QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

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


FORM 10-K/A

(Mark One)

ý ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001.

or

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

For the transition period from                             

Commission file number 0-21815


FIRST MARINER BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
(State of incorporation)
  52-1834860
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
1801 South Clinton Street, Baltimore, MD
(Address of principal executive offices)
  21224
(zip code)

410-342-2600
(Telephone number)

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: NONE

Securities registered under Section 12 (g) of the Exchange Act:

COMMON STOCK, par value $0.05 per share

(Title of Class)


        Check whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such report, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý    No o

        Check if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will 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. o

        The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as March 26, 2002 was $52,996,238.

        The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of March 26, 2002 is 5,374,872 shares.

        Documents incorporated by reference:

        Proxy Statement—Part III

        This 10-K/A is being filed to amend Item 8 to include the Auditors' Reports, and to include the Signatures page, the Exhibit Index, the list of Subsidiaries of the Registrant filed as Exhibit 21, the consent of Stegman & Company filed as Exhibit 23.1 and Risk Factors filed as Exhibit 99, all of which were inadvertently omitted from the original 10-K filing submitted on April 1, 2002. This 10-K/A also includes revised consent of KPMG LLP filed herewith as Exhibit 23.2 and supersedes and replaces the consent of KPMG LLP filed as Exhibit 23 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed on April 1, 2002.





FIRST MARINER BANCORP


Annual Report on Form 10-K
December 31, 2001


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page

PART I

Item 1

 

Business

 

4

Item 2

 

Properties

 

13

Item 3

 

Legal Proceedings

 

15

Item 4

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

15

Item 4A

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

15

PART II

Item 5

 

Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters

 

16

Item 6

 

Selected Financial Data

 

16

Item 7

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

17

Item 7A

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

37

Item 8

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

37

Item 9

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

 

69

PART III

Item 10

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

70

Item 11

 

Executive Compensation

 

70

Item 12

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

70

Item 13

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

 

70

PART IV

Item 14

 

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

 

70

2



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        Part I and Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers of this report should be aware of the speculative nature of "forward-looking statements." Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words "anticipate," "estimate," "should," "expect," "believe," "intend," and similar expressions, are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about (among other things) the industry and the markets in which the Company operates, they are not guarantees of future performance. Whether actual results will conform to expectations and predictions is subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties discussed in this From 10-k, general economic, market or business conditions; changes in interest rates, deposit flow, the cost of funds, and demand for loan products and financial services; changes in our competitive position or competitive actions by other companies; changes in the quality or composition of loan and investment portfolios; the ability to mange growth; changes in laws or regulations or policies of federal and state regulators and agencies; and other circumstances beyond the Company's control. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this document are qualified by these cautionary statements, and there can be no assurance that the actual results anticipated will be realized, or if substantially realized, will have the expected consequences on the Company's business or operations. Except as required by applicable laws, we do not intend to publish updates or revisions of any forward-looking statements we make to reflect new information, future events or otherwise.

3




PART I

ITEM 1    BUSINESS

General

        First Mariner Bancorp (the "Company") is a bank holding company whose business is conducted primarily through its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Mariner Bank ("the Bank"). The Bank, which was formed in 1995 through mergers of several local financial institutions, serves central Maryland, portions of Maryland's Eastern Shore and portions of Virginia. The Bank is headquartered in Baltimore City. On January 1, 2002, the Bank consolidated the operations of its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Mariner Mortgage Corporation into a newly formed operating division of the Bank titled First Mariner Mortgage.

        The Bank, whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") is an independent community bank engaged in the general commercial banking business, with particular attention and emphasis on the needs of individuals and small to mid-sized businesses. The Bank delivers a wide range of financial products and services that are offered by many larger competitors. Products and services include traditional deposit products, a variety of consumer and commercial loans, residential and commercial mortgage and construction loans, money transfer services, non-deposit investment products, and Internet banking and similar services. Most importantly, the Bank provides customers with access to local Bank officers who are empowered to act with flexibility to meet customers' needs in an effort to foster and develop long-term loan and deposit relationships.

