income  
(278,074
)
 310,238 
Total stockholders’ equity  
92,975,653
  83,527,480 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 
$
96,175,671
 $83,815,019 
        

Condensed Statements of Income
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

  
2004
 2003 2002 
Dividends from subsidiaries 
$
7,665,535
 $6,773,560 $9,096,080 
Management and other fees from subsidiaries  
2,174,187
  1,315,960  - 
Gain on sales of securities  
-
  80,000  - 
Rental Income  
97,771
  33,333  - 
Other investment income  -  11,000  11,000 
Interest income  
5,754
  3,033  608 
   
9,943,247
  8,216,886  9,107,688 
           
Salaries and employee benefits  
1,572,973
  770,933  - 
Occupancy expense  
202,256
  143,164  - 
Other operating expenses  
513,232
  403,089  182,591 
   
2,288,461
  1,317,186  182,591 
Income before income tax benefit and          
equity in undistributed income of subsidiary  
7,654,786
  6,899,700  8,925,097 
           
Income tax expense(benefit)  
396,717
  489,819  (49,134)
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiary  
7,258,069
  6,409,881  8,974,231 
           
Equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiary  
2,940,132
  3,085,814  (184,087)
Net income 
$
10,198,201
 $9,495,695 $8,790,144 
           

53


Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002
  
2004
 2003 2002 
Cash flows from operating activities:       
Net income 
$
10,198,201
 $9,495,695 $8,790,144 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash providedby operating activities:
          
Equity in undistributed (income)\loss of subsidiaries  
(2,940,132
)
 (3,085,815) 184,087 
Gain on sale of investment securities  
-
  (80,000) - 
Depreciation  
75,098
  34,716  - 
Net (increase) decrease in other assets  
155,059
  (30,231) (55,979)
Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities  
112,479
  180,871  (20,369)
Net cash provided by operating activities  
7,600,705
  6,515,236  8,897,883 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Proceeds from sale of investment securities  
-
  360,000  - 
Acquisition, net of stock issued  
(3,724,645
)
 -  (5,105,497)
Purchases premises and equipment  
(150,019
)
 (2,877,543) - 
Investment in subsidiaries  
-
  (53,711) (550,000)
Net cash used by investing activities  
(3,874,664
)
 (2,571,254) (5,655,497)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from issuance of common stock  
279,275
  290,308  17,031 
Repurchase of common stock  
-
  -  (20,844)
Dividends paid  
(3,948,218
)
 (3,548,410) (3,217,282)
Net cash used by financing activities  
(3,668,943
)
 (3,258,102) (3,221,095)
           
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents  
57,098
  685,880  21,291 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year  
733,612
  47,732  26,441 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 
$
790,710
 $733,612 $47,732 

54


NOTE 23. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS (unaudited)

A summary of selected consolidated quarterly financial data for the two years ended December 31, 2004 is reported as follows:

  First Second Third Fourth 
(In thousands, except per share data)QuarterQuarterQuarterQuarter 
          
2004
         
Interest income
 
$
8,550
 
$
9,345
 
$
9,981
 
$
10,415
 
Net interest income
  
6,422
  
7,087
  
7,704
  
8,068
 
Provision for credit losses
  
105
  
100
  
165
  
561
 
Income before income taxes
  
3,982
  
4,053
  
4,569
  
3,435
 
Net Income
  
2,516
  
2,600
  
2,935
  
2,147
 
              
Basic earnings per common share
 
$
0.47
 
$
0.47
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.39
 
Diluted earnings per common share
 
$
0.46
 
$
0.47
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.39
 
              
              
2003             
Interest income $8,628 $8,642 $8,339 $8,729 
Net interest income  5,972  6,114  5,988  6,522 
Provision for credit losses  90  70  75  100 
Income before income taxes  3,999  3,794  3,442  3,526 
Net Income  2,521  2,456  2,195  2,324 
              
Basic earnings per common share $0.47 $0.46 $0.40 $0.43 
Diluted earnings per common share $0.46 $0.45 $0.40 $0.43 

Earnings per share are based upon quarterly results and may not be additive to the annual earnings per share amounts.

