UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 10-K (Mark One) ( X ) ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (FEE REQUIRED) For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 OR ( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED) For the transition period from _________ to _________ Commission File Number 0-12958 UNION BANKSHARES COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) MAINE 01-0395131 (State or other jurisdiction (IRS Employer Identification No.) of incorporation of organization) 66 Main Street, Ellsworth, Maine 04605 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (207) 667-2504 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered None None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: Common Stock $12.50 Par Value Indicate by checkmark 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 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 XXX NO _______ Indicate by checkmark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K ( 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this form 10-K [ ] The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of February 6, 1998, was approximately $54,272,125. 482,767 shares of the Company's Common Stock, $12.50 par value, were issued and outstanding on February 17, 1998. UNION BANKSHARES COMPANY INDEX TO FORM 10-K PART I Page No. Item 1: Business 3-15 Item 2: Properties 15-16 Item 3: Legal Proceedings 16 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 16 PART II Item 5: Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 17 Item 6: Selected Financial Data 18 Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 19 Item 7A: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 19-20 Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 20 Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 20 PART III Item 10: Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 20 Item 11: Executive Compensation 20 Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 20 Item 13: Certain Relationship and Related Transactions 20 PART IV Item 14: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 21-22 Signatures 23 PART I ITEM I: Business Union Bankshares Company is a one-bank holding company incorporated in July 1984, organized under the laws of the State of Maine, that has acquired 99.928% of the common stock of Union Trust Company. The Company's only subsidiary is the Bank. Union Bankshares' holding company structure can be used to engage in permitted banking related activities, either directly, through newly formed subsidiaries, or by acquiring companies already established in those activities. The Company has no immediate plans to engage in such activities, but could do so if such action should appear desirable. Union Trust is a full-service, independent, community bank that is locally owned and operated. Through its eleven offices, Union Trust serves the financial needs of individuals, businesses, municipalities and organizations in Hancock and Washington Counties. Union Trust offers a full range of consumer, commercial, trust and investment services. Now in its 110th year, Union Trust is committed to providing outstanding personalized service and maintaining and expanding its position as one of Maine's preeminent community banks. Union Trust Company supports the people and communities it serves by contributing to programs that address human needs within the community. It also supports the volunteerism of the Bank's employees, directors and retirees. Reinvesting local money locally builds strong communities. Through these programs, Union Trust is able to give back to the community it serves. On a continual basis, the Bank introduces new services and makes improvements to current offerings that will add value to customer relationships. Some of the service additions and improvements made during 1997 include: Implemented new procedures to handle Federal government electronic payment requirements, both making and receiving payments. Opened a new branch in Bar Harbor with Saturday hours during the summer. Introduced BankLine PC, 24-hour computer banking. Conducted four seminars and two adult education classes and held eight Business Round Table luncheons for area professionals to discuss business issues. Union Trust's deposit services include: regular and basic checking accounts, small business checking, NOW accounts, money market accounts, Unlimited Club membership, savings accounts, Christmas Club, certificates of deposit, IRAs and Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Plans. The Bank also provides the following loan products: personal loans, commercial loans, municipal loans, real estate loans, home equity loans, VISA and MasterCard credit cards, student loans, reserve checking and overdraft protection, and lines of credit. The following cash management services are also available at Union Trust: coin and currency exchange, merchant card services, cash concentration, direct debit, electronic Federal tax payment services (EFTPS), direct deposit payroll services, ACH and wire transfers. Union Trust also provides many convenient banking services: ATM and Convenience Check Cards, BankLine telephone banking and BankLine PC computer banking, night deposit and safe deposit boxes. Trust and Investment Services provides three distinct services: (1) custody and investment management, (2) retirement accounts and planning and (3) trust services, including estate planning. Investment services include investment management and advisory