Merchants Bancshares 10-Q 2005 Q3 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X]	QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended		September 30, 2005
or
[  ]	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________________________ to _________________________________
Commission file number:		0-11595
Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware			03-0287342
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
275 Kennedy Drive, South Burlington, Vermont			05403
(Address of principal executive offices)			(Zip Code)
802-658-3400
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
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. [X] Yes    [  ] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). [X] Yes    [  ] No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). [  ] Yes    [X] No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of October 31, 2005, the registrant had outstanding 6,305,583 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

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MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)
	Consolidated Balance Sheets
	September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004	1
	Consolidated Statements of Income
	For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004,
	and the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004	2
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	For the three months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004,
	and the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004	3
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004	4
	Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements	5 - 7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
	Condition and Results of Operations	7 - 17
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	17 - 18
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	18 - 19
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	20
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	20
Item 3.	Defaults upon Senior Securities	20
Item 4.	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	20
Item 5.	Other Information	20
Item 6.	Exhibits	20 - 21
Signatures		22
Exhibits

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MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
Item 1. Financial Statements
			September 30,	December 31,
(In thousands except share and per share data)			2005	2004
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks			$     41,704	$     40,325
Investments:
Securities available for sale			371,365	357,015
Securities held to maturity (fair value of $13,433 and $20,574)			12,986	19,532
Total investments			384,351	376,547
Loans			592,990	584,332
Less: Allowance for loan losses			7,072	7,512
Net loans			585,918	576,820
Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock			8,896	7,547
Bank premises and equipment, net			12,142	12,841
Investment in real estate limited partnerships			9,747	8,589
Other assets			11,569	9,736
Total assets			$1,054,327	$1,032,405
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Demand deposits			$   125,972	$   119,089
Savings, NOW and money market accounts			498,444	520,489
Time deposits $100 thousand and greater			61,731	39,908
Other time deposits			179,915	154,678
Total deposits			866,062	834,164
Demand note due U.S. Treasury			3,976	2,374
Other short-term borrowings			20,000	55,000
Other liabilities			12,078	5,307
Long-term debt			66,199	49,757
Junior subordinated debentures issued to unconsolidated subsidiary trust			20,619	20,619
Total liabilities			988,934	967,221
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock Class A nonvoting
Shares authorized - 200,000, none outstanding			--	--
Preferred stock Class B voting
Shares authorized - 1,500,000, none outstanding			--	--
Common stock, $.01 par value			67	67
Shares authorized		10,000,000
Issued As of	September 30, 2005	6,651,760
	As of December 31, 2004	6,651,760
Outstanding	As of September 30, 2005	5,990,247
	As of December 31, 2004	5,973,695
Capital in excess of par value			36,464	34,490
Retained earnings			42,738	38,893
Treasury stock, at cost			(13,281)	(11,065)
	As of September 30, 2005	661,513
	As of December 31, 2004	678,065
Deferred compensation arrangements			5,345	5,120
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(5,940)	(2,321)
Total shareholders' equity			65,393	65,184
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity			$1,054,327	$1,032,405
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30,		September 30,
(In thousands except per share data)	2005	2004	2005	2004
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
Interest and fees on loans	$  9,374	$  8,205	$26,960	$24,271
Interest and dividends on investments
U.S. Treasury and Agency obligations	1,757	1,799	5,133	4,999
Other	2,510	2,008	7,611	5,886
Total interest and dividend income	13,641	12,012	39,704	35,156
INTEREST EXPENSE
Savings, NOW and money market accounts	1,033	666	2,775	1,897
Time deposits $100 thousand and greater	326	174	749	737
Other time deposits	1,100	622	2,658	1,884
Other borrowed funds	271	205	987	527
Long-term debt	874	385	2,562	662
Total interest expense	3,604	2,052	9,731	5,707
Net interest income	10,037	9,960	29,973	29,449
Provision for loan losses	--	--	--	--
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	10,037	9,960	29,973	29,449
NONINTEREST INCOME
Trust company income	404	372	1,239	1,140
Service charges on deposits	1,144	1,241	3,346	3,642
Gains (losses) on sales of investment securities, net	(65)	--	19	(4)
Other	850	680	2,216	1,878
Total noninterest income	2,333	2,293	6,820	6,656
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and wages	3,137	3,008	9,216	8,785
Employee benefits	911	959	2,854	2,944
Occupancy expense, net	808	791	2,381	2,344
Equipment expense	696	772	2,304	2,226
Legal and professional fees	615	365	1,512	1,328
Marketing	346	334	920	1,020
Equity in losses of real estate limited partnerships, net	441	451	1,291	1,295
State franchise taxes	236	227	710	687
Other	1,184	1,193	3,806	3,779
Total noninterest expense	8,374	8,100	24,994	24,408
Income before provision for income taxes	3,996	4,153	11,799	11,697
Provision for income taxes	980	1,075	2,826	2,957
NET INCOME	$  3,016	$  3,078	$  8,973	$  8,740
Basic earnings per common share	$    0.48	$    0.49	$    1.42	$    1.40
Diluted earnings per common share	$    0.47	$    0.49	$    1.41	$    1.39
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	September 30,		September 30,
(In thousands)	2005	2004	2005	2004
Net income	$ 3,016	$3,078	$ 8,973	$8,740
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) of securities
available for sale, net of taxes of $(1,312), $1,290, $(1,936)
and $(88)	(2,438)	2,396	(3,597)	(164)
Reclassification adjustments for net securities losses (gains)
included in net income, net of taxes of $23, $0, $(6) and $1	42	--	(12)	3
Comprehensive income before transfers	620	5,474	5,364	8,579
Impact of transfer of securities from available for sale
to held to maturity, net of taxes of $(3), $9, $(5) and $15	(6)	16	(10)	27
Comprehensive income	$    614	$5,490	$ 5,354	$8,606
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
For the nine months ended September 30,	2005	2004
(In thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$     8,973	$     8,740
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by Operating activities:
Deferred tax expense	270	--
Depreciation and amortization	4,260	4,605
Net (gains) losses on sales of investment securities	(19)	4
Net gains on sales of loans	(74)	--
Net losses on disposition of premises and equipment	9	--
Net gains on sales of other real estate owned	--	(80)
Equity in losses of real estate limited partnerships	1,321	1,314
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in interest receivable	105	297
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(252)	1,825
Increase (decrease) in interest payable	181	(34)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities	1,981	(417)
Net cash provided by operating activities	16,755	16,254
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available for sale	15,590	60,238
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities available for sale	68,128	68,409
Proceeds from maturities of investment securities held to maturity	6,526	14,115
Purchases of investment securities available for sale	(101,300)	(187,401)
Loan originations in excess of principal payments	(10,960)	(27,659)
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	(1,349)	(3,527)
Proceeds from sales of loans, net	1,937	3,107
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment	272	--
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned	--	80
Investments in real estate limited partnerships	(2,478)	(4,427)
Purchases of bank premises and equipment	(1,270)	(1,583)
Net cash used in investing activities	(24,904)	(78,648)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in deposits	31,898	21,522
Net decrease in short-term borrowings	(33,398)	(660)
Proceeds from long-term debt	45,000	60,000
Principal payments on long-term debt	(28,557)	(9,671)
Cash dividends paid	(4,535)	(4,270)
Purchases of treasury stock	(3,874)	--
Proceeds from sale of treasury stock	2,940	9
(Decrease) increase in deferred compensation arrangements	(21)	145
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	75	103
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,528	67,178
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,379	4,784
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of year	40,325	34,891
Cash and cash equivalents end of period	$   41,704	$   39,675
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Total interest payments	$     8,666	$     5,741
Total income tax payments	560	1,570
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in payable for investments purchased	$     4,610	$     2,771
Distribution of stock under deferred compensation arrangements	493	347
Distribution of treasury stock in lieu of cash dividend	594	558
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

