First United Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Business

First United Corporation is a Maryland corporation chartered in 1985 and a financial holding company registered under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. First United Corporation’s primary business is serving as the parent company of First United Bank & Trust, a Maryland trust company (the “Bank”), First United Statutory Trust I (“Trust I”) and First United Statutory Trust II (“Trust II”), both Connecticut statutory business trusts, and First United Statutory Trust III, a Delaware statutory business trust (“Trust III” and together with Trust I and Trust II, the “Trusts”). The Trusts were formed for the purpose of selling trust preferred securities that qualified as Tier 1 capital. First United Corporation is also the parent company of First United Insurance Group, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company (the “Insurance Agency”) that, through the close of business on December 31, 2011, operated as a full service insurance agency. Effective on January 1, 2012, the Insurance Agency sold substantially all of its assets, net of cash, to a third-party and is no longer an active subsidiary. The Bank has three wholly-owned subsidiaries: OakFirst Loan Center, Inc., a West Virginia finance company; OakFirst Loan Center, LLC, a Maryland finance company (collectively, the “OakFirst Loan Centers”); and First OREO Trust, a Maryland statutory trust formed for the purposes of servicing and disposing of the real estate that the Bank acquires through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure. The Bank owns a majority interest in Cumberland Liquidation Trust, a Maryland statutory trust formed for the purposes of servicing and disposing of real estate that secured a loan made by another bank and in which the Bank held a participation interest. The Bank also owns 99.9% of the limited partnership interests in Liberty Mews Limited Partnership, a Maryland limited partnership formed for the purpose of acquiring, developing and operating low-income housing units in Garrett County, Maryland. The Bank provides a complete range of retail and commercial banking services to a customer base serviced by a network of 27 offices and 29 automated teller machines.

First United Corporation and its subsidiaries operate principally in four counties in Western Maryland and four counties in West Virginia.

As used in these Notes, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms “the Corporation”, “we”, “us”, “our” and words of similar import refer collectively to First United Corporation and its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Corporation have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) that require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of certain assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the assessment of other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) pertaining to investment securities, potential impairment of goodwill, and the valuation of deferred tax assets. For purposes of comparability, certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2012 presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income or equity.

The Corporation has evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the statement of financial condition date of December 31, 2012 for items that should potentially be recognized or disclosed in these financial statements as prescribed by ASC Topic 855, Subsequent Events.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Corporation include the accounts of the Bank, the Insurance Group, OakFirst Loan Center, Inc., OakFirst Loan Center, LLC, First OREO Trust and Cumberland Liquidation Trust. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

First United Corporation determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in accordance with GAAP. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provides the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make financial and operating decisions. The Corporation consolidates voting interest entities in which it has 100%, or at least a majority, of the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, a VIE is an entity that either (i) does not have equity investors with voting rights or (ii) has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. A controlling financial interest in an entity exists when an enterprise has a variable interest, or a combination of variable interests that will absorb a majority of an entity’s expected losses, receive a majority of an entity’s expected residual returns, or both. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE.

The Corporation accounts for its investment in a Low Income Housing Tax Credit Partnership, Liberty Mews Limited Partnership, utilizing the effective yield method under guidance that applies specifically to investments in limited partnerships that operate qualified affordable housing projects. Under the effective yield method, the investor recognizes tax credits as they are allocated and amortizes the initial cost of the investment to provide a constant effective yield over the period that tax credits are allocated to the investor. The effective yield is the internal rate of return on the investment, based on the cost of the investment and the guaranteed tax credits allocated to the investor. The tax credit allocated, net of the amortization of the investment in the limited partnership, is recognized in the income statement as a component of income taxes attributable to continuing operations.

Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk

Most of the Corporation’s relationships are with customers located in Western Maryland and Northeastern West Virginia. At December 31, 2012, approximately 15%, or $128 million, of total loans were secured by real estate acquisition, construction and development projects, with $104 million performing according to their contractual terms and $24 million considered to be impaired based on management’s concerns about the borrowers’ ability to comply with present repayment terms. Of the $24 million impaired loans, $7 million were troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) performing according to their modified terms, $6 million were performing impaired, and $11 million were non-performing at December 31, 2012. No single industry or borrower comprises greater than 10% of total loans as of December 31, 2012, and the Corporation does not have any significant concentrations in any one industry or customer. Note 6 discusses the types of securities in which the Corporation invests and Note 7 discusses the Corporation’s lending activities.

Investments

The investment portfolio is classified and accounted for based on the guidance of ASC Topic 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. Securities bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are classified as trading account securities and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in net gains/losses in other operating income. Securities purchased with the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity securities and are recorded at amortized cost. All other investment securities are classified as available-for-sale. These securities are held for an indefinite period of time and may be sold in response to changing market and interest rate conditions or for liquidity purposes as part of our overall asset/liability management strategy. Available-for-sale securities are reported at market value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of other comprehensive income included in consolidated statement of comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes.