NOTE 24. LINE OF BUSINESS RESULTS

The Company operates two primary businesses: Community Banking and Insurance Products and Services. The Community Banking business provides services to consumers and small businesses on the Eastern Shore of Maryland through its fifteen branch network. Community banking activities include small business services, retail brokerage, and consumer banking products and services. Loan products available to consumers include mortgage, home equity, automobile, marine, and installment loans, credit cards and other secured and unsecured personal lines of credit. Small business lending includes commercial mortgages, real estate development loans, equipment and operating loans, as well as secured and unsecured lines of credit, credit cards, accounts receivable financing arrangements, and merchant card services.

A full range of insurance products and services are available to businesses and consumers in the Company’s market. Products include property and casualty, life, marine, individual health and long term care insurance. Pension and profit sharing plans and retirement plans for executives and employees are available to suit the needs of individual businesses.


55


Selected financial information by line of business is included in the following table:

  
  Community Insurance products Parent Intercompany Consolidated 
(In thousands) banking and services Company Transactions Total 
     
2004
           
Net Interest income
 
$
29,275
 
$
-
 
$
5
 
$
-
 
$
29,280
 
Provision for credit losses
  
931
  
-
  
-
  
-
  
931
 
Net interest income after provision
  
28,344
  
-
  
5
  
-
  
28,349
 
                 
Noninterest income
  
3,586
  
6,617
  
2,272
  
(2,251
)
 
10,224
 
Noninterest expense
  
16,875
  
5,622
  
2,288
  
(2,251
)
 
22,534
 
Income before taxes
  
15,055
  
995
  
(11
)
 
-
  
16,039
 
Income tax expense(benefit)
  
5,452
  
393
  
(4
)
 
-
  
5,841
 
Net income
 
$
9,603
 
$
602
 
$
(7
)
$
-
 
$
10,198
 
                 
Average assets
 
$
764,000
 
$
7,610
 
$
3,270
 
$
-
 
$
774,880
 
                 
2003                
Net Interest income $24,610 $(14)$- $- $24,596 
Provision for credit losses  335  -  -  -  335 
Net interest income after provision  24,275  (14) -  -  24,261 
                 
Noninterest income  3,695  6,037  1,430  (1,317) 9,845 
Noninterest expense  14,324  5,020  1,317  (1,317) 19,344 
Income before taxes  13,646  1,003  113  -  14,762 
Income tax expense  4,868  358  40  -  5,266 
Net income $8,778 $645 $73  - $9,496 
                 
Average assets $670,022 $7,324 $1,301  - $678,647 





56


Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures.

NOTE 20. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISK

In the normal course of business, to meet the financing needs of its customers, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to these financial instruments is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company generally requires collateral or other security to support the financial instruments with credit risk. The amount of collateral or other security is determined based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Letters of credit and other commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the letters of credit and commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

Commitments outstanding as of December 31 are as follows:


 2003
 2002
 
Commitments to extend credit  $142,813,000 $119,844,000 
Letters of credit   9,453,000  6,660,000 
 
 
 
   
   $152,266,000 $126,504,000 
 
 
 

NOTE 21. CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business, the Company may become involved in litigation arising from banking, financial, and other activities of the Company. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the future liability, if any, arising out of these matters will have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, operating results, or liquidity. See Note 2 above for information regarding contingent payments related to acquisition activities of the Company.