services, MutualPARTNERS (an asset allocation account using mutual funds), custodial services and safekeeping. The following retirement savings vehicles are available: IRAs, Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plans, SIMPLE IRAs, profit sharing and 401(k) plans, and money purchase pension plans. Trust services include trust administration, personal representative and fiduciary services and estate planning. Union Trust's services are offered through our eleven convenient locations and Customer Service Call Center. Customers can also access their accounts 24 hours a day through our network of eleven ATMs, BankLine telephone banking and BankLine PC computer banking. The Bank competes actively with other commercial banks and other financial institutions in its service areas. In the Bank's immediate market area, there are two other independent community banks, one savings and loan association, three savings bank branch offices and three commercial banks owned outside of the state of Maine. Strong competition exists among commercial banks in efforts to obtain new deposits, in the scope and type of services offered, in interest rates on time deposits and interest rates charged on loans, and in other aspects of banking. In Maine, savings banks are major competitors of commercial banks as a result of broadened powers granted to savings banks. In addition, the Bank like other commercial banks, encounters substantial competition from other financial institutions engaged in the business of either making loans or accepting deposit accounts, such as savings and loan associations, insurance companies, certain mutual funds, and certain governmental agencies. Furthermore, the large banks located in Boston, New York and Providence are active in servicing some of the large Maine based companies. The Bank has not made any material changes in its manner of conducting business during the past five years. As of December 31, 1997, the Bank employed 129 employees of which 16 employees were part time. The President, Senior Vice President, Vice President-Treasurer, Vice President-Deposit Services and Vice President- Trust are employed by the Bank as well as serve as officers of the Company. They are not compensated by the Company for their service and there are no employees of the Company. The primary regulator of the Company and the Bank is the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the Bureau of Banking of the State of Maine. Please refer to Footnote #15 on page 37 of the 1997 Annual Report of Union Bankshares Company, regarding compliance with capital requirements. Any loans classified for regulatory purposes as loss, doubtful, substandard, or special mention that were not disclosed under Item III of Industry Guide 3 do not (1) represent or result from trends or uncertainties which management reasonable expects will materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital resources or (2) represent material credits about which management is aware of any information which causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the loan repayment terms. The Company and Bank are not aware of any current recommendations by the regulatory authorities which if they were to be implemented would have or would be reasonably likely to have a material effect on the Company's liquidity, capital resources or operations. Loans, other than credit card loans, are placed on non accrual status when, in the opinion of management, there are doubts as to the collectibility of interest or principal, or when principal or interest is past due 90 days or more, and the loan is not well secured and in the process of collection. Interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed and charged against interest income at the time the related loan is placed on non-accrual status. Principal and accrued interest on credit card loans are charged to the allowance for credit losses when 180 days past due. Payments received on non-accrual loans are recorded as reductions of principal if principal payment is doubtful. Loans are considered to be restructured when the yield on the restructured assets is reduced below the current market rates by an agreement with the borrower. Generally this occurs when the cash flow of the borrower is insufficient to service the loan under its original terms. In the Bank's market area, the banking business is somewhat seasonal due to an influx of tourists and seasonal residents returning to the area each spring and summer. As a result, the Bank has an annual deposit swing, from a high point in mid October to a low point in June. The deposit swing is predictable and does not have a material adverse effect on the Bank and its operations. In July 1997, the Company declared a stock split effected in the form of a 20 percent stock dividend and a two for one stock split. Common share amounts, per share earnings and dividends and common stock and retained earnings for all years presented in this report have been adjusted to reflect these transactions. STATISTICAL PRESENTATION The Supplemental Financial Data presented on the following pages contains information to facilitate analysis and comparison of sources of income and exposure to risk. A. AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME The following table sets forth the information related to changes in net interest income. For purposes of the table and the following discussion, information is presented regarding (1) the total dollar amount of interest income of the Company from interest earning assets