The amortized cost of debt securities is adjusted for the amortization of premiums to the first call date, if applicable, or to maturity, and for the accretion of discounts to maturity, or, in the case of mortgage-backed securities, over the estimated life of the security. Such amortization and accretion is included in interest income from investments. Interest and dividends are included in interest income from investments. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded using the specific identification method.

Restricted Investment in Bank Stock

Restricted stock, which represents required investments in the common stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Atlanta, Atlantic Central Bankers Bank (“ACBB”) and Community Bankers Bank (“CBB”), is carried at cost and is considered a long-term investment.

Management evaluates the restricted stock for impairment in accordance with ASC Industry Topic 942, Financial Services – Depository and Lending, (ASC Section 942-325-35). Management’s evaluation of potential impairment is based on management’s assessment of the ultimate recoverability of the cost of the restricted stock rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability is influenced by criteria such as (i) the significance of the decline in net assets of the issuing bank as compared to the capital stock amount for that bank and the length of time this situation has persisted, (ii) commitments by the issuing bank to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of that bank, and (iii) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, on the customer base of the issuing bank. Management has evaluated the restricted stock for impairment and believes that no impairment charge is necessary as of December 31, 2012.

The Corporation recognizes dividends on a cash basis. For the year ended December 31, 2012, dividends of $167,000 were recognized in earnings. For the comparable period of 2011, dividends of $96,500 were recognized in earnings.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or full repayment by the borrower are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balance, adjusted for any deferred fees or costs pertaining to origination. Loans that management has the intent to sell are reported at the lower of cost or fair value determined on an individual basis.

The segments of the Bank’s loan portfolio are disaggregated to a level that allows management to monitor risk and performance. The commercial real estate (“CRE”) loan segment is further disaggregated into two classes. Non-owner occupied CRE loans, which include loans secured by non-owner occupied nonfarm nonresidential properties, generally have a greater risk profile than all other CRE loans, which include loans secured by farmland, multifamily structures and owner-occupied commercial structures. The acquisition and development (“A&D”) loan segment is further disaggregated into two classes. One-to-four family residential construction loans are generally made to individuals for the acquisition of and/or construction on a lot or lots on which a residential dwelling is to be built. All other A&D loans are generally made to developers or investors for the purpose of acquiring, developing and constructing residential or commercial structures. These loans have a higher risk profile because the ultimate buyer, once development is completed, is generally not known at the time of the A&D loan. The commercial and industrial (“C&I”) loan segment consists of loans made for the purpose of financing the activities of commercial customers. The residential mortgage loan segment is further disaggregated into two classes: amortizing term loans, which are primarily first liens, and home equity lines of credit, which are generally second liens. The consumer loan segment consists primarily of installment loans (direct and indirect) and overdraft lines of credit connected with customer deposit accounts.

Interest and Fees on Loans

Interest on loans (other than those on non-accrual status) is recognized based upon the principal amount outstanding. Loan fees in excess of the costs incurred to originate the loan are recognized as income over the life of the loan utilizing either the interest method or the straight-line method, depending on the type of loan. Generally, fees on loans with a specified maturity date, such as residential mortgages, are recognized using the interest method. Loan fees for lines of credit are recognized using the straight-line method.

A loan is considered to be past due when a payment has not been received for 30 days past its contractual due date. For all loan segments, the accrual of interest is discontinued when principal or interest is delinquent for 90 days or more unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. All non-accrual loans are considered to be impaired. Interest payments received on non-accrual loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. The Corporation’s policy for recognizing interest income on impaired loans does not differ from its overall policy for interest recognition.

Generally, consumer installment loans are not placed on non-accrual status, but are charged off after they are 120 days contractually past due. Loans other than consumer loans are charged-off based on an evaluation of the facts and circumstances of each individual loan.

Allowance for Loan Losses

An ALL is maintained to absorb losses from the loan portfolio. The ALL is based on management’s continuing evaluation of the risk characteristics and credit quality of the loan portfolio, assessment of current economic conditions, diversification and size of the portfolio, adequacy of collateral, past and anticipated loss experience, and the amount of non-performing loans.

The Bank’s methodology for determining the ALL is based on the requirements of ASC Section 310-10-35, Receivables-Overall-Subsequent Measurement, for loans individually evaluated for impairment and ASC Subtopic 450-20, Contingencies-Loss Contingencies, for loans collectively evaluated for impairment, as well as the Interagency Policy Statements on the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and other bank regulatory guidance. The total of the two components represents the Bank’s ALL.

The Corporation maintains an allowance for losses on unfunded commercial lending commitments and letters of credit to provide for the risk of loss inherent in these arrangements. The allowance is determined utilizing a methodology that is similar to that used to determine the ALL, modified to take into account the probability of a draw down on the commitment. This allowance is reported as a liability on the balance sheet within accrued interest payable and other liabilities. The balance in the liability account was $44,000 at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The provision for depreciation for financial reporting has been made by using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 18 to 32 years for buildings and three to 20 years for furniture and equipment. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired in business combinations. In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, goodwill is not amortized but is subject to an annual impairment test.