-52-



NOTE 22. PARENT COMPANY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed financial information for Shore Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company Only) is as follows:

Condensed Balance Sheets
December 31, 2003 and 2002


 2003
 2002
 
Assets:        
  Cash  $733,612 $47,732 
  Investment in subsidiaries   79,782,185  77,484,257 
  Investment in equity securities   100,035  380,035 
  Income taxes receivable   248,001  194,887 
  Premises and equipment, net   2,842,827   
  Other assets   108,359  27,657 
 
 
 
Total assets  $83,815,019 $78,134,568 
 
 
 
Liabilities:  
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $124,251 $47,677 
  Deferred tax liability   163,288  58,991 
 
 
 
    287,539  106,668 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:  
  Common stock   54,008  53,721 
  Additional paid in capital   24,231,213  23,837,608 
  Retained earnings   58,932,021  52,984,735 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income   310,238  1,151,836 
 
 
 
  Total stockholders’ equity   83,527,480  78,027,900 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity  $83,815,019 $78,134,568 
 
 
 

Condensed Statements of Income
For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001


 2003
 2002
 2001
 
Dividends from subsidiaries  $6,773,560 $9,096,080 $3,489,328 
Management and other fees   1,315,960     
Gain on sales of securities   80,000     
Rental Income   33,333     
Other investment income   11,000  11,000  11,000 
Interest income   3,033  608  963 
 
 
 
 
    8,216,886  9,107,688  3,501,291 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits   770,933     
Occupancy expense   143,164     
Other operating expenses   403,089  182,591  161,012 
 
 
 
 
    1,317,186  182,591  161,012 
 
 
 
 
Income before income tax benefit and  
equity in undistributed income of subsidiary   6,899,700  8,925,097  3,340,279 
Income tax expense (benefit)   489,819  (49,134) (51,167)
 
 
 
 
Income before equity in undistributed income of subsidiary   6,409,881  8,974,231  3,391,446 
 
Equity in undistributed income (loss) of subsidiary   3,085,814  (184,087) 4,602,649 
 
 
 
 
Net income  $9,495,695 $8,790,144 $7,994,095 
 
 
 
 

-53-



Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001


 2003
 2002
 2001
 
Cash flows from operating activities:           
  Net income  $9,495,695 $8,790,144 $7,994,095 
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided  
    by operating activities:  
    Equity in undistributed loss (income) of subsidiaries   (3,085,815) 184,087  (4,602,649)
    Gain on sale of investment securities   (80,000)    
    Depreciation   34,716     
    Net (increase) decrease in other assets   (133,815) (58,707) (157,610)
    Net (decrease) increase in other liabilities   180,871  (20,369) (216,736)
 
 
 
 
      Net cash provided by operating activities   6,411,652  8,895,155  3,017,100 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
  Proceeds from sale of investment securities   360,000     
  Acquisition, net of stock issued     (5,105,497)  
  Purchases premises and equipment   (2,877,543)    
  Investment in subsidiaries   (53,711) (550,000)  
 
 
 
 
    Net cash used by investing activities   (2,571,254) (5,655,497)  
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:  
  Proceeds from issuance of common stock   393,892  19,759  116,485 
  Repurchase of common stock     (20,844) (1,020)
  Dividends paid   (3,548,410) (3,217,282) (3,197,640)
 
 
 
 
    Net cash used by financing activities   (3,154,518) (3,218,367) (3,082,175)
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   685,880  21,291  (65,075)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year   47,732  26,441  91,516 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year  $733,612 $47,732 $26,441 
 
 
 
 

-54-



NOTE 23. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL RESULTS (unaudited)

A summary of selected consolidated quarterly financial data for the two years ended December 31, 2003 is reported as follows:


(In thousands, except per share data)First
Quarter
 Second
Quarter
 Third
Quarter
 Fourth
Quarter
 

 
 
2003               
      Interest income  $8,628 $8,642 $8,339 $8,729 
      Net interest income   5,972  6,114  5,988  6,522 
      Provision for credit losses   90  70  75  100 
      Income before income taxes   3,999  3,794  3,442  3,526 
      Net Income   2,521  2,456  2,195  2,324 
   
      Basic earnings per common share  $0.47 $0.46 $0.40 $0.43 
      Diluted earnings per common share  $0.46 $0.45 $0.40 $0.43 
   
2002   
      Interest income  $8,805 $9,174 $9,335 $8,992 
      Net interest income   5,501  5,941  6,305  6,121 
      Provision for credit losses   132  79  66  79 
      Income before income taxes   2,765  3,294  3,826  3,635 
      Net Income   1,740  2,157  2,488  2,405 
   
      Basic earnings per common share  $0.33 $0.40 $0.46 $0.45 
      Diluted earnings per common share  $0.32 $0.40 $0.46 $0.44 

Earnings per share are based upon quarterly results and may not be additive to the annual earnings per share amounts.