and the resulting average yields; (2) the total dollar amount of interest expense on interest bearing liabilities and the resulting average cost; (3) net interest income; (4) interest rate spread; and (5) net interest margin. Information is based on average daily balance during the indicated periods. For the purposes of the table and the following discussion, (1) income from interest earning assets and net interest income are presented on a tax equivalent basis and (2) non accrual loans have been included in the appropriate average balance loan category, but unpaid interest on non accrual loans has not been included for purposes of determining interest income. AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST INCOME (In Thousands) (On a Tax Equivalent Basis) 1997 1996 1995 Average Int Yield/ Average Int Yield/ Average Int Yield/ Balance Earned/ Rate Balance Earned/ Rate Balance Earned/ Rate Paid Paid Paid Assets Interest Earning Assets: Securities Available for Sale $ 72,741 $ 5,182 7.12 $ 80,333 $ 5,256 6.54 $ 65,896 $ 4,231 6.42 Securities Held to Maturity 22,689 1,437 6.33 3,772 369 9.78 5,926 635 10.70 Federal Funds Sold 598 41 6.86 1,411 76 5.39 7,409 424 5.72 Loans (Net) 100,208 9,660 9.64 94,139 9,192 9.76 88,588 8,781 9.91 Total Interest Earning Assets 196,236 $16,320 8.32 179,655 $14,893 8.28 167,819 $14,071 8.38 Other Non Earning Assets 18,878 14,926 14,685 $215,114 $194,581 $182,504 Liabilities Interest Bearing Liabilities: Savings Deposits $ 65,432 $ 1,119 1.71 $ 65,770 $ 1,172 1.78 $ 65,690 $ 1,302 1.98 Time Deposits 73,419 4,298 5.85 67,294 3,752 5.57 59,544 3,187 5.35 Money Market Accounts 12,271 482 3.93 14,107 478 3.39 15,142 552 3.65 Borrowings 14,007 835 5.96 4,012 229 5.71 96 11 11.40 Total Interest Bearing Liabilities 165,129 $ 6,734 4.08 151,183 $ 5,631 3.67 140,472 $ 5,052 3.59 Other Non Interest Bearing Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity 49,985 43,398 42,032 $215,114 $194,581 $182,504 Net Interest Income 9,586 9,262 9,019 Net Interest Rate Spread 4.24 4.61 4.79 Net Interest Margin 4.88 5.16 5.37 The following table presents certain information regarding changes in interest income and interest expense of the Company for the periods indicated. For each category of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, information is provided with respect to changes attributable to (1) changes in rate (change in rate multiplied by old volume), (2) changes in volume (change in volume multiplied by old rate), and (3) changes in rate/volume (change in rate multiplied by change in volume). ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 (In Thousands) Year Ended December 31, 1997 vs. 1996 Increase (Decrease) Due to Change In Volume Rate Rate/Volume* Total Interest Earning Assets: Assets Available for Sale (499) 463 (38) (74) Securities Held to Maturity 1,223 (27) (136) 1,060 Federal Funds Sold (44) 21 (12) (35) Loans, Net 588 (118) (2) 468 Total Interest Earning Assets 1,268 339 (188) 1,419 Interest Bearing Liabilities: Savings Deposits (7) (47) 1 (53) Time Deposits 337 185 24 546 Money Market Accounts (62) 76 (10) 4 Borrowed Funds 571 10 25 606 Total Interest Bearing Liabilities 839 224 40 1,103 Change in Net Interest Income 429 115 (148) 316 Year Ended December 31, 1996 vs. 1995 Increase (Decrease) Due to Change In Volume Rate Rate/Volume* Total Interest Earning Assets: Assets Available for Sale 926 78 21 1,025 Securities Held to Maturity (152) (36) 13 (175) Federal Funds Sold (343) (25) 20 (348) Loans, Net 548 135 (272) 411 Total Interest Earning Assets 979 152 (218) 913 Interest Bearing Liabilities: Savings Deposits 0 (133) 3 (130) Time Deposit 416 327 (178) 565 Money Market Accounts (37) (39) 2 (74) Borrowed Funds 446 (6) (222) 218 Total Interest Bearing Liabilities 825 149 (395) 579 Change in Net Interest Income 154 3 177 334 *Represents the change not solely attributable to change in rate or change in volume but a combination of these two factors. B. INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO HELD TO MATURITY SECURITIES The following table shows the book value of the Company's held to maturity securities at the end of each of the last three years. (In Thousands) December 31 1997 1996 1995 U.S. Treasury Securities & Other Government Agencies $25,814 $ 995 $ 0 Obligations of States & Political Subdivisions 6,985 3,792 4,120 TOTAL $32,799 $4,787 $4,120 The table below shows the relative maturities of investment and held to maturity securities as of December 31, 1997. Held to Maturity Securities Maturity Distribution as of December 31, 1997 Security Category Due 1 Yr Due 1- Due 5- Due After or less 5 Yrs 10 yrs 10 Yrs State and Municipal Bonds $ 297 $3,066 $1,865 $ 1,757 Average Weighted Yield 8.07% 9.22% 7.74% 7.69% U.S. Government Agencies $ 0 $ 0 $1,384 $24,430 Average Weighted Yield 0% 0% 7.00% 7.26% TOTAL $ 297 $3,066 $3,249 $26,187 Percent of Total Portfolio .9% 9.4% 9.9% 79.8% NOTE: Average Weighted Yields on tax exempt obligations have been computed on a tax equivalent basis AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES The following table shows the carrying value of the Company's Available for Sale Securities and other investment securities at the end of each of the last three years. (In Thousands) December 31 1997 1996 1995 US Treasury Notes and Other Government Agencies $60,105 $73,322 $71,799 Other Corporate Securities 541 1,513 0 Other Securities 2,619 1,946 659 TOTAL $63,265 $76,781 $72,458 The table below shows the relative maturities and carrying value of available for sale debt securities as of December 31, 1997. Securities Available for Sale Maturity Distribution as of December 31, 1997 Security Category Due 1 Yr Due 1- Due 5- Due After or less 5 Yrs 10 Yrs 10 yrs US Treasury Notes and Other Government Agencies $ 502 $10,246 $48,806 $ 551 Average Weighted Yield 5.88% 6.29% 6.67% 7.06% TOTAL $ 502 $10,246 $48,806 $ 551 Percent of Total Portfolio: .8% 17.0% 81.3% .9% C. LOANS The following table reflects the composition of the Company's consolidated loan portfolio at the end of each of the last five years. 