        Since the Company's formation in 1995, the business strategy has focused on development of an operational and retail distribution infrastructure to create a platform to support the generation of assets and deposits. At its inception the Bank had 20 employees, four full service branches and two ATM's in the Baltimore region, with total assets of $35.2 million, loans of $20.4 million, and deposits of $24.6 million. Since that time, assets have grown at an average compound annual growth rate of 50%. At December 31, 2001, the Company had 483 employees, 24 full service branches, and approximately 170 ATMS (29 owned) and 141 available to customers through third party agreements) ATM's, with total assets of $777.9 million, loans of $468.9 million and deposits of $600.6 million. Net income for the period ending December 31, 2001 was $2.3 million.

        The Company's executive offices are located at 1801 South Clinton Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21224 and its telephone number is (410) 342-2600.

Business Strategy

        The Company's initial strategy involved building a network of banking branches and ATMs to capture market share and build a community franchise for stockholders, customers and employees. Having developed this infrastructure, the focus is now on growing assets and earnings by capitalizing on the broad network of Bank branches, mortgage offices, and ATMs that were established during the infrastructure expansion phase. The Company believes its current strategy to grow assets and increase profitability will not require substantial expansion of the existing infrastructure.

        To continue asset growth and profitability, the Company's marketing strategy is targeted to:

4


Banking Services

        Commercial Banking.    The Bank focuses its commercial loan originations on small and mid-sized business (generally up to $20.0 million in annual sales) and such loans are usually accompanied by significant related deposits. Commercial loan products include residential and commercial real estate construction loans; working capital loans and lines of credit; demand, term and time loans; and equipment, inventory and accounts receivable financing. The Bank offers a range of cash management services and deposit products to its commercial customers. Computerized banking is currently available to the Bank's commercial customers.

        Retail Banking.    The Bank's retail banking activities emphasize consumer deposit and checking accounts. An extensive range of these services is offered by the Bank to meet the varied needs of its customers from young persons to senior citizens. In addition to traditional products and services, the Bank offers contemporary products and services, such as debit cards, mutual funds and annuities, and Internet banking and electronic bill payment services. Consumer loan products offered by the Bank include home equity lines of credit, fixed rate second mortgages, new and used auto loans, new and used boat loans, overdraft protection, unsecured personal credit lines and the debit card.

        Mortgage Banking.    The Bank's mortgage banking business is structured to provide a source of fee income largely from the process of originating product for sale on the secondary market, as well as the origination of loans to be held in the Bank's loan portfolio. Mortgage banking capabilities include the Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") and/or the federal Veterans Administration ("VA"); conventional and nonconforming mortgage underwriting; and construction and permanent financing. The Bank intends to improve its competitive position in this market by streamlining the mortgage underwriting process through the introduction of advanced technology.

        Community Reinvestment Act.    The Bank has a strong commitment to its responsibilities under the federal Community Reinvestment Act (the "CRA") and actively searches for opportunities to meet the development needs of all members of the community it serves, including persons of low to moderate income in a manner consistent with safe and sound banking practices. The Bank currently fulfills this commitment by participating in loan programs sponsored or guaranteed by the United States Small Business Administration, the FHA, the VA, the federal Community Development Act, the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority, and the Settlement Expense Loan Program.

Lending Activities

        Loan Portfolio Composition.    At December 31, 2001, the Bank's loan portfolio totaled $468.7 million, representing approximately 60.3% of its total assets of $777.9 million. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for the year ended December 31, 2001 for more detailed information concerning the composition of the loan portfolio.

        Commercial Loans.    The Bank originates secured and unsecured loans for business purposes. Less than one percent of all commercial loans are unsecured. Loans are made to provide working capital to businesses in the form of lines of credit, which may be secured by real estate, accounts receivable,

5



inventory, equipment or other assets. The financial condition and cash flow of commercial borrowers are closely monitored by the submission of corporate financial statements, personal financial statements and income tax returns. The frequency of submissions of required financial information depends on the size and complexity of the credit and the collateral which secures the loan. It is the Bank's general policy to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the commercial loan borrowers.

        Real Estate Development and Construction Loans.    The Bank provides interim real estate acquisition development and construction loans to builders, developers, and persons who will ultimately occupy the single family dwellings. Real estate development and construction loans that provide interim financing on the property are generally made for 80% or less of the appraised value of the property. Real estate development and construction loan funds are disbursed periodically at pre-specified stages of completion. Interest rates on these loans are generally adjustable. The Bank carefully monitors these loans with on-site inspections and control of disbursements.