NOTE 24. LINE OF BUSINESS RESULTS

The Company operates two primary businesses: Community Banking and Insurance Products and Services. The Community Banking business provides services to consumers and small businesses on the Eastern Shore of Maryland through its thirteen-branch network. Community banking activities include small business services, retail brokerage, and consumer banking products and services. Loan products available to consumers include mortgage, home equity, automobile, marine, and installment loans, credit cards and other secured and unsecured personal lines of credit. Small business lending includes commercial mortgages, real estate development loans, equipment and operating loans, as well as secured and unsecured lines of credit, credit cards, accounts receivable financing arrangements, and merchant card services.

A full range of insurance products and services are available to businesses and consumers in the Company’s market. Products include property and casualty, life, marine, individual health and long term care insurance. Pension and profit sharing plans and retirement plans for executives and employees are available to suit the needs of individual businesses.

-55-



Selected financial information by line of business is included in the following table:



(In thousands)Community
banking
 Insurance products
and services
 Parent
Company(a)
 Consolidated
Total
 

2003               
       Net Interest income  $24,610 $(14)$ $24,596 
       Provision for credit losses   335      335 
 
 
 
 
 
       Net interest income after provision   24,275  (14)   24,261 
   
       Noninterest income   3,695  6,037  113  9,845 
       Noninterest expense   14,324  5,020    19,344 
 
 
 
 
 
       Income before taxes   13,646  1,003  113  14,762 
       Income tax expense   4,868  358  40  5,266 
 
 
 
 
 
       Net income  $8,778 $645 $73 $9,496 
 
 
 
 
 
   
       Intersegment revenue(expense)  $14 $(14)    
       Average assets  $670,022 $7,324 $1,301 $678,647 
   
2002   
       Net Interest income  $23,892 $(24)$ $23,868 
       Provision for credit losses   356      356 
 
 
 
 
 
       Net interest income after provision   23,536  (24)   23,512 
   
       Noninterest income   3,044  2,924    5,968 
       Noninterest expense   13,340  2,620    15,960 
 
 
 
 
 
       Income before taxes   13,240  280    13,520 
       Income tax expense   4,632  98    4,730 
 
 
 
 
 
       Net income  $8,608 $182   $8,790 
 
 
 
 
 
   
       Intersegment revenue(expense)  $24 $(24)$ $ 
       Average assets  $615,694 $4,863 $584 $621,141 

(a) Amount included in Parent Company relate to the gain on sale of equity securities and rental income.

-56-



Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

        None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed under the Exchange Act with the SEC, such as this annual report, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in those rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Principal Accounting Officer (“PAO”), 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 also is 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, control 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 December 31, 2004 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the CEO and the PAO. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and the PAO, has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

During the fourth quarter of 2004, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, management has performed an evaluationand testing of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. Management’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and the related attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm are included on the following pages.

57


MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The Company’s consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and, as such, include some amounts that are based on the best estimates and judgments of management.

The Company’s management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. This internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the Board of Directors regarding the reliability of the Company’s financial reporting and the preparation and presentation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, as well as to safeguard assets from unauthorized use or disposition. The system of internal control over financial reporting is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability through a program of internal audit with actions taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Because of inherent limitations in any internal control system, no matter how well designed, misstatement due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected, including the possibility of the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control system can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based upon criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrity Framework. In performing this assessment, management excluded Felton Bank’s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $63,213,000 and total revenues of $2,777,000 included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004. Felton Bank was acquired in April 2004 and the excluded assets and revenues constitute 8% of the Company’s consolidated assets at December 31, 2004 and 5.7% of its revenues for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Based on this assessment and on the foregoing criteria, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2004, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting is effective.Stegman and Company, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this annual report, has issued an attestation report on management’s assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting,as stated in their report, which is included herein on page 59.

