Merrill Merchants Bancshares (MERB) 10-Q 2006 Q1 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2006

Commission File Number: 0-24715

MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MAINE	01-0471507
(State or other jurisdiction of	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)

201 Main Street

Bangor, Maine 04401

(Address of principal executive offices)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act 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: o

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

Large accelerated filer o         Accelerated filer o         Non-accelerated filer x

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

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer's common stock as of April 30, 2006 is 3,547,477.

MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION	Page
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	3
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005	4
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005	5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005	6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005	7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	8
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	9
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	16
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	17
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	17
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	17
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	18
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	18
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS	18
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION	19
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS	19
SIGNATURE PAGE	20
EXHIBITS

Page 2

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc.

We have reviewed the accompanying interim consolidated financial information of Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary as of March 31, 2006, and for the three month periods ended March 31, 2006 and 2005. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

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

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

/s/ BERRY, DUNN, McNEIL & PARKER

Bangor, Maine

May 8, 2006

Page 3

MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

	March 31,			December 31,
	2006			2005
(In thousands, except number of shares and per share data)	(Unaudited)			(Audited)
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	12,008		$	13,785
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		61			43
Total cash and cash equivalents		12,069			13,828
Investment securities - available for sale		77,209			72,489
Loans held for sale		967			925
Loans receivable		322,487			318,965
Less allowance for loan losses		4,207			4,086
Net loans receivable		318,280			314,879
Properties and equipment, net		5,272			4,863
Cash surrender value of life insurance		4,056			4,018
Deferred income tax benefit		1,446			1,372
Accrued income and other assets		4,828			4,699
Total assets	$	424,127		$	417,073
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Demand deposits	$	48,264		$	56,204
Savings and NOW deposits		150,751			151,798
Certificates of deposit		133,792			123,412
Total deposits		332,807			331,414
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (term and demand)		25,241			18,534
Other borrowed funds		26,813			28,474
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		4,095			4,299
Total liabilities		388,956			382,721
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, par value $1; authorized 4,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding 3,545,686 shares in 2006 and 3,435,633 shares in 2005		3,546			3,436
Capital surplus		26,635			24,188
Retained earnings		5,231			6,947
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of tax		(210	)		(167	)
Net unrealized depreciation on derivative instruments marked to market, net of tax		(31	)		(52	)
Total shareholders’ equity		35,171			34,352
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	424,127		$	417,073

See report of independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying notes are

an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Page 4

MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
(In thousands, except number of shares and per share data)	2006		2005
Interest and dividend income
Interest and fees on loans	$	5,692	$	4,532
Interest on investment securities		684		490
Dividends on investment securities		44		32
Interest on federal funds sold		1		5
Total interest and dividend income		6,421		5,059
Interest expense
Interest on savings and NOW		725		342
Interest on deposits		1,204		825
Interest on borrowed funds		430		270
Total interest expense		2,359		1,437
Net interest income		4,062		3,622
Provision for loan losses		128		94
Net interest income after provision for
loan losses		3,934		3,528
Non-interest income
Service charges on deposit accounts		380		338
Other service charges and fees		211		199
Trust fees		417		377
Net gain on sale of loans and properties and equipment		147		239
Net gain on investment securities		31		19
Other		111		136
Total non-interest income		1,297		1,308
Non-interest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		1,851		1,668
Occupancy expense		261		264
Equipment expense		163		157
Data processing		151		163
Other		744		678
Total non-interest expense		3,170		2,930
Income before income taxes		2,061		1,906
Income tax expense		695		649
Net income	$	1,366	$	1,257
Per share data
Basic earnings per common share	$	.39	$	.35
Diluted earnings per common share	$	.38	$	.35

See report of independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying notes are

an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Page 5

MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

(Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Number of Shares and Per Share Data)