        Loans to individuals for the construction of their primary residences are typically secured by the property under construction, they frequently include additional collateral (such as second mortgage on the borrower's present home), and commonly have maturities of nine to 12 months.

        Loans to residential builders are for the construction of residential homes for which a binding sales contract exists and the prospective buyers have been pre-qualified for permanent mortgage financing. Development loans are made only to developers with a proven track record. Generally, these loans are extended only when the borrower provides evidence that the lots under development will be sold to builders satisfactory to the Bank.

        Development and construction loans are secured by the properties under development or construction and personal guarantees are typically obtained. Further, to assure that reliance is not placed solely in the value of the underlying property, the Bank considers the financial condition and reputation of the borrower and any guarantors, the amount of the borrowers equity in the project, independent appraisals, costs estimates and pre-construction sale information.

        See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for the year ended December 31, 2001 for more detailed information concerning real estate development and construction lending.

        Residential Real Estate Mortgage Loans.    The Bank's mortgage division originates adjustable and fixed-rate residential mortgage loans. Such mortgage loans are generally originated under terms, conditions and documentation acceptable to the secondary mortgage market. The Bank will place some of these loans into its portfolio, although the substantial majority are sold to investors.

        Commercial Real Estate Mortgage Loans.    The Bank originates mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate. Such loans are primarily secured by office buildings, retail buildings, warehouses and general purpose business space. Although terms may vary, the Bank's commercial mortgages generally have maturities of five years or less.

        The Bank seeks to reduce the risks associated with commercial mortgage lending by generally lending in its market area and obtaining periodic financial statements and tax returns from borrowers. It is also the Bank's general policy to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the borrowers and assignments of all leases related to the collateral.

        Consumer Loans.    The Bank offers a variety of consumer loans. These loans are typically secured by residential real estate or personal property, including automobiles and boats. Home equity loans (closed-end and lines of credit) are typically made up to 80% of the appraised value, less the amount of any existing prior liens on the property and generally have maximum terms of 10 years, although the Bank does offer a 90% loan to value product. The interest rates on closed-end home equity loans are generally fixed, while interest rates on home equity lines of credit are variable.

6



Credit Administration

        The Bank's lending activities are subject to written policies approved by the Board of Directors to ensure proper management of credit risk. Loans are subject to a well defined credit process that includes credit evaluation of borrowers, risk-rating of credits, establishment of lending limits and application of lending procedures, including the holding of adequate collateral and the maintenance of compensating balances, as well as procedures for on-going identification and management of credit deterioration. Regular portfolio reviews are performed to identify potential underperforming credits, estimate loss exposure, and to ascertain compliance with the Bank's policies. For significant problem loans, management review consists of evaluation of the financial strengths of the borrower and the guarantor, the related collateral and the effects of economic conditions.

        The Bank's loan approval policy provides for various levels of individual lending authority. The maximum lending authority granted by the Bank to any one individual is $500,000. The loan committee of the board of directors is authorized to approve loans up to the Bank's legal lending limit, which currently approximates $9.1 million as of December 31, 2001. The Bank has established an in-house limit of $3.0 million, which is reviewed periodically by the board of directors. The loan committee will approve loans in excess of the in-house limit on an exception basis.

        The Bank generally does not make loans outside its market area unless the borrower has an established relationship with the Bank and conducts its principal business operations within the Bank's market area. Consequently, the Bank and its borrowers are affected by the economic conditions prevailing in its market area.

Competition

        The Company and the Bank operate in a competitive environment, competing for deposits and loans with commercial banks, thrifts and other financial entities. Principal competitors include other community commercial banks and larger financial institutions with branches in the Bank's market area. Numerous mergers and consolidations involving banks in the Bank's market area have occurred recently, requiring the Bank to compete with banks with greater resources.