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Notes To Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

See Merchants Bancshares, Inc. ("Merchants") 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Note 1: Financial Statement Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. All adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim consolidated financial statements of Merchants as of September 30, 2005, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, have been included. The information was prepared from the unaudited financial statements of Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries, Merchants Bank, Merchants Trust Company, Merchants Properties, Inc. and MBVT Statutory Trust I.

Note 2: Stock-based Compensation

Merchants has granted stock options to certain key employees. The options are exercisable immediately after the two-year vesting period. Nonqualified stock options may be granted at any price determined by the Nominating and Governance Committee of Merchants' Board of Directors. All stock options have been granted at or above fair market value at the date of grant.

Merchants accounts for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations. Merchants has adopted SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," which permits entities to recognize the fair value of all stock-based awards measured on the date of the grant as expense over the vesting period. Merchants has also adopted SFAS No. 148 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure - an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123," which, among other things, amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123. Alternatively, SFAS No. 123 allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25 and provide pro forma net income and earnings per share disclosures for employee stock-based grants made in 1995 and future years as if the fair value based method defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied. In December 2004, the FASB issued revised statement No. 123 ("FAS 123R"), "Share-Based Payment", which requires companies to expense the estimated fair value of employee stock options and similar awards. The accounting provisions of FAS 123R will be effective for public companies at the beginning of the first annual period beginning after June 15, 2005. Merchants will adopt the provisions of FAS 123R using a modified prospective application on January 1, 2006. However, based on the fact that Merchants has not granted options since 2001, and all options previously granted have vested, Merchants does not expect FAS 123R to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. No options have been granted since August 2001. Under SFAS No. 123, Merchants' net income and earnings per share for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004 would have been the same as the amounts reported in the accompanying interim consolidated financial statements. Pro forma compensation expense for options granted is reflected over the vesting period; therefore, future pro forma compensation expense may be greater if additional options are granted.

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Note 3: Earnings Per Share
The following tables present reconciliations of the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods indicated:
		Weighted
	Net	Average	Per Share
(In thousands except share and per share data)	Income	Shares	Amount
	Three months ended September 30, 2005
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income available to common shareholders	$3,016	6,303,160	$0.48
Diluted earnings per common share:
Effect of dilutive stock options	--	44,326
Net income available to common shareholders and stock
option exercise	3,016	6,347,486	0.47
	Three months ended September 30, 2004
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income available to common shareholders	$3,078	6,233,706	$0.49
Diluted earnings per common share:
Effect of dilutive stock options	--	63,120
Net income available to common shareholders and stock
option exercise	3,078	6,296,826	0.49
	Nine months ended September 30, 2005
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income available to common shareholders	$8,973	6,316,336	$1.42
Diluted earnings per common share:
Effect of dilutive stock options	--	43,622
Net income available to common shareholders and stock
option exercise	8,973	6,359,958	1.41
	Nine months ended September 30, 2004
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income available to common shareholders	$8,740	6,222,903	$1.40
Diluted earnings per common share:
Effect of dilutive stock options	--	65,972
Net income available to common shareholders and stock
option exercise	8,740	6,288,875	1.39
Basic earnings per common share were computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. As of September 30, 2005 and 2004, there were no anti-dilutive stock options outstanding.
Note 4: Pension
Prior to January 1995 Merchants maintained a noncontributory defined benefit plan (the "Plan") covering all eligible employees. The Plan was a final average pay plan with benefits based on the average salary rates over the last five of ten consecutive Plan years that produce the highest average. It was Merchants' policy to fund the cost of benefits expected to accrue during the year plus amortization of any unfunded accrued liability that had accumulated prior to the valuation date based on IRS regulations for funding. During 1995 the Plan was curtailed. Accordingly, all accrued benefits were fully vested and no additional years of service or age will be accrued.