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 (In Thousands) Real Estate Loans A. Construction & Land Development $ 5,925 $ 4,073 $ 2,023 $ 2,168 $ 1,568 B. Secured by 1-4 Family Residential Properties 33,528 30,457 27,402 25,528 26,129 C. Secured by Multi Family (5 or more) Residential Properties 0 0 2 4 7 D. Secured by Non-Farm, Non-Residential Properties 28,386 30,134 28,273 26,500 24,553 Commercial & Industrial Loans 18,566 16,582 13,778 12,975 12,834 Loans to Individuals for Household, Family & Other Consumer Expenditures 15,806 15,133 14,335 12,844 12,463 All Other Loans 4,852 4,664 7,430 4,189 3,439 Total Gross Loans $107,063 $101,043 $93,243 $84,208 $80,993 The above data is gathered from loan classifications established by the Federal Reserve Call Report 033. The percentages of loans by lending classification to total loans outstanding at December 31 was as follows: 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Real Estate 63.4% 64.0% 61.9% 64.4% 64.5% Commercial & Industrial - Including single payment loans to individuals 17.3% 16.4% 14.8% 15.4% 15.9% Consumer Loans 14.8% 15.0% 15.4% 15.3% 15.4% All Other Loans 4.5% 4.6% 7.9% 4.9% 4.2% Total Loans 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Maturities and Sensitivities of Loans To Changes in Interest Rates As of December 31, 1997 Due 1 Year or Less Due 1-5 Years Due 5 Years + Real Estate $8,809 $6,828 $52,201 Commercial & Industrial 3,089 1,895 13,582 Consumer 1,616 5,829 8,361 Municipal 2,331 1,507 1,014 Total $15,845 $16,059 $75,158 Note:Real estate loans in the 1-5 category have $2,662,712 at a fixed interest rate and $4,165,288 at a variable interest rate. Commercial loans in the 1-5 year category have $67,688 at a fixed interest rate and $1,827,312 at a variable interest rate. Real estate loans in the 5+ category have $13,607,403 at a fixed interest rate and $38,593,597 at a variable interest rate. Commercial loans in the 5+ category have $1,448,041 at a fixed interest rate and $12,133,959 at a variable rate. Delinquent Loans The following schedule is a summary of loans with principal and/or interest payments over 30 days past due: December 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Amt % Amt % Amt % Amt % Amt % Real Estate $3,003 2.8 $2,649 2.6 $ 867 0.9 $ 479 0.6 $1,659 2.0 Installment $ 128 .1 $ 197 0.2 $ 95 0.1 $ 95 0.1 $ 96 0.1 All Others $ 151 .1 $ 220 0.2 $ 35 0.0 $ 189 0.2 $ 102 0.2 TOTAL $3,282 3.0 $3,066 3.0 $ 997 1.0 $ 763 0.9 $1,857 2.3 It is the policy of the Company to discontinue the accrual of interest on loans when, in the opinion of the management, the ultimate collectibility of principal or interest becomes doubtful. The principal amount of loans which have been placed on non-accrual status were comprised primarily of certain installment loans. For each of these loans, management has evaluated the collectibility of the principal based on its best estimate of the realizable collateral value of the loans and does not anticipate that any losses from liquidation of these loans will have a material effect on future operations. There were approximately $503,000, $491,000 and $614,000 as of December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively, of loans on a non-accrual status. LOAN CONCENTRATIONS As of December 31, 1997 and 1996, the Company did not have any concentration of loans in one particular industry that exceeded 10% of its total loan portfolio. The Bank grants residential, commercial and consumer loans to customers principally located in Hancock and Washington Counties of the State of Maine. Although the loan portfolio is diversified, a substantial portion of its debtor's ability to honor their contracts is dependent upon the economic conditions in the area, especially in the real estate sector. There are currently no borrowers whose total indebtedness to the Bank exceeds 10% of the Bank's shareholders' equity at December 31, 1997. ANALYSIS OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES Analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the past five years were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Balance at beginning of period: $ 2,084 $ 1,878 $ 1,929 $ 1,802 $ 2,325 Charge-offs: Commercial & Industrial Loans 5 15 44 30 62 Real Estate Loans 123 0 48 256 837 Loans to Individuals 97 73 104 34 87 225 88 196 320 986 Recoveries: Commercial & Industrial Loans 118 138 43 5 84 Real Estate Loans 67 12 1 390 47 Loans to Individuals 49 24 71 52 302 234 174 115 447 433 Net Charge-offs (recoveries) (9) (86) 81 (127) 553 Provision for loan losses 120 120 30 0 30 Balance at end of period $ 2,213 $ 2,084 $ 1,878 $ 1,929 $ 1,802 Average Loans Outstanding $102,321 $ 97,143 $ 88,725 $ 82,600 $ 83,104 Ratio of Net Charge-offs (Recoveries) to average loans outstanding (.009%) (.09%) .09% (.15%) .67% ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES December 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Amt % of Amt % of Amt % of Amt % of Amt % of Loan Loan Loan Loan Loan