								Unrealized			Net
								Gain (Loss)			Unrealized			Total
								On Securities			Depreciation			Share-
	Common		Capital		Retained			Available			on Derivative			holders’
	Stock		Surplus		Earnings			for Sale			Instruments			Equity
Balance at December 31, 2004	$	3,340	$	22,037	$	5,763		$	203		$	(14	)	$	31,329
Net income		—		—		1,257			—			—			1,257
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of deferred taxes of $26		—		—		—			—			(48	)		(48	)
Change in unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of deferred taxes of $154		—		—		—			(302	)		—			(302	)
Total comprehensive income		—		—		1,257			(302	)		(48	)		907
3% common stock dividend declared		100		2,251		(2,355	)		—			—			(4	)
Common stock cash dividend declared, $0.15 per share		—		—		(516	)		—			—			(516	)
Balance at March 31, 2005	$	3,440	$	24,288	$	4,149		$	(99	)	$	(62	)	$	31,716
Balance at December 31, 2005	$	3,436	$	24,188	$	6,947		$	(167	)	$	(52	)	$	34,352
Net income		—		—		1,366			—			—			1,366
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of deferred taxes of $10		—		—		—			—			21			21
Change in unrealized loss on securities available for sale, net of deferred taxes of $22		—		—		—			(43	)		—			(43	)
Total comprehensive income		—		—		1,366			(43	)		21			1,344
3% common stock dividend declared		103		2,369		(2,479	)		—			—			(7	)
Common stock options exercised, 6,806 shares		7		78		—			—			—			85
Common stock cash dividend declared, $0.17 per share		—		—		(603	)		—			—			(603	)
Balance at March 31, 2006	$	3,546	$	26,635	$	5,231		$	(210	)	$	(31	)	$	35,171

See report of independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying notes are

an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2006 and 2005

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)	2006			2005
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	1,366		$	1,257
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation		95			87
Amortization		103			124
Net amortization on investment securities		31			141
Deferred income taxes		(63	)		(60	)
Provision for loan losses		128			94
Net gain on sale of credit cards, investment securities and properties and equipment		(25	)		(124	)
Net change in:
Loans held for sale		(42	)		(454	)
Deferred loan fees, net		(8	)		(8	)
Accrued income and other assets		(241	)		(203	)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(203	)		319
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,141			1,173
Cash flows from investing activities
Net loans made to customers		(3,521	)		(1,716	)
Acquisition of properties and equipment and computer software		(506	)		(368	)
Purchase of investment securities available for sale		(8,621	)		(10,104	)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investment securities available for sale		3,834			6,647
Net cash used by investing activities		(8,814	)		(5,541	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net decrease in demand, savings and NOW deposits		(8,987	)		(4,184	)
Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit		10,380			(1,152	)
Net increase in securities sold under agreement to repurchase		6,707			1,952
Net (decrease) increase in other borrowed funds		(1,350	)		1,750
Long-term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		-			7,000
Payments on long-term advances		(311	)		(297	)
Dividends paid on common stock		(610	)		(505	)
Proceeds from stock issuance		85			-
Net cash provided by financing activities		5,914			4,564
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(1,759	)		196
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		13,828			10,220
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	12,069		$	10,416
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest	$	2,339		$	1,636
Income tax paid		749			64

See report of independent registered public accounting firm. The accompanying notes are

an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

Page 7

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Merrill Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the Company) is a financial holding company that owns all of the common stock of Merrill Merchants Bank (the Bank). The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The income reported for the period ending March 31, 2006 is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2006. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005:

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2006		2005
(In thousands, except for number of shares and per-share data)
Net income, as reported	$	1,366	$	1,257
Weighted-average shares outstanding		3,542,540		3,543,735
Effect of dilutive stock options		27,272		30,908
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding		3,569,812		3,574,643
Basic earnings per share	$	0.39	$	0.35
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.38	$	0.35

The basic earnings per share computation is based upon the weighted-average number of shares of stock outstanding during the period. Potential common stock is considered in the calculation of weighted-average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share.

The Company declared a 3% stock dividend in both 2006 and 2005. Earnings and cash dividends per share and weighted-average shares outstanding have been retroactively restated to reflect the stock dividends.

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NOTE 3 - IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

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

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) (SFAS No. 123(R)), Share-Based Payment. SFAS No. 123(R), with certain exceptions, requires entities that grant stock options and shares to employees to recognize the fair value of those options and shares as compensation cost over the service (vesting) period in their financial statements. The measurement of that cost is based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has issued Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) No. 107, which provides guidance regarding the interaction between the SFAS and certain SEC rules and regulations. The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements for the period ended March 31, 2006.

NOTE 4 - DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Company has interest rate protection agreements with notional amounts of $10 million at March 31, 2006. Under these agreements, the Company exchanges a variable rate asset for a fixed rate asset, thus protecting certain asset yields from falling interest rates. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, management designated these swap agreements as cash-flow hedges since they convert a portion of the loan portfolio from a variable rate based upon the Prime Rate to a fixed rate. The hedge relationship is estimated to be 100% effective; therefore, there is no impact on the statement of income resulting from changes in fair value. The fair values of the swap agreements are recorded in the statement of financial condition with the offset recorded in the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity.