March 11, 2005
/s/ W. Moorhead Vermilye/s/ Susan E. Leaverton


W. Moorhead Vermilye
President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the
Susan E. Leaverton
Principal Accounting Officer (“PAO”), 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


58


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Shore Bancshares, Inc.

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, 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 also is 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, control 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 December 31, 2003, was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the CEO and the PAO. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and the PAO, has concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

        During the fourth quarter of 2003, there was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

        The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of its directors, officers, and employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A written copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics will be provided to stockholders, free of charge, upon request to: Carol I. Brownawell, Secretary, Shore Bancshares, Inc., 18 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601 or (410) 822-1400. All other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2004 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

        The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2004 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

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

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

        The Company has three equity compensation plans under which it may issue shares of its Common Stock to employees, officers, and/or directors of the Company and its subsidiaries. These plans are: (i) the Shore Bancshares, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (the “1998 Stock Option Plan”); the (ii) the Shore Bancshares, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “1998 Stock Purchase Plan”); and (iii) the Talbot Bancshares, Inc. Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Talbot Plan”).

        The 1998 Stock Option Plan and the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan were approved by the Company’s Board of Directors and its stockholders. In connection with the merger of Talbot Bancshares, Inc. (“Talbot Bancshares”) into the Company in December 2000, the Company assumed options previously granted under, and subject to all terms of, the Talbot Plan. The Company subsequently registered the Talbot Plan with the SEC, and this plan authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to 114,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock (subject to adjustment for capital adjustments, stock dividends, and similar changes in the Common Stock). The Talbot Plan was previously approved by both the Board of Directors and the stockholders of Talbot Bancshares, but was not approved by the stockholders of the combined companies. Thus, only non-qualified stock options may be granted under the Talbot Plan.

-57-



        The Talbot Plan is administered by the Personnel Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors and will expire on April 9, 2007 unless sooner terminated. Generally, key management employees of the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive option grants. An option granted under the plan vests according to the terms of the related stock option agreements and can generally be exercised for 10 years after grant, unless the Board provides otherwise. The option exercise price will generally be the fair market value of the shares on the date the option is granted. Upon exercise of options granted under the plan, the plan obligates the Company to pay the optionee a tax benefit payment in an amount of U.S. dollars equal to the number of shares as to which the option is being exercised, multiplied by (i) the “tax rate” and (ii) the difference between the per share fair market value at the time of exercise and the per share option price. The tax rate shall be a percentage designated by the Company to result in compensating the optionee for the federal, state and local income tax liability incurred by the optionee by virtue of his exercise of the option and the payment to him of the tax benefit payment. Options are not transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution. All unexercised options will lapse upon termination of employment other than because of death, disability or approved retirement. If employment is terminated because of disability or approved retirement, the options will lapse one year or three months after termination, respectively. Upon a “change in control” as defined in the plan, all unexercised options will immediately vest and become exercisable. No options have been granted under the Talbot Plan since the merger with Talbot.

        The following table contains information about these equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2003:


Plan CategoryNumber of securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants, and rights
Weighted-average exercise
price of outstanding
options, warrants, and
rights
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in
column (a))
    
 (a)(b)(c)

Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders(1)(2)113,084 $12.25 79,183 
 
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders (3)$0 3,491 
    
         Total113,084 $12.25 82,674 

(1) Item includes the 1998 Stock Option Plan and the 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

(2) Columns (a) and (b) of this item also include options assumed by the Company under the Talbot Plan in the 2000 merger of Talbot Bancshares into the Company. As of December 31, 2003, outstanding options assumed in the merger represent 78,014 shares of the Company’s Common Stock, with a weighted-average exercise price of $8.03.

(3) This item covers options under the Talbot Plan other than those assumed by the Company in the 2000 merger of Talbot Bancshares into the Company.