Categories Categories Categories Categories Categories To Total To Total To Total To Total To Total Loans Loans Loans Loans Loans Balance At End of Period: Applicable To: Real Estate $ 413 63.4% $ 418 64.0% $ 647 61.9% $ 665 64.4% $ 621 64.5% Commercial & Industrial 1,473 17.0% 1,312 16.4% 1,024 14.8% 1,051 15.4% 983 15.9% Consumer 211 14.7% 194 15.0% 207 15.4% 213 15.3% 198 15.4% Municipal 49 4.5% 60 4.5% 0 7.9% 0 4.9% 0 4.2% Identified 67 .4% 100 .1% 0 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL $2,213 100.0% $2,084 100.0% $1,878 100.0% $1,929 100.0% $1,802 100.0% The allowance for loan losses is a general allowance established by management to absorb possible loan losses as they may exist in the loan portfolio. This allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expenses and by recoveries on loans previously charged-off. Management determines the adequacy of the allowance from continuous reviews of the quality of new and existing loans, from the results of independent reviews of the loan portfolio by regulatory agency examiners, evaluation of past and anticipated loan loss experience, the character and size of the loan portfolio and anticipated economic conditions. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had impaired loans totaling $21,728, which consisted of a real estate loan. The fair value of the loan's collateral was used to evaluate the adequacy of the Allowance for Loans Losses allocated to this loan. A loan is considered impaired by management when it is probable that the creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan, including principal and interest. Loans on a non-accrual status that are deemed collectable are not classified as impaired. Based upon management's periodic review of loans on non- accrual status, impairment is based on a loan by loan analysis and not set by a defined period of delinquency before a loan is considered impaired. Risk Elements 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 Loans accounted for on a non accrual basis $503 $491 $614 $151 $486 Accruing loans contractually past due 90 days or more $209 $196 $388 $ 86 $237 In accordance with Industry Guide 3 Item III. C (2), the gross interest income that would have been recorded in 1997 if non accrual and restructured loans had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period or since origination approximates $39,000. There was approximately $1,900 included in the gross interest income on non-accrual and restructured loans for 1997. D. DEPOSITS The following schedule summarizes the time remaining to maturity of Certificates of Deposit $100,000 or greater at December 31, 1997. Amount (In Thousands) 3 Months or Less $5,819 Over 3 Through 6 $4,195 Over 6 Through 12 Months $ 535 Over One Year $ 209 E. CAPITAL RATIOS The following table presents, for the last three years, the Company's average capital expressed as a percentage of average deposits, loans, total assets, and earning assets. *1997 *1996 *1995 Deposits 14.9% 14.4% 13.7% Loans 24.6% 24.6% 25.1% Total Assets 12.0% 12.1% 11.9% Earning Assets 13.0% 13.3% 12.9% *Excluding net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities of $437,749, ($171,460), and $567,810 at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. F. RETURN ON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY The following table presents, for each of the last three years, the Company's return on shareholders' equity, return on assets, and return on average earning assets. 1997 1996 1995 Return on Average Shareholders' Equity 10.9% 10.6% 11.4% Return on Average Assets 1.3% 1.2% 1.3% Return on Average Earning Assets 1.4% 1.4% 1.4% G. LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT Liquidity management is the process by which the Bank structures its cash flow to meet the requirements of its customers as well as day to day operating expenses. Liquidity comes from both assets and liabilities. The asset side of the balance sheet provides liquidity through the regular maturities on our securities and loan portfolios, as well as interest received on these assets. In addition, U.S. government securities may be readily converted to cash by sale on the open market. On the liability side, liquidity comes from deposit growth and the Bank's access to other sources of borrowed funds. In this respect, liquidity is enhanced by a significant amount of core demand and savings deposits from a broad customer base. As a part of the Bank's asset and liability management and liquidity needs, management actively evaluates its funding resources and strategies to manage and reduce its vulnerability to changes in interest rates. A principal objective of the Company is to manage and reduce its vulnerability to changes in interest rates by managing the ratio of interest rate sensitive assets to interest rate sensitive liabilities within specified maturities or repricing dates. As of December 31, 1997, the Bank's ratio of rate sensitive assets to rate sensitive liabilities at the one year horizon was 106%, its one year GAP (measurement of interest sensitivity of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities at a given point in time) was 3%, and $102,233,000 in assets and $98,338,000 in liabilities will be repriceable in one year. The Bank becomes asset sensitive between 25 and 36 months. Bank earnings may be negatively affected, should interest rates fall. In addition to the "traditional" GAP calculation, the Company analyzes future net interest income based on budget projections including