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

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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

Page 9

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

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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

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

Page 10

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

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Net income increased 9% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2006 compared to the first quarter last year, an increase of $109,000. The following were significant factors related to the results to the first quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005.

§   Net interest income increased $440,000 or 12% to $4.1 million. The increase was driven by $45.5 million of growth in average earning assets. The Company’s net interest margin decreased to 4.07% for the first quarter of 2006, compared to 4.13% for the same period in 2005, as the cost of funds increased by 86 basis points while the yield on earning assets increased 69 basis points.

§   Non-interest income was $1.3 million for both the first quarter of 2006 and 2005. The slight decline in non-interest income of $11,000 was due to the one-time gain on sale of our credit card portfolio of $106,000 in 2005. Trust fees grew 11% and service charges on deposit accounts increased 12%.

§   Non-interest expense increased $240,000, or 8%, to $3.2 million for the first quarter of 2006 compared to the first quarter of 2005. The increase was the result of an increase in personnel costs of 11% and an increase in other expenses of 10%.

§   Comparing March 31, 2006 and 2005, total loans grew $37.8 million or 13%. Real estate lending was strong with the commercial real estate portfolio increasing 17%, home equity balances growing 23% and residential mortgages up 6%. Loans to businesses increased 11% and consumer loans grew 23% from a year ago.

§   Comparing March 31, 2006 and 2005, total deposits grew $38.4 million or 13% with savings account balances increasing $10.7 million or 24% due to offering a premium interest rate savings product. In addition, certificates of deposit (CDs) grew $29.7 million or 29% as increases in market interest rates have attracted customers to invest in short-term CDs.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Company reported net income of $1.4 million, or $.38 per diluted share, for the first three months of 2006. This is an increase of $109,000, or 9%, compared to net income of $1.3 million, or $.35 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2005.

The annualized return on assets and return on equity were 1.33% and 15.80%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2006 compared to return on assets of 1.38% and return on equity of 16.13% for the same period in 2005.

NET INTEREST INCOME

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

Net interest income totaled $4.1 million for the first three months of 2006, an increase of $440,000 compared to the same period in 2005. The 12% increase was driven by growth in average earning assets of $45.5 million. The Company’s net interest margin decreased to 4.07% for the first three months of 2006 compared to 4.13% for the same period last year.

The average rate earned on interest-earning assets increased to 6.49% from 5.80% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, on average interest-earning assets of $395.5 million and $350.1 million for the corresponding periods. The average interest rate incurred on interest-bearing liabilities also increased, to 2.91% from 2.05% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 and 2005.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

The provision for loan losses was $128,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2006, as compared to $94,000 for the same period in 2005. The slight increase in the provision for loan losses was appropriate given the continued growth of the loan portfolio, the overall credit quality of the portfolio and the Company’s historical loan loss trends.

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

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

Management continues to actively monitor the Company's asset quality and to charge off loans against the allowance for loan losses when appropriate or to provide specific loan allowances when necessary. Although management believes it uses the best information available to make determinations with respect to the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments may be necessary if economic conditions differ from the economic conditions in the assumptions used in making the final determinations. The Company’s allowance for loan losses amounted to $---4.2 million at March 31, 2006 (1.30% of total loans), an increase of $121,000 since year-end.

NON-INTEREST INCOME

Non-interest income totaled $1.3 million for both the first quarter of 2006 and 2005. The slight decline in non-interest income of $11,000 was due to the one-time gain on the sale of our credit card portfolio of $106,000 in 2005. Service fees on deposit accounts increased 12% and trust fees grew 11% for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to the same period in 2005.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSE

Non-interest expense totaled $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2006 compared to $2.9 million for the same period last year. The increase in non-interest expense of $240,000, or 8%, was due to increases in personnel costs of 11% and other expenses of 10%. Personnel costs increased $183,000 due to normal salary increases and additional staffing required as a result of asset growth and other expenses increased $66,000 due to increases in professional fees and ATM/debit card processing expense.

The Company’s efficiency ratio improved to 59.5% for the first quarter of 2006 compared to 61.0% for the same period in 2005.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Total assets increased $7.1 million or 2% to $424.1 million during the first three months of 2006. Since December 31, 2005, the loan portfolio increased $3.5 million or 1%. Consumer loans increased 5%, residential balances grew 4% and the commercial and commercial real estate portfolio grew 2%. Construction loan balances decreased 21%. The investment portfolio increased $4.7 million or 7% since year-end. Asset growth was funded by certificates of deposit and an increase in borrowed funds.