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The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit costs for the periods indicated
		Pension Benefits
		Three months ended		Nine months ended
		September 30,		September 30,
	(In thousands)	2005	2004	2005	2004
	Interest cost	$112	$128	$336	$380
	Expected return on Plan assets	(140)	(150)	(420)	(396)
	Amortization of net loss	38	42	114	165
	Net periodic benefit cost	$  10	$  20	$  30	$149
Merchants contributed $150 thousand to its pension plan on April 5, 2005. No further contributions are required during 2005, but Merchants may make a discretionary contribution during the last quarter of the year.
Note 5: Stock Repurchase Program
In January 2001, Merchants' Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. In January 2005, the Board of Directors voted to extend the program until January 2006. Under the program, Merchants is authorized to repurchase up to 300,000 shares of its own common stock. Merchants has purchased 279,281 shares of its own common stock on the open market under this program, at an average per share price of $23.33 through September 30, 2005; 101,400 of these shares were purchased during the first three quarters of 2005 at an average price of $26.52.
In October of 2005 Merchants' Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program, pursuant to which Merchants may repurchase 200,000 shares of its stock from time to time through October 2006. The new program will commence when there are no shares remaining under the current stock repurchase program.
Note 6: Commitments and Contingencies
Merchants is a party to financial instruments with off balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments primarily include commitments to extend credit and financial guarantees. Such instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk that are not recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Merchants does not issue any guarantees that would require liability recognition or disclosure, other than its standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by Merchants to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally arise in connection with lending relationships. The credit risk involved in issuing these instruments is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers. Contingent obligations under standby letters of credit totaled approximately $9.08 million at September 30, 2005 and represent the maximum potential future payments Merchants could be required to make. Typically, these instruments have terms of 12 months or less and expire unused; therefore, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer is evaluated individually for creditworthiness under the same underwriting standards used for commitments to extend credit and on balance shee t instruments. Merchants' policies governing loan collateral apply to standby letters of credit at the time of credit extension. Loan-to-value ratios are generally consistent with loan-to-value requirements for other commercial loans secured by similar types of collateral. The fair value of Merchants' standby letters of credit at September 30, 2005 was insignificant.
Merchants is involved in routine legal proceedings that occur in the ordinary course of business, which, in the aggregate, are believed by management to be immaterial to its financial condition and results of operations.
Note 7: Reclassifications
Amounts reported for prior periods are reclassified, where necessary, to be consistent with the current period presentation.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Merchants may contain forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Investors are cautioned that forward looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results of operations may differ materially from those projected or suggested in the forward looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation:

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		(i)		the fact that Merchants' success is dependent upon general economic conditions in Vermont and Vermont's ability to attract new business;
		(ii)		the fact that Merchants' earnings depend to a great extent upon the level of net interest income (the difference between interest income earned on loans and investments and the interest expense paid on deposits and other borrowings) generated by Merchants and thus Merchants' results of operations may be adversely affected by increases or decreases in interest rates;
		(iii)		the fact that the banking business is highly competitive and the profitability of Merchants depends upon Merchants' ability to attract loans and deposits in Vermont, where Merchants competes with a variety of traditional banking and nontraditional institutions such as credit unions and finance companies;
		(iv)		the fact that at September 30, 2005, a significant portion of Merchants' loan portfolio was comprised of commercial loans, exposing Merchants to the risks inherent in financings based upon analyses of credit risk, the value of underlying collateral, including real estate, and other more intangible factors, which are considered in making commercial loans;
		(v)		the fact that at September 30, 2005, approximately 86% of Merchants' loan portfolio was comprised of real estate loans, exposing Merchants to the risks inherent in financings based upon analyses of credit risk and the value of underlying collateral. Accordingly, Merchants' profitability may be negatively impacted by errors in risk analyses, by loan defaults, and the ability of certain borrowers to repay such loans may be adversely affected by any downturn in general economic conditions;
		(vi)		the fact that acts or threats of terrorism and actions taken by the United States or other governments as a result of such acts or threats, including possible military action, could further adversely affect business and economic conditions in the United States of America generally and in Merchants' markets, which could adversely affect Merchants' financial performance and that of Merchants' borrowers and on the financial markets and the price of Merchants' common stock;
		(vii)		the fact that changes in the extensive laws, regulations and policies governing bank holding companies and their subsidiaries could alter Merchants' business environment or affect Merchants' operations;
		(viii)		the fact that the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems, on which Merchants is highly dependent to secure bank and customer financial information, could present operational issues, require significant capital spending or impact Merchants' reputation; and
		(ix)		the fact that Merchants actively evaluates acquisition and other expansion opportunities and strategies, the implementation of which could affect Merchants' financial performance.
These factors, as well as general economic and market conditions in the United States of America, may materially and adversely affect the market price of shares of Merchants' common stock. Because of these and other factors, past financial performance should not be considered an indicator of future performance. The forward looking statements contained herein represent Merchants' judgment as of the date of this Form 10-Q; Merchants cautions readers not to place undue reliance on such statements.
General
All adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the interim consolidated financial statements of Merchants as of September 30, 2005, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004, have been included. The information was prepared from the unaudited financial statements of Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries, Merchants Bank, Merchants Trust Company, Merchants Properties, Inc. and MBVT Statutory Trust I.
Results of Operations
Overview
Net income for the third quarter of 2005 was $3.02 million, a slight decrease from net income of $3.08 million for the third quarter of 2004. The return on average assets and return on average equity for the third quarter of 2005 were 1.15% and 18.31% respectively, compared to 1.18% and 13.93%, respectively, for the third quarter of 2004. Net income for the first nine months of 2005 was $8.97 million, compared to $8.74 million for the same period last year. The return on average assets and return on average equity for the first nine months of 2005 were 1.14% and 18.29% respectively, compared to 1.16% and 13.25%, respectively, for the first nine months of 2004. The following were the major factors contributing to the results for 2005 compared to 2004:
	*		Net interest income increased $77 thousand for the third quarter of 2005 compared to 2004 and $524 thousand year-to-date, in spite of continued margin compression;