        The primary factors in competing for deposits are interest rates, personalized services, the quality and range of financial services, convenience of office locations and office hours. Competition for deposits comes primarily from other commercial banks, savings associations, credit unions, money market funds and other investment alternatives. The primary factors in competing for loans are interest rates, loan origination fees, the quality and range of lending services and personalized services. Competition for loans comes primarily from other commercial banks, savings associations, mortgage banking firms, credit unions and other financial intermediaries. Many of the financial institutions operating in the Bank's market area offer certain services such as trust and international banking, which the Bank does not offer, and have greater financial resources or have substantially higher lending limits than does the Bank.

        To compete with other financial services providers, the Bank principally relies upon local promotional activities, personal relationships established by officers, directors and employees with its customers and specialized services tailored to meet its customers' needs. In those instances where the Bank is unable to accommodate a customers' needs, the Bank will arrange for those services to be provided by other banks with which it has a relationship.

        Current banking laws facilitate interstate branching and merger activity among banks. Since September, 1995, certain bank holding companies are authorized to acquire banks throughout the United States. In addition, on and after June 1, 1997, certain banks are permitted to merge with banks organized under the laws of different states. These changes have resulted in an even greater degree of competition in the banking industry and the Company and the Bank may be brought into competition

7



with institutions with which it does not presently compete. As a result, intense competition in the Bank's market area may be expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Supervision and Regulations

        The Company and the Bank are extensively regulated under federal and state law. Generally, these laws and regulations are intended to protect depositors, not stockholders. The following is a summary description of certain provisions of certain laws which affect the regulation of bank holding companies and banks. The discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to applicable laws and regulations. Changes in such laws and regulations may have a material effect on the business and prospects of the Company and the Bank.

        Federal Bank Holding Company Regulation and Structure.    The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, and as such, it is subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Company is required to file annual and quarterly reports with the Federal Reserve and to provide the Federal Reserve with such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require. The Federal Reserve may conduct examinations of the Company and its subsidiaries.

        With certain limited exceptions, the Company is required to obtain prior approval from the Federal Reserve before acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any voting securities or substantially all of the assets of a bank or bank holding company, or before merging or consolidating with another bank holding company. In acting on applications for such approval, the Federal Reserve must consider various statutory factors, including among others, the effect of the proposed transaction on competition in the relevant geographical and product markets, each party's financial condition and management resources and record of performance under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA"). Additionally, with certain exceptions any person proposing to acquire control through direct or indirect ownership of 25% or more of any voting securities of the Company is required to give 60 days written notice of the acquisition to the Federal Reserve, which may prohibit the transaction, and to publish notice to the public.

        Generally, a bank holding company may not engage in any activities other than banking, managing or controlling its bank and other authorized subsidiaries, and providing services to these subsidiaries. With prior approval of the Federal Reserve, the Company may acquire more than 5% of the assets or outstanding shares of a company engaging in nonbank activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be closely related to the business of banking or of managing or controlling banks. Under current Federal Reserve regulations, such permissible nonbank activities include mortgage banking, equipment leasing, securities brokerage and consumer and commercial finance company operations.

        Subsidiary banks of a bank holding company are subject to certain quantitative and qualitative restrictions on extensions of credit to the bank holding company or its subsidiaries, investments in their securities, and the use of their securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. These regulations and restrictions may limit the Company's ability to obtain funds from the Bank for its cash needs including funds for the payment of dividends, interest and operating expenses. Further, a bank holding company and its subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in certain tie-in arrangements in connection with any extension of credit, lease or sale of property or furnishing of services. For example, the Bank may not generally require a customer to obtain other services from itself or the Company, and may not require that a customer promise not to obtain other services from a competitor as a condition to and extension of credit to the customer. The Federal Reserve has ended the anti-tying rules for bank holding companies and their non-banking subsidiaries. Such rules were retained for banks.

        Under Federal Reserve policy, a bank holding company is expected to act as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks and to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank, and the Federal Reserve may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices

8



for failure to commit resources to a subsidiary bank when required. A required capital injection may be called for at a time when the holding company does not have the resources to provide it. In addition, depository institutions insured by the FDIC can be held liable for any losses incurred by, or reasonably anticipated to be incurred by, the FDIC in connection with the default of, or assistance provided to, a commonly controlled FDIC-insured depository institution. Accordingly, in the event that any insured subsidiary of the Company causes a loss to the FDIC, other insured subsidiaries of the Company could be required to compensate the FDIC by reimbursing it for the estimated amount of such loss. Such cross guaranty liabilities generally are superior in priority to the obligations of the depository institution to its stockholders due solely to their status as stockholders and obligations to other affiliates.