anticipated business activity, anticipated changes in interest rates and other variables, which are adjusted periodically by management to take into account current economic conditions, the current interest rate environment, and other factors. The following table presents, as of December 31, 1997, the Company's interest rate GAP analysis: Interest Rate GAP Analysis As of December 31, 1997 (000's omitted) 0-3 4-12 1-5 Over Months Months Years Years Total Interest earning assets Loans: Real estate Fixed rate $ 567 $ 1,982 $ 7,753 $ 6,110 $ 16,412 Variable rate 19,991 24,177 7,259 0 51,427 Commercial 10,614 4,465 3,487 0 18,566 Municipal 437 1,795 1,516 1,104 4,852 Consumer 11,692 751 3,363 0 15,806 Securities available for sale 9,855 5,500 44,628 0 59,983 Held to maturity securities 1,247 3,771 15,904 11,878 32,800 Loans held for sale 3,138 0 0 0 3,138 Other earning assets 2,251 0 2,619 0 4,870 TOTAL $59,792 $42,441 $86,529 $19,092 $207,854 Interest bearing liabilities Deposits: Savings $ 3,117 $ 9,918 $15,902 $20,613 $49,550 NOW 0 0 36,186 0 36,186 Money market 2,280 6,840 5,888 0 15,008 Time 31,126 34,354 11,162 0 76,642 Borrowings 10,694 9 4,065 196 14,964 TOTAL $47,217 $51,121 $73,203 $20,809 $192,350 Rate sensitivity GAP $12,575 $(8,680) $13,32 6 $(1,717) Rate sensitivity GAP as a percentage of total assets 5.65% (3.90%) 5.99% .77% Cumulative GAP $12,575 $ 3,895 $17,221 $15,504 Cumulative GAP as a percentage of total assets 5.65% 1.75% 7.74% 6.97% The distribution in the Interest Rate GAP Analysis is based on a combination of maturities, call provisions, repricing frequencies, prepayment patterns, historical data and management judgment. Variable rate assets and liabilities are distributed based on the repricing frequency of the investment. Management has estimated the rate sensitivity of money market and savings deposits based on a historical analysis of the Bank and industry data. The status of the Bank's sources of cash to fund its operations are as follows: As of December 31, 1997 1996 Net cash provided from operations $ 3,106,220 $ 840,840 Net cash used by investing activities (19,134,989) (13,645,724) Net cash provided from financing activities 16,327,780 8,740,804 Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents $ 299,011 $ (4,064,080) BANK'S PROPERTIES ITEM 2: PROPERTIES The Bank's principal office is located at 66 Main Street in Ellsworth, Maine. The main office building consists of three floors, all of which are utilized by the Bank for banking facilities and administrative offices. The principal office includes a separate drive-up facility and parking lot. In August 1981, plans were finalized for the construction of an 8,000 square foot addition to our existing building. Completed in November of 1982, it provided new and enlarged customer service/teller area with street level access. During 1982 and 1983, the existing building also received extensive renovation and remodeling, tying it in to the new addition. The project was completed in July of 1983. In April 1985, the Bank opened the first automated drive-up in Downeast Maine. The automated teller machine is adjacent to its drive-up facility located at 66 Main Street, in Ellsworth, Maine. In 1988, the Main Office began construction of an addition to its existing building that would house loan operations. In September 1989, construction was completed on the addition. In May 1992, the Bank opened a trust office in Bangor (Penobscot County) to serve trust customers in that city and surrounding areas. In May 1995, the Bank elected not to renew its lease for its Bangor office. In addition, the Bank owns the following properties: (a) The Bank's Cherryfield office located on Church Street in Cherryfield, Maine. A major renovation was undertaken at Cherryfield in 1983, approximately doubling its size. These alterations were completed in January of 1984. (b) The Bank's Jonesport office located on Main Street in Jonesport, Maine. (c) The Bank's Blue Hill office located on Main Street in Blue Hill, Maine. During 1989, the branch was renovated to include an office for the Assistant Manager. (d) The Bank's Stonington office located on Atlantic Avenue in Stonington, Maine. The Stonington office was renovated and expanded in 1980. (e) The Bank's Milbridge office located on Main Street in Milbridge, Maine. In 1987, management decided to replace the Milbridge Branch with a larger up to date facility, located at the same site. The new branch is now completed and has been open for business since April 1988. (f) The Bank purchased in 1989 a parcel of land located on Route 3 in Ellsworth with the possible intention of constructing a new branch. This property is currently unoccupied and is available for sale. All of the Bank's offices include drive-up facilities. In addition to the above properties, which are owned by the Bank, the Bank leases the following properties: (a) The Bank leases its branch office at the Ellsworth Shopping Center, High Street, Ellsworth, Maine, from Ellsworth Shopping Center, Inc., a Maine Corporation with principal offices in Ellsworth, Maine. The current lease will expire in March of 1998. (b) The Bank leases its Machias office which is located on Dublin Street in Machias, Maine. The premises are owned by Hannaford Bros., Inc. of South Portland, Maine, and are leased to Gay's Super Markets, Inc., under a lease dated July 26, 1975. The Bank subleased the premises from Gay's Super Markets, Inc., under a sublease which expires in April of 2001. The Bank has the right to extend the sublease