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	*	Noninterest income increased $40 thousand for the third quarter and $164 thousand year-to-date when comparing this year to last year. Merchants continued to experience increases in fees generated by electronic banking; these increases were offset by decreases in monthly service charge revenue;
	*	Noninterest expense increased $274 thousand for the third quarter, and $586 thousand year-to-date, primarily due to increases in anticipated incentive payouts, rising health insurance costs and increased legal and professional fees;
	*	Average loans have decreased $1.1 million, or 0.2%, over the same quarter last year;
	*	Average deposits have increased $22.11 million, or 3.1%, over the same quarter last year.
Net Interest Income: Merchants' net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, increased $80 thousand for the third quarter of 2005 compared to 2004, and $530 thousand year-to-date, primarily due to increases in the prime rate, which positively impacted yields on adjustable rate loans and resulted in overall higher interest rates on loans. These increases in interest income were offset by increases in interest expense, as Merchants raised interest rates on deposits and paid higher interest rates for borrowed funds. Merchants closed its private placement of an aggregate of $20 million in trust preferred securities on December 15, 2004, which has also contributed to increases in interest expense. The interest cost incurred on the trust preferred securities during the third quarter of 2005 was $298 thousand, and was $893 thousand for the first nine months of 2005.
Merchants' net interest spread for the third quarter of 2005 compared to 2004 decreased 9 basis points to 3.81% from 3.90%, and decreased 15 basis points to 3.86% from 4.01% when comparing the first nine months of the current year to last year. The net interest margin also decreased over the same period and was 4.04% for the third quarter of this year compared to 4.06% for the same period last year, and was 4.05% compared to 4.16% for the first nine months of 2005 and 2004, respectively. The net interest margin for the third quarter of this year improved for over its second quarter 2005 low of 3.99%.
The following tables set forth certain information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005 and 2004. For the periods indicated, the total dollar amount of interest income from average earning assets and the resultant yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest bearing liabilities, are expressed both in dollars and rates, and on a tax equivalent basis.

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Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Average Balance Sheets and Average Rates
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		September 30, 2005			September 30, 2004
			Interest			Interest
(In thousands,		Average	Income/	Average	Average	Income/	Average
fully taxable equivalent)		Balance	Expense	Rate	Balance	Expense	Rate
ASSETS:
Loans, including fees on loans (1)		$   590,263	$  9,385	6.31%	$   591,376	$  8,214	5.53%
Taxable investments		394,405	4,248	4.27%	385,765	3,806	3.93%
Federal funds sold, securities
purchased under agreements to
resell and interest bearing
deposits with banks		3,025	20	2.63%	201	1	1.77%
Total interest earning assets		987,693	$13,653	5.48%	977,342	$12,021	4.89%
Allowance for loan losses		(7,445)			(8,138)
Cash and due from banks		38,810			38,927
Premises and equipment, net		12,436			13,232
Other assets		20,248			19,997
Total assets		$1,051,742			$1,041,360
LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest bearing deposits:
Savings, NOW & money market
accounts		$   501,938	$  1,033	0.82%	$   521,321	$     666	0.51%
Time deposits		232,429	1,425	2.43%	190,939	796	1.66%
Total interest bearing deposits		734,367	2,458	1.33%	712,260	1,462	0.82%
Short-term borrowings		31,654	271	3.40%	53,654	205	1.52%
Long-term debt		69,693	577	3.29%	59,415	385	2.58%
Junior subordinated debentures
issued to Unconsolidated
subsidiary trust		20,619	298	5.72%	0	0	0.00%
Total interest bearing liabilities		856,333	$  3,604	1.67%	825,329	$  2,052	0.99%
Noninterest bearing deposits		119,345			118,096
Other liabilities		10,157			9,532
Shareholders' equity		65,907			88,403
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity		$1,051,742			$1,041,360
Net interest earning assets		$   131,360			$   152,013
Net interest income (fully taxable
equivalent)			$10,049			$  9,969
Net interest rate spread				3.81%			3.90%
Net interest margin				4.04%			4.06%
(1)	Includes principal balance of non-accrual loans and fees on loans

<PAGE>  10

Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
Average Balance Sheets and Average Rates
(Unaudited)
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2005			September 30, 2004
			Interest			Interest
(In thousands,		Average	Income/	Average	Average	Income/	Average
fully taxable equivalent)		Balance	Expense	Rate	Balance	Expense	Rate
ASSETS:
Loans, including fees on loans (1)		$   586,458	$26,982	6.15%	$   579,577	$24,287	5.60%
Taxable investments		401,695	12,723	4.23%	365,303	10,873	3.98%
Federal funds sold, securities
purchased under agreements to
resell and interest bearing
deposits with banks		1,075	21	2.61%	1,411	12	1.14%
Total interest earning assets		989,228	$39,726	5.37%	946,291	$35,172	4.96%
Allowance for loan losses		(7,489)			(8,033)
Cash and due from banks		38,001			37,855
Premises and equipment, net		12,537			13,179
Other assets		19,541			18,823
Total assets		$1,051,818			$1,008,115
LIABILITIES AND
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Interest bearing deposits:
Savings, NOW & Money Market
accounts		$   511,981	$  2,775	0.72%	$   510,628	$  1,897	0.50%
Time deposits		211,488	3,407	2.15%	193,170	2,621	1.81%
Total interest bearing deposits		723,469	6,182	1.14%	703,798	4,518	0.86%
Short-term borrowings		43,620	987	3.02%	55,991	527	1.26%
Long-term debt		72,840	1,670	3.07%	37,251	662	2.37%
Junior subordinated debentures
issued to Unconsolidated
subsidiary trust		20,619	893	5.79%	0	0	0.00%
Total interest bearing liabilities		860,548	$  9,732	1.51%	797,040	$  5,707	0.96%
Noninterest bearing deposits		116,899			111,599
Other liabilities		8,965			11,554
Shareholders' equity		65,406			87,922
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity		$1,051,818			$1,008,115
Net interest earning assets		$   128,680			$   149,251
Net interest income (fully taxable
equivalent)			$29,994			$29,465
Net interest rate spread				3.86%			4.01%
Net interest margin				4.05%			4.16%
(1)	Includes principal balance of non-accrual loans and fees on loans.