          All other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2004 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

-58-



Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

        The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2004 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

        The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed in connection with the 2004 Annual Stockholders’ Meeting.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

    (a)(1),(2) Financial Statements


Independent Auditors’ Report

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002

Consolidated Statements of Income -- Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity -- Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

(3) Exhibits Required to be Filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K

3.1Shore Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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

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

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established inInternal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

The Company acquired The Felton Bank during 2004, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004. The Felton Bank’s internal control over financial reporting associated with total assets of $63,213,000 and total revenues of $2,777,000 included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of The Felton Bank.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004, and our report dated March 11, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Stegman and Company

Baltimore, Maryland
March 11, 2005
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Item 9B.    Other Information
The Company intends to offer trust services to customers beginning in the second quarter of 2005. These services will be offered through Centreville National Bank, which must first apply for and receive authority from the OCC to exercise fiduciary powers. Although the Company believes that the OCC will approve Centreville National Bank’s request, there can be no assurance that the OCC will do so.

PART III

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of its directors, officers, and employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A written copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics will be provided to stockholders, free of charge, upon request to: Carol I. Brownawell, Secretary, Shore Bancshares, Inc., 18 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601 or (410) 822-1400.

All other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related StockholderMatters.

The information provided in Item 5 of Part II of this report under the heading “EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION” is incorporated herein by reference. All other information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed in connection with the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)(1),(2) Financial statements and schedules:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2004 and 2003

Consolidated Statements of Income -- Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003, and 2002

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity -- Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

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(3)  Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

3.1Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 onof the Company’s Form 8-K filed by Shore Bancshares, Inc. on December 14, 2000).

3.2Shore Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 onof the Company’s Form 8-K filed by Shore Bancshares, Inc. on December 14, 2000).

10.1Form of Employment Agreement with W. Moorhead Vermilye (incorporated by reference to Appendix XIII of Exhibit 2.1 onof the Company’s Form 8-K filed by Shore Bancshares, Inc. on July 31, 2000).

10.2Form of Employment Agreement with Daniel T. Cannon (incorporated by reference to Appendix XIII of Exhibit 2.1 onof the Company’s Form 8-K filed by Shore Bancshares, Inc. on July 31, 2000).

10.3Form of Employment Agreement between The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC and Kevin P. LaTulip (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by Shore Bancshares, Inc. on Marchfor the year ended December 31, 2003)2002).

10.4Form of Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement between The Centreville National Bank of Maryland and Daniel T. Cannon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2003).

10.5Form of Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement between The Centreville National Bank of Maryland and Daniel T. Cannon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2003).

2110.6Subsidiaries of Shore Bancshares, Inc., filed herewith.

23Consent of Stegman & Company, filed herewith.

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31.1CertificationsEmployment Agreement between The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC and Steven Fulwood (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the CEO pursuant to Section 302 ofCompany’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the Sarbanes-Oxley Actperiod ended June 30, 2004).

10.7Employment Agreement between The Felton Bank and Thomas H. Evans (filed herewith).

31.2Certifications of the PAO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

32.1Certifications of the CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (furnished herewith).

32.2Certifications of the PAO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (furnished herewith).

99.110.81998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on March 31, 2003).

99.210.91998 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference fromto Exhibit 10 of the Shore Bancshares, Inc.Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the CommissionSEC on September 25, 1998 (Registration No. 333-64319)).

99.310.10Talbot Bancshares, Inc. Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 4, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60214)).

        (b) Reports on Form 8-K.

        On November 12, 2003,

21Subsidiaries of the Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K to report in Item 5 that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement with Midstate Bancorp.

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(filed herewith).

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements

23Consent of Section 13 or 15(d)Stegman & Company (filed herewith).

31.1Certifications of the Securities ExchangeCEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

(filed herewith).

31.2Certifications of the PAO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

32.1Certification of the CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (furnished herewith).

32.2Certification of the PAO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (furnished herewith).

99.1Risk Factors (filed herewith).