        State Bank Holding Company Regulation.    As a Maryland bank holding company, the Company is subject to various restrictions on its activities as set forth in Maryland law, in addition to those restrictions set forth in federal law. Under Maryland law, a bank holding company that desires to acquire a bank or bank holding company that has its principal place of business in Maryland must obtain approval from the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation. Also, a bank holding company and its Maryland chartered bank or trust company cannot directly or indirectly acquire banking or nonbanking subsidiaries or affiliates until the bank or trust company receives the approval of the Maryland Commissioner.

        Federal and State Bank Regulation.    The Company's banking subsidiary is a Maryland chartered trust company, with all the powers of a commercial bank regulated and examined by the Maryland Commissioner and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"). The FDIC has extensive enforcement authority over the institutions it regulates to prohibit or correct activities which violate law, regulation or written agreement with the FDIC. Enforcement powers also regulate activities which are deemed to constitute unsafe or unsound practices. Enforcement actions may include the appointment of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease and desist order, the termination of deposit insurance, the imposition of civil money penalties on the institution, its directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the removal of or restrictions on directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, and the enforcement of any such mechanisms through restraining orders or other court actions.

        In its lending activities, the maximum legal rate of interest, fees and charges which a financial institution may charge on a particular loan depends on a variety of factors such as the type of borrower, the purpose of the loan, the amount of the loan and the date the loan is made. Other laws tie the maximum amount which may be loaned to any one customer and the related interest to a financial institution's capital levels. The Bank is also subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors, principal shareholders or any related interest of such persons which generally require that such credit extensions be made on substantially the same terms as are available to third persons dealing with the Bank and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment.

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

        Under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 ("FDICIA"), each federal banking agency is required to prescribe, by regulation, noncapital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. The federal banking agencies, including the FDIC, have adopted standards covering internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan

9



documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, and compensation, fees and benefits. An institution which fails to meet those standards may be required by the agency to develop a plan acceptable to the agency, specifying the steps that the institution will take to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions. The Company, on behalf of the Bank, believes that it meets substantially all standards which have been adopted. FDICIA also imposed new capital standards on insured depository institutions.

        Before establishing new branch offices, the Bank must meet certain minimum capital stock and surplus requirements. With each new branch located outside the municipal area of the Bank's principal banking office, these minimal levels increase by $120,000 to $900,000, based on the population size of the municipal area in which the branch will be located. Prior to establishment of the branch, the Bank must obtain Commissioner and FDIC approval. If establishment of the branch involves the purchase of a bank building or furnishings, the total investment in bank buildings and furnishings cannot exceed, with certain exceptions, 50% of the Bank's unimpaired capital and surplus.

Deposit Insurance

        As a FDIC member institution, deposits of the Bank are currently insured to a minimum of $100,000 per depositor through the Savings Association Insurance Fund ("SAIF"), administered by the FDIC. Insured financial institutions are members of either SAIF or the Bank Insurance Fund ("BIF"). SAIF members generally are savings and loan associations or savings banks, including banks and trust companies that have converted from a savings and loan association or savings bank to a commercial bank or trust company or bank and trust companies that have acquired SAIF deposits. The Bank is a converted federal savings bank; therefore, its deposits are insured through SAIF. Mergers or transfers of assets between SAIF and BIF members generally are permitted with the assuming or resulting depository institution making payments of SAIF assessments on the portion of liabilities attributable to the SAIF-insured institution.

        The FDIC is required to establish the semi-annual assessments for BIF- and SAIF-insured depository institutions at a rate determined to be appropriate to maintain or increase the reserve ratio of the respective deposit insurance funds at or above 1.25% of estimated insured deposits or at such higher percentage that the FDIC determines to be justified for that year by circumstances raising significant risk of substantial future losses to the fund.