<PAGE>  11

The following tables attribute changes in Merchants' net interest income (on a fully taxable equivalent basis) to changes in either average balances or average rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2005. Changes due to both interest rate and volume have been allocated to change due to balance and change due to rate in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each. The following table represents an analysis of changes in fully taxable equivalent net interest income:
Analysis of Changes in Fully Taxable Equivalent Net Interest Income
Three Months Ended September 30, 2005
				Due to
			Increase
(In thousands)	2005	2004	(Decrease)	Volume	Rate
Fully Taxable Equivalent Interest Income:
Loans	$  9,385	$  8,214	$1,171	$    (16)	$1,187
Investments	4,248	3,806	442	89	353
Federal Funds Sold, Securities Sold Under
Agreements to Repurchase and Interest
Bearing Deposits with Banks	20	1	19	19	-
Total Interest Income	13,653	12,021	1,632	92	1,540
Less Interest Expense:
Savings, Money Market & NOW Accounts	1,033	666	367	(24)	391
Time Deposits	1,425	796	629	200	429
Short-term Borrowings	271	205	66	(33)	99
Long-term Debt	577	385	192	74	118
Junior Subordinated debt	298	-	298	298	-
Total Interest Expense	3,604	2,052	1,552	515	1,037
Net Interest Income	$10,049	$  9,969	$   80	$  (423)	$   503
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2005
				Due to
			Increase
(In thousands)	2005	2004	(Decrease)	Volume	Rate
Fully Taxable Equivalent Interest Income:
Loans	$26,982	$24,287	$2,695	$   289	$2,406
Investments	12,723	10,873	1,850	1,118	732
Federal Funds Sold, Securities Sold Under
Agreements to Repurchase and Interest
Bearing Deposits with Banks	21	12	9	(2)	11
Total Interest Income	39,726	35,172	4,554	1,405	3,149
Less Interest Expense:
Savings, Money Market & NOW Accounts	2,775	1,897	878	5	873
Time Deposits	3,407	2,621	786	263	523
Short-term Borrowings	987	527	460	(86)	546
Long-term Debt	1,670	662	1,008	772	236
Junior Subordinated debt	893	-	893	893	-
Total Interest Expense	9,732	5,707	4,025	1,847	2,178
Net Interest Income	$29,994	$29,465	$   529	$  (442)	$   971

<PAGE>  12

Provision for Loan Losses: No provision for loan losses was recorded during the first nine months of 2005 or for the same period last year. Although nonaccrual loans have trended upward over the last year (see page 15), these loans have been charged down to their estimated net realizable value. Net charge-offs during 2005 have totaled $440 thousand. The increased net charge-off volume during the third quarter was driven by two commercial real estate loans that were written down in anticipation of their sale; and a single construction loan where the tenant business failed prior to closing on alternate financing. At the same time the overall quality of the loan portfolio improved significantly during the quarter. Internally classified loans have decreased to $17.16 million from $26.34 million at June 30, 2005 and $20.52 million at December 31, 2004. All of these factors are taken into consideration during Management's quarterly review of the Allowance for Loan Losses (the "Allowance"). T he Allowance continues to be deemed adequate under current market conditions. See the discussion of Nonperforming Assets on pages 15 and 16 for additional information on the Allowance.

Noninterest Income: Total noninterest income increased 1.7% to $2.33 million from $2.29 million for the third quarter of 2005 compared to 2004; and increased 2.5% to $6.82 million from $6.66 million for the first nine months of the year. Merchants Trust Company income continued to increase and was just under 9% higher for the first nine months of 2005 compared to 2004. Service charges on deposits decreased 7.8% to $1.14 million for the third quarter of 2005 compared to $1.24 million for the same period last year; and decreased 8.1% to $3.35 million from $3.64 million for the first nine of months of the current year compared to last year. This decrease was driven by the fact that increases in the earnings credit rate have allowed business customers to decrease the amount of hard dollar charges they incur each month, reducing the overall level of service charge revenue. Additionally, although Merchants continues to experience increases in overdraft service charge revenue, the rate of the increase has slowed as more customers use their debit cards for purchases; electronic transactions are not approved unless the customer has sufficient funds in their account to pay for the transaction. Other noninterest income increased 25.0% to $850 thousand from $680 thousand for the third quarter, and 18.0% to $2.22 million from $1.88 million for the first nine months of this year compared to last year. As mentioned above, Merchants is experiencing increases in electronic transactions, leading to increases in net revenue for ATM and debit cards.

Noninterest Expenses: Total noninterest expense increased 3.4% to $8.37 million from $8.10 million for the third quarter of 2005 compared to 2004; and 2.4% to $24.99 million from $24.41 million for the first nine months of the year. Salaries and wages increased 4.3% to $3.14 million for the third quarter of this year compared to $3.01 million for the third quarter of last year, and 4.9% to $9.22 million from $8.79 million when comparing the first nine months of this year to last year, primarily due to normal salary increases and increased expected incentive payouts. Employee benefits decreased 5.0% to $911 thousand from $959 thousand for the third quarter and 3.0% to $2.85 million from $2.94 million for the first nine months of 2005 compared to 2004. This decrease is primarily due to reduced pension expenses in 2005 resulting from strong returns on plan assets. The decreased pension cost was offset by increases in Merchants cost of health insurance which increased 6.9% for the first ni ne months of 2005 compared to 2004. Merchants is planning to transition to a high deductible, consumer driven health plan starting in 2006 to help manage its future health care cost increases. Legal and professional fees increased 68.5% to $615 thousand for the third quarter, and 13.9% to $1.51 million for the first nine months of the year. On July 1, 2005 Merchants began to transition its item processing function to an outside provider. Total legal and professional fees incurred during the third quarter related to these outsourced processing fees were $178 thousand which displaced a similar amount of salary and equipment associated expenses.

Balance Sheet Analysis

Average loans for the third quarter of 2005 were $590.26 million compared to $586.27 million for the fourth quarter of 2004. Period-end loans were $592.99 million compared to $584.33 million at December 31, 2004. Most of the growth in the loan portfolio during 2005 has been in the residential portfolio. Merchants is currently generating sufficient volumes to replenish amortization in its residential mortgage portfolio and to provide some modest growth. Merchants' commercial loan categories (commercial and commercial real estate loans) have declined $11.62 million since year-end; with the majority of the decline occurring during the third quarter. This decline was primarily driven by decreased utilization of mortgage warehouse lines by Merchants' mortgage brokerage customers and the sale of the USDA guaranteed portion of several loans. Competitive factors and accelerated amortization continue to be impediments to growth. The squeeze on spreads across all lending and investment instruments has worked its way through the commercial loan arena. Merchants has chosen to meet the competition to retain strong existing customers and to solicit new relationships. There are many instances where pricing does not reflect the underlying credit risks and management has chosen not to compete as aggressively for this business.