Total deposits increased slightly to $332.8 million for the first three months of 2006. Since December 31, 2005, checking accounts declined $6.5 million or 6% which remains consistent with the Bank’s cycle during which deposits typically dip to their lowest levels early in the year and trend steadily upward to their highest levels during the fourth quarter. Since year-end, certificate of deposit balances increased 8% and savings and money market accounts decreased 2%. Borrowed funds increased by $5.0 million to $52.1 million at March 31, 2006 primarily due to an increase in customer repurchase agreements.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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

The Company’s total shareholders’ equity was $35.2 million or 8.3% of total assets at March 31, 2006, compared with $34.4 million or 8.2% of total assets at December 31, 2005.  The net increase of $819,000 in the first three months of 2006 was attributable to net income of $1.4 million less cash dividends of $610,000, common stock acquired of $85,000 and changes in unrealized losses on investment securities and derivative instruments of $22,000, net of tax. In the first quarter of 2006, the Company declared a cash dividend of $.17 per share on the Company’s common stock. This was an increase of 17% over last year’s first quarter dividend.

Under Federal Reserve Board guidelines, bank holding companies such as the Company are required to maintain capital based on “risk-adjusted” assets. These guidelines apply to the Company on a consolidated basis. Under the current guidelines, banking organizations must maintain a risk-based capital ratio of 8%. The Company’s risk-based capital ratios for Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital at March 31, 2006, of 11.15% and 12.50%, respectively, exceed regulatory guidelines for a “well capitalized” financial institution. The Company’s ratios at December 31, 2005 were 11.06% and 12.40%, respectively.

On June 17, 2004, the Board of Directors approved a fourth stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 169,995, or 5%, of its outstanding shares of common stock. As of March 31, 2006, 22,137 shares had been repurchased under the program. The repurchases will be made from time to time at the discretion of Company management.

OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ITEMS

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated statements of financial condition. The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Bank follows the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments, including requiring collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk. At March 31, 2006, the Company had the following levels of commitments to extend credit:

			Commitment Expires in:
(In thousands)	Total Amount Committed		Less than 1 year		1 - 3 years		4 - 5 years		After 5 years
Letters of Credit	$	1,701	$	1,297	$	254	$	150	$	—
Other Commitments to Extend Credit		75,439		37,422		3,248		884		33,885
Total	$	77,140	$	38,719	$	3,502	$	1,034	$	33,885

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The Company is a party to several off-balance sheet contractual obligations through lease agreements on branch facilities. These commitments, borrowings and the related payments were made during the normal course of business. At March 31, 2006, the Company had the following levels of contractual obligations:

			Payments Due by Period:
(In thousands)	Total Amount of Obligation		Less than 1 year		1 - 3 years		4 - 5 years		After 5 years
Operating Leases	$	852	$	277	$	397	$	175	$	3
Federal Home Loan Bank Debt		22,623		4,881		9,262		7,018		1,462
Total	$	23,475	$	5,158	$	9,659	$	7,193	$	1,465

The Company uses derivative instruments as partial hedges against large fluctuations in interest rates. The Company uses interest rate swap instruments to partially hedge against potentially lower yields on the variable prime rate loan category in a declining rate environment. If rates were to decline, resulting in reduced income on the adjustable rate loans, there would be an increased income flow from the interest rate swap instruments. These financial instruments are factored into the Company’s overall interest rate risk position. The Company regularly reviews the credit quality of the counterparty from which the instruments have been purchased. At March 31, 2006, the Company had two two-year swap agreements with a notional amount of $10.0 million due to mature June 21, 2006 with cash flows for the following periods:

	Payments Due by Period:
(In thousands)	Less than 1 year			1 - 3 years		4 - 5 years		After 5 years
Fixed Payments from Counterparty	$	133		$	—	$	—	$	—
Payments based on Prime Rate		174			—		—		-
Net Cash Outflow	$	(41	)	$	—	$	—	$	—

The net cash flow reflected on the table above is based on the current rate environment. The Company receives a fixed 5.93% on the notional amount during the contract period from the counterparty on the swap agreements and pays a variable rate based on the prime rate that is 7.75% at March 31, 2006. The cash flow will remain negative for the Company as long as the prime rate exceeds 5.93%. This derivative instrument was put into place to partially hedge against potential lower yields on the variable prime rate loan category in a declining rate environment. As the prime rate increases the Company experiences a net cash outflow from this derivative instrument that is offset by an increase in cash flow for the variable prime rate loans.