        This recapitalization has lowered the semiannual assessments paid by the Bank as a SAIF member. Assessments are made on a risk-based premium system with nine risk classifications based on certain capital and supervisory measures. Financial institutions with higher levels of capital and involving a low degree of supervisory concern are assessed lower premiums than financial institutions with lower levels of capital or involving a higher degree of supervisory concern.

Limits on Dividends and Other Payments

        The Company's current ability to pay dividends is largely dependent upon the receipt of dividends from its banking subsidiary. Both federal and state laws impose restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends. Federal law prohibits the payment of a dividend by an uninsured depository institution like the Bank if the depository institution is considered "undercapitalized" or if the payment of the dividend would make the institution "undercapitalized". See "Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991" below. The Company does not anticipate that such provisions will be applied to the Bank. The Federal Reserve has issued a policy statement which provides that, as a general matter, insured banks and bank holding companies may pay dividends only out of prior operating earnings. For a Maryland state-chartered bank or trust company, dividends may be paid out of undivided profits or, with the prior approval of the Commissioner, from surplus in excess of 100% of required capital stock. If however, the surplus of a Maryland bank is less than 100% of its required

10



capital stock, cash dividends may not be paid in excess of 90% of net earnings. In addition to these specific restrictions, bank regulatory agencies also have the ability to prohibit proposed dividends by a financial institution which would otherwise be permitted under applicable regulations if the regulatory body determines that such distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

Capital Requirements

        The Federal Reserve and FDIC have adopted certain risk-based capital guidelines to assist in the assessment of the capital adequacy of a banking organization's operations for both transactions reported on the balance sheet as assets and transactions, such as letters of credit and recourse arrangements which are recorded as off balance sheet items. Under these guidelines, nominal dollar amounts of assets and credit equivalent amounts of off balance sheet items are multiplied by one of several risk adjustment percentages, which range from 0% for assets with low credit risk, such as certain U.S. Treasury securities to 100% for assets with relatively high credit risk, such as business loans.

        A banking organization's risk-based capital ratio is obtained by dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk adjusted assets. The regulators measure risk-adjusted assets, which include off balance sheet items, against both total qualifying capital (the sum of Tier 1 capital and limited amounts of Tier 2 capital) and Tier 1 capital. "Tier 1", or core capital includes common equity, perpetual preferred stock (excluding auction rate issues), trust preferred securities (subject to certain limitations), and minority interest in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries (less goodwill and other intangibles), subject to certain exceptions. "Tier 2", or supplementary capital, includes, among other things limited-life preferred stock, hybrid capital instruments, mandatory convertible securities and trust preferred securities, qualifying and subordinated debt, and the allowance for loan and lease losses, subject to certain limitations and less required deductions. The inclusion of elements of Tier 2 capital is subject to certain other requirements and limitations of the federal banking agencies. Banks and bank holding companies, subject to the risk-based capital guidelines are required to maintain a ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4% and a ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8%. The appropriate regulatory authority may set higher capital requirements when particular circumstances warrant. At December 31, 2001, the Bank's ratio of Tier 1 to risk-weighted assets stood at 10.0% and its ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets stood at 11.0%. In addition to risk-based capital banks and bank holding companies are required to maintain a minimum amount of Tier 1 capital to fourth quarter average assets, referred to as the leverage capital ratio, of at least 4%. At December 31, 2001, the Bank's leverage capital ratio stood at 7.4%.

        Federal banking agencies have adopted regulations specifying that the agencies will include, in their evaluations of a Bank's capital adequacy, an assessment of the Bank's interest rate risk ("IRR") exposure. The standards for measuring the adequacy and effectiveness of a banking organization's interest rate risk management includes a measurement of board of director and senior management oversight, and a determination of whether a banking organization's procedures for comprehensive risk management are appropriate to the circumstances of the specific banking organization. The Bank maintains IRR models that are used to measure and monitor IRR. Additionally, the regulatory agencies have been assessing IRR on an informal basis for several years.

        Failure to meet applicable capital guidelines could subject a banking organization to a variety of enforcement actions, including limitations on its ability to pay dividends, the issuance by the applicable regulatory authority of a capital directive to increase capital and, in the case of depository institutions, the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC, as well as to the measures described under "Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991" below, as applicable to undercapitalized institutions. In addition, future changes in regulations or practices could further reduce the amount of capital recognized for purposes of capital adequacy. Such a change could affect the ability of the Bank

11



to grow and could restrict the amount of profits, if any, available for the payment of dividends to the Company.