The following table summarizes the components of Merchants' loan portfolio as of September 30, 2005 and December 31, 2004:

<PAGE>  13

	(In thousands)	September 30, 2005	December 31, 2004
	Commercial, financial and agricultural	$  74,220	$  82,644
	Real estate loans - residential	281,584	265,306
	Real estate loans - commercial	206,139	209,333
	Real estate loans - construction	23,435	19,354
	Installment loans	7,194	7,016
	All other loans	418	679
	Total loans	$592,990	$584,332
Average deposits for the quarter were $853.71 million, a 2.8% increase over the same quarter of last year, and a 1.0% increase from average balances at December 31, 2004. Merchants continues to focus on generating low cost transaction accounts. At the same time, Merchants has responded to competitive pressure by offering competitive rates on a hybrid time deposit. This product has proven to be successful at stemming the potential outflow of core funding within the Banks' money market category. Although average money market balances have decreased by $37.97 million since December 2004, this hybrid product, TimeLYNX®, has seen increased average balances of $47.13 million.
Merchants' investment portfolio has increased $7.80 million since year-end. Merchants continues to support a portion of its asset growth with borrowings from the FHLB. Quarter-end borrowed funds balances, excluding Merchants' trust preferred securities balance of $20.62 million, were $86.20 million, a decrease of $18.56 million since December 31, 2004. Increased deposit balances have enabled Merchants to decrease its borrowed fund position over the course of 2005. During the quarter Merchants took advantage of an opportunity to reposition a small portion of its investment portfolio and sold corporate bonds with a par value of $5 million, generating a total loss of $65 thousand.
In the ordinary course of business, Merchants makes commitments for possible future extensions of credit. On September 30, 2005, Merchants was obligated to fund $9.08 million of standby letters of credit. No losses are anticipated in connection with these commitments.
Income Taxes
Merchants and its subsidiaries are taxed on income by the Internal Revenue Service at the federal level. The State of Vermont levies franchise taxes on banks based upon average deposit levels in lieu of taxing income. Franchise taxes are included in noninterest expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
Total income tax expense was $980 thousand and $2.83 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2005, respectively, compared to $1.08 million and $2.96 million for the same periods in 2004. Merchants recognized favorable tax benefits of $425 thousand and $1.28 million for the third quarter and first nine months of 2005, respectively, compared to $400 thousand and $1.20 million for the same periods in 2004, representing the amount of the federal affordable housing tax credits earned during these periods. Merchants' statutory tax rate was 35% for all periods. The recognition of affordable housing tax credits is the principal reason for Merchants' effective tax rate of 24% for the first nine months of 2005.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Merchants' liquidity is monitored by the Asset and Liability Committee ("ALCO"), based upon policies approved by the Board of Directors. Liquidity can be defined as the ability to generate cash in the most economical way to satisfy loan demand, deposit withdrawal demand, and to meet other business opportunities which require cash. Merchants has an overnight line of credit with the FHLB of $5 million and an estimated additional borrowing capacity with the FHLB of $62 million. Additionally, Merchants has $28 million in available Federal Funds lines of credit at September 30, 2005 and the ability to borrow through the use of repurchase agreements, collateralized by Merchants' investments, with certain approved counterparties. Merchants' investment portfolio, which is managed by Merchants' ALCO, totaled $384.35 million at September 30, 2005, and is a strong source of cash flow for Merchants.
Merchants has been active in its stock buyback plan during the first nine months of 2005 and has purchased 101,400 shares at an average price of $26.52. In October of 2005 Merchants' Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program, pursuant to which Merchants may repurchase 200,000 shares of its stock from time to time through October 2006. The new program will commence when there are no shares remaining under its original stock repurchase program approved in January 2001.
As of September 30, 2005, Merchants exceeded all applicable regulatory capital requirements. The following table represents the actual capital ratios and capital adequacy requirements for Merchants as of September 30, 2005 and 2004:

<PAGE>  14

				For Capital
		Actual		Adequacy Purposes
(In thousands)		Amount (1)	Percent	Amount	Percent
		As of September 30, 2005
Tier 1 leverage capital		$88,258	8.40%	$42,043	4.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital		88,258	13.01%	27,143	4.00%
Total risk-based capital		95,330	14.05%	54,289	8.00%
		As of September 30, 2004
Tier 1 leverage capital		$91,034	8.75%	$41,615	4.00%
Tier 1 risk-based capital		91,034	13.43%	27,113	4.00%
Total risk-based capital		98,856	14.58%	54,227	8.00%
(1)	The September 30, 2005 amounts include $20 million in trust preferred securities issued in December 2004.
	These hybrid securities qualify as regulatory capital up to certain regulatory limits.
Nonperforming Assets and the Allowance for Loan Losses
Stringent credit quality is a major strategic focus of Merchants. Although Merchants has been successful to date in minimizing its problem assets, Merchants cannot assure that problem assets will remain at these levels, particularly in light of current or future economic conditions. There is also no assurance that Merchants will not need to increase the Allowance in the future.
The following table summarizes Merchants' nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2005		June 30, 2005		December 31, 2004		September 30, 2004
Nonaccrual loans		$3,981		$3,416		$3,233	$3,590
Loans past due 90 days or more
and still accruing interest		--		100		20	--
Restructured loans		81		81		83	84
Total nonperforming loans
("NPL")		4,062		3,597		3,336	3,674
Total nonperforming assets
("NPA")		$4,062		$3,597		$3,336	$3,674

The level of nonperforming assets increased during the third quarter. Several small relationships were transferred to nonaccrual during the quarter, leading to an increase in nonaccrual loans of $565 thousand. Total nonperforming assets increased to $4.06 million at the end of the third quarter of 2005 compared to $3.34 million at the end of 2004; and were $465 thousand higher than June 30, 2005 balances of $3.60 million. Subsequent to September 30, 2005 a nonrecourse loan sale was completed that reduced nonaccruing loans by $1.11 million. The sale generated a small gain.