Other intangible assets with finite lives consisted of insurance agency books of business, which represent the present value of future net income to be earned from acquired books of business. Effective January 1, 2012, the Corporation sold the assets and related book of business intangibles of the Insurance Agency.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance (“BOLI”)

BOLI policies are recorded at their cash surrender values. Changes in the cash surrender values are recorded as other operating income.

Other Real Estate Owned

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less the cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, with any losses charged to the ALL, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Changes in the valuation allowance, sales gains and losses, and revenue and expenses from holding and operating properties are all included in net expenses from other real estate owned.

Income Taxes

First United Corporation and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Income taxes are accounted for using the liability method. Under the liability method, the deferred tax liability or asset is determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities (temporary differences) and is measured at the enacted tax rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. Deferred tax expense is determined by the change in the net liability or asset for deferred taxes adjusted for changes in any deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

ASC Topic 740, Taxes, provides clarification on accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. We have not identified any income tax uncertainties.

State corporate income tax returns are filed annually. Federal and state returns may be selected for examination by the Internal Revenue Service and the states where we file, subject to statutes of limitations. At any given point in time, the Corporation may have several years of filed tax returns that may be selected for examination or review by taxing authorities. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. Federal, State, and local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2009.

Interest and penalties on income taxes are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Defined Benefit Plans

The defined benefit pension plan and supplemental executive retirement plan are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits. Under the provisions of Topic 715, the funded status of the defined benefit pension plan is recognized as an asset, and the supplemental executive retirement plan is recognized as a liability in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, and unrecognized net actuarial losses, prior service costs and a net transition asset are recognized as a separate component of other comprehensive loss, net of tax. Refer to Note 18 for a further discussion of the pension plan and supplemental executive retirement plan obligations.

Statement of Cash Flows

Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits in banks in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Trust Assets and Income

Assets held in an agency or fiduciary capacity are not the Bank’s assets and, accordingly, are not included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Income from the Bank’s trust department represents fees charged to customers and is recorded on an accrual basis.

Business Segments

The Corporation operates in one segment, commercial banking, as defined by ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting. The Corporation in its entirety is managed and evaluated on an ongoing basis by the Board of Directors and executive management, with no division or subsidiary receiving separate analysis regarding performance or resource allocation.

Equity Compensation Plan

At the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, First United Corporation’s shareholders approved the First United Corporation Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”), which authorizes the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards, stock units, performance units, dividend equivalents, and other stock-based awards to employees or directors totaling up to 185,000 shares.

On June 18, 2008, the Board of Directors of First United Corporation adopted a Long-Term Incentive Program (the “LTIP”). This program was adopted as a sub-plan of the Omnibus Plan to reward participants for increasing shareholder value, align executive interests with those of shareholders, and serve as a retention tool for key executives. Under the LTIP, participants are granted shares of restricted common stock of First United Corporation. The amount of an award is based on a specified percentage of the participant’s salary as of the date of grant. These shares will vest if the Corporation meets or exceeds certain performance thresholds. There were no grants of restricted stock outstanding at December 31, 2012.

The Corporation complies with the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, in measuring and disclosing stock compensation cost. The measurement objective in ASC Paragraph 718-10-30-6 requires public companies to measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant date fair value of the award. The cost is recognized in expense over the period in which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the award (the vesting period). The performance-related shares granted in connection with the LTIP are expensed ratably from the date that the likelihood of meeting the performance measures is probable through the end of a three year vesting period.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the “Recovery Act”) imposes restrictions on the type and timing of bonuses and incentive compensation that may be accrued for or paid to certain employees of institutions that participated in the Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (“TARP”) Capital Purchase Program (“CPP”). The Recovery Act generally limits bonuses and incentive compensation to grants of long-term restricted stock that, among other requirements, cannot fully vest until the TARP CPP assistance is repaid.

Stock-based awards were made to non-employee directors in 2012 and 2011. Five thousand dollars of their annual retainer is paid in stock. Beginning in 2011, the non-employee directors were given the option to elect to take up to 100% of their annual cash retainer also in stock. The 2012 and 2011 grants totaled 16,526 and 16,720, respectively, of fully-vested shares having a fair market value of $5.14 and $5.68, respectively, per share. Director stock compensation expense was $73,000 for the year ended December 31, 2012 and $78,000 for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Stock Repurchases

Under the Maryland General Corporation Law, shares of capital stock that are repurchased are cancelled and treated as authorized but unissued shares. When a share of capital stock is repurchased, the payment of the repurchase price reduces stated capital by the par value of that share (currently, $0.01 for common stock and $0.00 for preferred stock), and any excess over par value reduces capital surplus. There were no stock repurchases in 2012.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-02, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2013-02”). ASU 2013-02 creates new presentation requirements which will require an entity to present significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the item reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety during the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures required under U.S. GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. For public companies, the guidance in ASU 2013-02 is effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. Adoption of ASU 2013-02 will not affect the Corporation’s financial position or results of operations, but will impact the presentation of the Corporation’s financial statements.