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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market rates/prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. The Company’s primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. The ongoing monitoring and management of this risk is an important component of the Company’s asset/liability management process, which is governed by policies established by the Board of Directors that are reviewed and approved annually. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for carrying out the asset/liability management policies to its Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”). In this capacity, ALCO develops guidelines and strategies impacting the Company’s asset/liability management activities based upon estimated market risk sensitivity, policy limits and overall market interest rate levels/trends.

Interest rate risk represents the sensitivity of earnings to changes in market interest rates. As interest rates change, the interest income and expense streams associated with the Company’s financial instruments also change, thereby impacting net interest income (“NII”), the primary component of the Company’s earnings. ALCO utilizes the results of a detailed and dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of NII to sustained interest rate changes. While ALCO routinely monitors simulated NII sensitivity over a rolling two-year horizon, it also utilizes additional tools to monitor potential longer-term interest rate risk.

The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income earned and interest expense incurred on all interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities reflected in the Company’s statement of financial condition. This sensitivity analysis is compared to ALCO policy limits which specify a maximum tolerance level for NII exposure over a one-year horizon, assuming no asset growth, given a 200 basis point (bp) upward and a 200 bp downward shift in interest rates. A parallel and pro rata shift in rates over a 12-month period is assumed. The following reflects the Company’s NII sensitivity analysis as measured during the first quarter of 2006.

	Estimated
Rate Change	Change in NII
+200bp		1.30	%
-200bp		(3.22	)%

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

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When appropriate, the Company may utilize derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate floors, caps and swaps to hedge its interest rate risk position. The Board of Directors’ approved hedging policy statements govern the use of these instruments. As of March 31, 2006, the Company had a notional principal of $10 million in interest rate swap agreements. ALCO monitors derivative activities relative to its expectation and the Company’s hedging policy. These instruments are more fully described in Note 4-Derivative Financial Instruments within the “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” section.

The Company acquired interest rate swap agreements to convert a portion of the loan portfolio from a variable rate based upon the prime rate to a fixed rate. The $10 million of interest rate swap agreements mature in 2006. In a purchased interest rate swap agreement, cash interest payments are exchanged between the Company and counterparty. The estimated effects of these derivative financial instruments on the Company’s earnings are included in the sensitivity analysis presented above. The risks associated with entering into this transaction are the risk of default from the counterparty from whom the Company has entered into agreement and poor correlation between the rate being swapped and the liability cost of the Company. The Company’s risk from default of the counterparty is limited to the expected cash flow anticipated from the counterparty, not the notional value.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management, including the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Principal Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Treasurer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Company files and submits under the Exchange Act is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and (ii) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

None

Item 1ARISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors included in the Company’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 that could affect our business results of operations or financial condition.

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Item 2UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the three months ended March 31, 2006, the Company repurchased no shares of common stock.

On June 17, 2004, the Board of Directors approved a fourth stock repurchase program authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 169,995 shares of the Company’s common stock. At March 31, 2006, the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the program is 147,858. The authority may be exercised from time to time and in such amounts as market conditions warrant. Shares are being repurchased for other corporate purposes. The program does not have an expiration date.

Item 3DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None

Item 4SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Company held its Annual Meeting on May 4, 2006. The proposals submitted to the shareholders and the tabulation of votes were as follows:

1. Election of four candidates to the board of directors.

The number of votes cast with respect to this matter is as follows:

Nominee	For	Withheld	Broker Non-votes
Joseph H. Cyr	2,927,204	336	—
John R. Graham, III	2,927,174	360	—
William P. Lucy	2,921,937	5,597	—
Michael T. Shea	2,926,702	832	—

The other directors whose terms are continuing after the Annual Meeting are William C. Bullock, Jr., Edwin N. Clift, Perry B. Hansen, Frederick A. Oldenburg, Jr., M.D. and Dennis L. Shubert, M.D., Ph.D.

2. Ratification of the appointment of Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker as independent registered public accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006.

The number of votes cast with respect to this matter is as follows:

For	Against	Abstain	Broker Non-votes
2,899,838	36,752	1,120	—

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Item 5OTHER INFORMATION

None

Item 6EXHIBITS

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

(1)    Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-56197, as amended.

(2)    Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

(3)    Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005.

(4)    Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2003.

(5)    Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2005

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SIGNATURES

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

	MERRILL MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC.
Date:  May 12, 2006	By:	/s/ Edwin N. Clift
		Name:   Edwin N. Clift Title:     Chairman and Chief Executive Officer               (Principal Executive Officer)

Date:  May 12, 2006	By:	/s/ Deborah A. Jordan
		Name:   Deborah A. Jordan Title:     Executive Vice President and Treasurer               (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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