for three additional five year terms. (c) The Bank leases its Somesville branch office which is located on Route 102 in Somesville, Maine. The land and premises are owned by A. C. Fernald Sons, Inc., Mount Desert, Maine. The current lease expires on March 24, 2005, with an option to renew for an additional 20 years. (d) The Bank leases its Castine branch office located on Main Street from Michael Tonry, Castine, Maine. The current lease expires on February 1, 1999 with the right to extend the lease for an additional 4 year term. (e) The Bank leases its Bar Harbor branch office located on Cottage Street from the Swan Agency, a Maine Corporation with a principal office in Bar Harbor, Maine. The current lease will expire in April of 2002. All premises are considered to be in good condition and currently adequate for the purposes for which they are utilized. ITEM 3: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS There are no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business. ITEM 4: SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS Not applicable. PART II ITEM 5: MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS A. MARKET INFORMATION Union Bankshares stock, $12.50 par value, is not listed on any national exchange, nor is it actively traded. Since the Company is not aware of all trades, the market price is established by determining what a willing buyer will pay a willing seller. Based upon the trades that the Company had knowledge of (per quotes from local brokerages), high and low bids for each quarter for 1997 and 1996 are listed in the following table. Prices have been adjusted to reflect a two for one stock split distributed in August 1997. 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 1997 93.00 to 104.00 93.00 to 97.00 88.00 to 100.00 100.00 to 110.00 1996 75.00 to 80.00 80.00 to 93.00 88.00 to 93.00 88.00 to 104.00 B. HOLDER As of March 1, 1998 there were approximately 679 stockholders of record. C. DIVIDENDS 1. History The following table shows the cash dividends per share (adjusted for the stock split) declared by Union Bankshares Company on its common stock, $12.50 par value: 1997 1996 1st Quarter $ .41 $ .42 2nd Quarter $ .42 $ .42 3rd Quarter $ .50 $ .42 4th Quarter $ .50 $ .41 Cash dividends declared per common share $1.83 $1.67 Item 6: SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (in thousands, except for per share amounts) Years Ended December 31, 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS Operating Income $ 2,608 $ 2,207 $ 1,989 $ 2,080 $ 2,259 Operating Expense 8,016 7,723 7,459 7,420 7,034 Net Interest Income 9,452 9,137 8,803 8,490 7,667 Provision for Loan Losses 120 120 30 0 30 Net Income 2,700 2,452 2,418 2,354 2,065 PER COMMON SHARE DATA (1) Net Income $ 5.59 $ 5.07 $ 5.00 $ 4.86 $ 4.41 Cash Dividends Declared 1.83 1.67 1.56 1.25 1.25 Book Value (3) 52.93 49.34 45.87 42.45 38.93 Market Value 110.00 104.00 75.00 71.00 68.00 FINANCIAL RATIOS Return on Average Equity (3) 10.9% 10.6% 11.4% 11.9% 11.8% Return on Average Assets 1.3% 1.2% 1.3% 1.3% 1.2% Return on Average Earning Assets 1.4% 1.4% 1.4% 1.4% 1.3% Net Interest Margin 4.88% 5.16% 5.37% 5.46% 4.79% Dividend Payout Ratio (1) 32.8% 32.9% 31.3% 25.8% 28.4% Allowance for Loan Losses/Total Loans .02% .02% .02% .02% .02% Non Performing Loans to Total Loans .007% .007% .007% .003% .009% Non Performing Assets to Total Assets .005% .008% .010% .006% .009% Efficiency Ratio 66.5% 67.2% 67.2% 69.1% 71.2% Loan to Deposit Ratio 60.4% 60.7% 56.7% 52.5% 50.2% BALANCE SHEET Deposits $177,386 $166,445 $164,481 $160,249 $161,236 Loans 107,062 101,044 93,242 84,208 80,993 Securities (2) 96,065 81,568 76,578 83,391 73,821 Shareholder's Equity (3) 25,565 23,885 22,227 20,570 18,875 Total Assets 222,560 202,066 191,353 181,597 182,129 (1) Restated for effect of a 20% stock dividend effected in the form of a stock split and a two for one stock split declared in 1997. (2) Carrying value. Includes available for sale securities with cost of $59,983, $75,095 and $70,938 at December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Includes securities held for sale with cost of $65,816 at December 31, 1993. (3) Excluding net unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities of $437,749, ($171,460), $567,810 and ($1,389,168) at December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The above summary should be read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993, and with Management's discussion and analysis of financial conditions. ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The information contained in the section captioned "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's 1997 annual Report is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7A: QUANTATIVE AND QUALATIVE 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 its Board of Directors that are reviewed and approved annually. The Board of Directors delegates responsibility for carrying out the asset/liability management policies to the Asset/Liability Committee (ALCO). In this capacity ALCO develops guidelines and strategies impacting the Company's asset/liability management related activities based upon estimated market risk sensitivity, policy limits and overall market interest rate levels/trends. INTEREST RATE RISK 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 received and interest expense paid on all assets and liabilities reflected on the Company's balance sheet. 