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SIGNATURES

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



 
Date: March 15, 200416, 2005By:/s/ W. Moorhead Vermilye
——————————————

W. Moorhead Vermilye
President and CEO

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

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



/s/ Herbert L. Andrew, III
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Herbert L. Andrew, IIIDirectorMarch 15, 2004


/s/ Blenda W. Armistead
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Blenda W. ArmisteadDirectorMarch 15, 2004


/s/ Lloyd L. Beatty, Jr.
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Lloyd L. Beatty, Jr.DirectorMarch 15, 2004


/s/ Paul M. Bowman
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Paul M. BowmanDirectorMarch 15, 2004


/s/ David C. Bryan
——————————————
DirectorMarch 15, 200416, 2005


David C. Bryan
/s/ Daniel T. Cannon
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Daniel T. Cannon
/s/ Thomas H. EvansDirectorMarch 15, 200416, 2005


Thomas H. Evans
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Steven F. Fulwood
/s/ Richard C. Granville
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Richard C. GranvilleDirectorMarch 15, 2004


/s/ Kevin P. LaTulip
——————————————
Kevin P. LaTulipW. Edwin Kee, Jr.
DirectorMarch 15, 200416, 2005


W. Edwin Kee
/s/ Neil R. LeCompte
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Neil R. Le CompteDirectorMarch 15, 2004


/s/ Jerry F. Pierson
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
Jerry F. PiersonDirectorMarch 15, 2004


/s/ David L. Pyles
——————————————
David L. PylesChristopher F. Spurry
DirectorMarch 15, 200416, 2005
Christopher F. Spurry


/s/ W. Moorhead Vermilye
——————————————
DirectorMarch 16, 2005
W. Moorhead VermilyeDirector
President/CEOMarch 15, 2004


/s/ Susan E. Leaverton
——————————————
Treasurer/March 16, 2005
Susan E. LeavertonTreasurer/
Principal Accounting OfficerMarch 15, 2004

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EXHIBIT LIST

EXHIBIT LIST

Exhibit No.Description

Exhibit No.Description
Exhibit 3.1Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2000).

Exhibit 3.2Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2000).

Exhibit 10.1Form of Employment Agreement with W. Moorhead Vermilye (incorporated by reference to Appendix XIII of Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2000).

Exhibit 10.2Form of Employment Agreement with Daniel T. Cannon (incorporated by reference to Appendix XIII of Exhibit 2.1 of the Company’s Form 8-K filed on July 31, 2000).

Exhibit 10.3Form of Employment Agreement between The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC and Kevin P. LaTulip (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002).

Exhibit 10.4Form of Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan Agreement between The Centreville National Bank of Maryland and Daniel T. Cannon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2003).

Exhibit 10.5Form of Life Insurance Endorsement Method Split Dollar Plan Agreement between The Centreville National Bank of Maryland and Daniel T. Cannon (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2003).

Exhibit 2110.6SubsidiariesEmployment Agreement between The Avon-Dixon Agency, LLC and Steven Fulwood (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the CompanyCompany’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2004).
Exhibit 10.7Employment Agreement between The Felton Bank and Thomas H. Evans (filed herewith).

Exhibit 2310.8Consent of Stegman & Company (filed herewith).

Exhibit 31.1Certifications of the CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

Exhibit 31.2Certifications of the PAO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

Exhibit 32.1Certification of the CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (furnished herewith).

Exhibit 32.2Certification of the PAO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (furnished herewith).

Exhibit 99.11998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed on March 31, 2003).

Exhibit 99.210.91998 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the SEC on September 25, 1998 (Registration No. 333-64319)).

Exhibit 99.310.10Talbot Bancshares, Inc. Employee Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed May 4, 2001 (Registration No. 333-60214)).
Exhibit 21Subsidiaries of the Company (filed herewith).
Exhibit 23Consent of Stegman & Company (filed herewith).
Exhibit 31.1Certifications of the CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).
Exhibit 31.2Certifications of the PAO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).
Exhibit 32.1Certification of the CEO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (furnished herewith).
Exhibit 32.2Certification of the PAO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (furnished herewith).
Exhibit 99.1Risk Factors (filed herewith).

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63