<PAGE>  15

The following table summarizes year-to-date activity in Merchants' Allowance through the dates indicated:

(In thousands)	September 30, 2005	December 31, 2004	September 30, 2004
Allowance beginning of year	$7,512	$7,954	$7,954
Charge-offs :
Commercial, lease financing
and all other	(249)	(56)	(17)
Real estate - construction	(218)	--	--
Real estate - commercial	(120)	--	(347)
Real estate - mortgage	(1)	(703)	(26)
Installment and other consumer	(17)	(17)	(15)
Total charge-offs	(605)	(776)	(405)
Recoveries:
Commercial, lease financing
and all other	114	34	13
Real estate - commercial	30	--	252
Real estate - mortgage	16	297	44
Installment and other consumer	5	3	3
Total recoveries	165	334	312
Net charge-offs	(440)	(442)	(93)
Provision for loan losses	--	--	--
Allowance end of period	$7,072	$7,512	$7,861
The Allowance is based on management's estimate of the amount required to reflect the inherent losses in the loan portfolio, based on circumstances and conditions at each reporting date. Merchants reviews the adequacy of the Allowance at least quarterly. Factors considered in evaluating the adequacy of the Allowance include previous loss experience, current economic conditions and their effect on the borrowers, the performance of individual loans in relation to contract terms and estimated fair values of properties to be foreclosed. The method used in determining the amount of the Allowance is not based on maintaining a specific percentage of Allowance to total loans or total NPA. Rather, the methodology is a comprehensive analytical process of assessing the credit risk inherent in the loan portfolio. This assessment incorporates a broad range of factors, which indicate both general and specific credit risk, as well as a consistent methodology for quantifying probable credit losses.
Losses are charged against the Allowance when management believes that the collectibility of principal is doubtful. To the extent management determines the level of anticipated losses in the portfolio has significantly increased or diminished, the Allowance is adjusted through current earnings. As part of Merchants' analysis of specific credit risk, detailed and extensive reviews are performed on larger credits and problematic credits identified on the watched asset list, nonperforming asset listings and internal credit rating reports. An outside loan review firm examines portions of Merchants' commercial loan portfolio three times per year. Over the course of the year, approximately 70% of commercial loan balances are reviewed, including all relationships over $1.0 million and criticized and classified loans over $500 thousand. Issues addressed by the loan review process include the accuracy of Merchants' internal risk ratings system, loan quality, and adequacy of the Allowance.
Loans deemed impaired at September 30, 2005 totaled $4.28 million; of this total $4.09 million are included as nonperforming assets in the table above. This compares to impaired loans of $3.61 million at June 30, 2005 and $3.32 million at December 31, 2004.
The Allowance level reflects management's current strategies and efforts to maintain the Allowance at a level adequate to provide for loan losses based on an evaluation of known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. Among the factors that management considers in establishing the level of the Allowance are overall findings from an analysis of individual loans, the overall risk characteristics and size of the loan portfolio, past credit loss history, management's assessment of current economic and real estate market conditions and estimates of the current value of the underlying collateral. Management considered the balance of the Allowance adequate at September 30, 2005.

<PAGE>  16

The following table reflects Merchants' nonperforming asset and coverage ratios as of the dates indicated:

	September 30, 2005	June 30, 2005	December 31, 2004	September 30, 2004
NPL to total loans	0.68%	0.60%	0.57%	0.62%
Allowance to total loans	1.19%	1.26%	1.29%	1.32%
Allowance to NPL	174%	208%	225%	214%
Allowance to NPA	174%	208%	225%	214%

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
General
Management and Merchants' Board of Directors are committed to sound risk management practices throughout the organization. Merchants has developed and implemented a centralized risk management monitoring program. Risks associated with Merchants' business activities and products are identified and measured as to probability of occurrence and impact on Merchants (low, moderate, or high), and the control or other activities in place to manage those risks are identified and assessed. Periodically, department-level and senior managers re-evaluate and report on the risk management processes for which they are responsible. This documented program provides management with a comprehensive framework for monitoring Merchants' risk profile from a macro perspective; it also serves as a tool for assessing internal controls over financial reporting as required under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"), and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Market Risk
Market risk is defined as the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. Merchants' primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. An important component of Merchants' asset and liability management process is the ongoing monitoring and management of this risk, which is governed by established policies that are reviewed and approved annually by Merchants' Board of Directors. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for carrying out the asset and liability management policies to the ALCO. In this capacity the ALCO develops guidelines and strategies impacting Merchants' asset and liability management related activities based upon estimated market risk sensitivity, policy limits and overall market interest rate levels and trends. Merchants has an outside investment advisory firm which helps it identify opportunities for increased yield with out significantly increasing risk in the investment portfolio.
Interest Rate Risk
The ALCO is responsible for evaluating and managing the interest rate risk which arises naturally from imbalances in repricing, maturity and cash flow characteristics of Merchants' assets and liabilities. The ALCO is responsible for ensuring that the Board of Directors receives accurate information regarding Merchants' interest rate risk position at least quarterly. The ALCO uses an outside consultant to perform rate shocks of Merchants' balance sheet, and to perform a variety of other analyses. The consultant's most recent review was as of August 31, 2005. At that time Merchants' one-year gap position was a $49.69 million liability-sensitive position compared to a $29.22 million liability-sensitive position at the end of 2004.
Merchants' consultant modeled a 200 basis point rising and falling interest rate scenario at the August 31, 2005 review. The model assumes a parallel and pro rata shift of the yield curve over a one year period and assumes no changes or growth in the balance sheet. At the August 31, 2005 review the change in net interest income for the next 12 months from Merchants' expected or "most likely" forecast was as follows:
		Percent Change in
	Rate Change	Net Interest Income
	Up 200 basis points	(0.98)%
	Down 200 basis points	(3.64)%
The analysis shows margin compression in both the rising and falling rate scenarios. In a rising rate environment the short-term liability sensitivity leads to a decrease in net interest income in the first year as funding costs initially increase more rapidly than asset yields. This trend is expected to reverse in year two as the asset base continues to reset at higher rates while funding costs stabilize. The ability to reduce funding costs is limited in the falling rate environment, while the Bank's prime based loans rapidly reset to lower yields. Additionally, assets are expected to shorten, further exacerbating margin compression. The margin compression becomes more pronounced in later years under this static modeling scenario. The

<PAGE>  17

degree to which this exposure materializes will depend, in part, on Merchants' ability to manage deposit rates as interest rates rise or fall.