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 balance sheet growth, given both a 200 point basis point (bp) upward and 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 of December 31, 1997. Estimated Rate Change NII Sensitivity +200 bp +2.0% - 200 bp -3.0% 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: the nature and timing of interest rate levels including yield curve shape, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, reinvestment/replacement of asset and liability cashflows, and others. 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. Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will also differ due to: prepayment/refinancing levels likely deviating from those assumed, the potential effect of changing debt service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans, depositor early withdrawals and product preference changes, and other internal/external variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that ALCO might take in responding to or anticipating changes in interest rates. ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA (A) The financial statements required are contained in the Company's 1997 Annual Report and are incorporated herein by reference. (See item 14 (a) ) ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Previously reported in 8K filing in 1995. PART III ITEM 10: DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The information called for by this Item (and Items 11, 12, and 13 below) is incorporated by reference from the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement dated March 27, 1998 for its regular annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 16, 1998, where it appears under the headings "VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS THEREOF AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS." ITEM 11: EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION See Item 10. ITEM 12: SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT See Item 10. ITEM 13: CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS See Item 10. PART IV ITEM 14: EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Financial Statements and Exhibits (1) The financial statements listed below are filed as part of this report; such financial statements (including report thereon and notes thereto) are included in the registrant's Annual Report to shareholders for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 (a copy of which is being filed as Exhibit 13 hereto), and are incorporated herein by reference. Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 1997 and 1996 21 Consolidated Statements of Income For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 22 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 23 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow For the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 24-25 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 27 Independent Auditors Opinion 43 (2) Financial statement schedules are omitted as they are not required or included in the Annual Report to shareholders. (3) Exhibits required by Item 601 - see Item 14(c) (b) Reports on Form 8-K During the registrant's fiscal quarter ended December 31, 1997, the registrant was not required to and did not file any reports on Form 8-K. (c) Exhibits * 3 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Union Bankshares Company * 10.1 Employee Benefit Plan for the employees of Union Trust Company Pension Plan for the employees of Union Trust Company 401 (k) Profit Sharing Plan for the employees of Union Trust Company Stock Purchase Plan for the employees of Union Trust Company 11 Computation of earnings per share, is incorporated herein by reference to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements on page 21 of the 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders' attached hereto as Exhibit 13. 12 Statement for computation of ratios is incorporated herein by reference to "Part II, Item 6 - Selected Financial Data." 13 The registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders' for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997. This exhibit, except for those portions thereof expressly incorporated by reference into the Form 10 K annual report, is furnished for the information of the Commission only and is not to be "filed" as part of the report. *21 Subsidiary information is incorporated herein by reference to "Part I, Item 1 - Business". 27 Financial Data Schedule 99.1 Report of Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker. 99.2 Report of Baker, Newman and Noyes *Incorporated herein by reference into this document from the Exhibits to Form S-1, Registration Statement, initially filed on June 15, 1984, Registration No. 2-90679. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) 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. UNION BANKSHARES COMPANY UNION BANKSHARES COMPANY By: ___________________________ By:____________________________ Peter A. Blyberg, President Sally J. Hutchins and Chief Executive Officer Vice President, Treasurer and Controller March 25, 1998 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated. Arthur J. Billings, Director Peter A. Blyberg, Director Robert S. Boit, Director Richard C. Carver, Director Peter A. Clapp, Director Sandra H. Collier, Director Robert B. Fernald, Director Douglas A. Gott, Director David E. Honey, Director Thomas R. Perkins, Director Casper G. Sargent, Director John V. Sawyer, II, Director Stephen C. Shea, Director Richard W. Teele, Director Paul L. Tracy, Director Richard W. Whitney, Director