The analysis discussed above includes no growth assumptions. The consultant also ran additional simulations, which modeled a downward movement in rates with a steepening yield curve and a simulation using Merchants' current growth assumptions. The growth model showed that margin dollars increase in both rising and falling rate environments as Merchants continues to grow its balance sheet. The steepening yield curve scenario showed that much of Merchants interest rate risk in a down 200 basis point scenario would be mitigated by the steepening of the yield curve. These types of dynamic analyses give the ALCO a more thorough understanding of how Merchants' balance sheet will perform in a variety of rate environments.

The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent Merchants' forecast and should not be relied upon as being indicative of expected operating results. These estimates are based upon numerous assumptions including without limitation: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit run-off rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits and reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cash flows, among others. While assumptions are developed based upon current economic and local market conditions, Merchants cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions including how customer preferences or competitor influences might change.

The model used to perform the balance sheet simulation assumes a parallel shift of the yield curve over twelve months and reprices every interest bearing asset and liability on Merchants' balance sheet. The model uses contractual repricing dates for variable products, contractual maturities for fixed rate products, and product-specific assumptions for deposits such as Free Checking for LifeÒ accounts and money market accounts which are subject to repricing based on current market conditions. Investment securities with call provisions are examined on an individual basis in each rate environment to estimate the likelihood of a call. The model also assumes that the rate at which certain mortgage related assets prepay will vary as rates rise and fall, based on prepayment estimates derived from the Office of Thrift Supervision's Net Portfolio Value Model.

As market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will likely differ due to: the varying impact of changes in the balances and mix of loans and deposits differing from those assumed, the impact of possible off balance sheet hedging strategies, and other internal/external variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect all actions that the ALCO might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates.

Merchants periodically, if deemed appropriate, uses interest rate swaps, floors and caps, which are common derivative financial instruments, to hedge its interest rate risk position. The Board of Directors has approved hedging policy statements governing the use of these instruments by Merchants. As of September 30, 2005 Merchants had no derivative instruments. The risks associated with entering into such transactions are the risk of default from the counterparty with whom Merchants has entered into agreement and a poor correlation between the item being hedged and the derivative instrument. Merchants' risk from default of a counterparty is limited to the expected cash flow anticipated from the counterparty, not the notional value.

Credit Risk

The Board of Directors reviews and approves Merchants' loan policy on an annual basis. Among other things, the loan policy establishes restrictions regarding the types of loans that may be granted, and the distribution of loan types within Merchants' portfolio. Merchants' Board of Directors grants each loan officer the authority to originate loans on behalf of Merchants, subject to certain limitations. These authorized lending limits are reviewed at least annually and are based upon the lender's knowledge and experience. Loan requests that exceed a lender's authority require the signature of Merchants' credit division manager, senior loan officer, and/or president. All extensions of credit of $2.5 million or greater to any one borrower or related party interest, are reviewed and approved by the Loan Committee of Merchants' Board of Directors. Merchants' loan portfolio is continuously monitored for performance, creditworthiness and strength of documentation through the use of a variety of mana gement reports and with the assistance of an external loan review firm. Credit ratings are assigned to commercial loans and are routinely reviewed. Loan officers or the loan workout function take remedial actions to assure full and timely payment of loan balances when necessary. Merchants' policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest on loans when scheduled payments become contractually past due 90 or more days and the ultimate collectibility of principal or interest becomes doubtful.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and other members of senior management of Merchants have evaluated the disclosure controls and procedures of Merchants as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report.

<PAGE>  18

Based on this evaluation, Merchants has concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures effectively ensure that information required to be disclosed in Merchants' filings and submissions with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act, is accumulated and communicated to Merchants' management (including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer) and is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, Merchants has reviewed its internal controls over financial reporting and there have been no significant changes in its internal controls or in the other factors that could significantly affect those controls during the quarter or nine month period ended September 30, 2005.

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MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Merchants is involved in routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business, which in the aggregate are believed by management to be immaterial to its financial condition and results of operations.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

			(c) Total Number	(d) Maximum
			of Shares	Number of Shares
	a) Total		Purchased as	that May Yet Be
	Number of	(b) Average	Part of Publicly	Purchased Under
	Shares	Price Paid per	Announced Plans	the Plans or
Period	Purchased	Share	or Programs	Programs
July through July 31	-	$        -	-	24,219
August through August 31	2,400	$26.90	2,400	21,819
September through
September 30	1,100	$27.05	1,100	20,719
Total	3,500	-	3,500	-

In January 2001, Merchants' Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program. In January 2005, the Board of Directors voted to extend the program until January 2006. Under the program, Merchants is authorized to repurchase up to 300,000 shares of its own common stock. Under the plan, Merchants has purchased 279,281 shares of its own common stock on the open market, at an average per share price of $23.33 through September 30, 2005; 101,400 of these shares were purchased during the first three quarters of 2005 at an average price of $26.52.
In October of 2005 Merchants' Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program, pursuant to which Merchants may repurchase 200,000 shares of its stock from time to time through October 2006. The new program will commence when there are no shares remaining under the current stock repurchase program.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
Item 5. Other Information
None
Item 6. Exhibits
(a)	Exhibits:
	31.1 -	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
	31.2 -	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company Pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14
	32.1 -	Certification of Chief Executive Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
	32.2 -	Certification of Chief Financial Officer of the Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

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(b)	Current Reports on Form 8-K
	Merchants Bancshares, Inc. filed a Current Report on Form 8-K on October 20, 2005, with respect to a press release it issued announcing a quarterly dividend and the date of Merchants' quarterly earnings release

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MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized
	Merchants Bancshares, Inc.
	/s/ Joseph L. Boutin
	Joseph L. Boutin
	President &Chief Executive Officer
	/s/ Janet P. Spitler
	Janet P. Spitler
	Chief Financial Officer &Treasurer
	November 1, 2005
	Date

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