        In December, 1991, Congress enacted FDICIA, which substantially revised the bank regulatory and funding provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and made significant revisions to several other federal banking statutes. FDICIA provides for, among other things, (i) publicly available annual financial condition and management reports for financial institutions, including audits by independent accountants, (ii) the establishment of uniform accounting standards by federal banking agencies, (iii) the establishment of a "prompt corrective action" system of regulatory supervision and intervention, based on capitalization levels with more scrutiny and restrictions placed on depository institutions with lower levels of capital, (iv) additional grounds for the appointment of a conservator or receiver, and (v) restrictions or prohibitions on accepting brokered deposits, except for institutions which significantly exceed minimum capital requirements. FDICIA also provides for increased funding of the FDIC insurance funds and the implementation of risked-based premiums.

        A central feature of FDICIA is the requirement that the federal banking agencies take "prompt corrective action" with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. Pursuant to FDICIA, the federal bank regulatory authorities have adopted regulations setting forth a five tiered system for measuring the capital adequacy of the depository institutions that they supervise. Under these regulations, a depository institution is classified in one of the following capital categories: "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized," and "critically undercapitalized." An institution may be deemed by the regulators to be in a capitalization category that is lower than is indicated by its actual capital position if, among other things, it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to asset quality, management, earnings or liquidity.

        FDICIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distribution (including payment of a cash dividend) or paying any management fees to its holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be undercapitalized. Undercapitalized depository institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit capital restoration plans. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is significantly undercapitalized. Significantly undercapitalized depository institutions may be subject to a number of other requirements and restrictions including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and stop accepting deposits from correspondent banks. Critically undercapitalized institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator, generally within 90 days of the date such institution is determined to be critically undercapitalized.

        FDICIA provides the federal banking agencies with significantly expanded powers to take enforcement action against institutions which fail to comply with capital or other standards. Such action may include the termination of deposit insurance by the FDIC or the appointment of a receiver or conservator for the institution. FDICIA also limits the circumstances under which the FDIC is permitted to provide financial assistance to an insured institution before appointment of a conservator or receiver.

Interstate Banking Legislation

        The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 ("Riegle-Neal") was enacted into law on September 29, 1994. Riegle-Neal authorized federal banking agencies to approve interstate bank merger transactions even if such transactions are prohibited by the laws of a state. An exception to such authorization arises if the home state of one of the banks that is a party to the merger transaction opted out of the merger provisions of Riegle-Neal by adopting a law after the date

12



of the enactment of the Riegle-Neal and prior to June 1, 1997. These laws must apply equally to all-out-of-state banks and expressly prohibit merger transactions involving out-of-state banks. Riegle-Neal also permits interstate branch acquisitions if the laws of the state where the branch is located permits interstate branch acquisitions. The interstate merger and branch acquisitions permitted by Riegle-Neal are subject to nationwide and statewide insured deposit limitations as described in Riegle-Neal.

        Riegle-Neal also authorizes the federal banking agencies to approve de novo interstate branching by national and state banks in states which specifically allow for such branching. To the Company's knowledge, only two states, Texas and Montana, have opted out of the Riegle-Neal provisions relating to interstate mergers, acquisitions of branches and establishment of de novo branches. The Company anticipates that Riegle-Neal may increase competition within the market in which the Company operates, although the Company cannot predict the timing or the extent of such increased competition.

Financial Services Modernization

        Effective in pertinent part on March 11, 2000, the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ("GLBA") revises the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 and repeals the affiliation provisions of the federal Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which, taken together, limited the securities, insurance, and other non-banking activities of any company that controls a FDIC insured financial institution. Under GLBA, bank holding companies can elect, subject to certain qualifications, to become a "financial holding company." GLBA provides that a financial holding company may engage in a full range of financial activities, including insurance and securities sales and underwriting activities, real estate development, and, with certain exceptions, merchant banking activities, with new expedited notice procedures. GLBA also permits certain qualified national banks to form "financial subsidiaries," which have broad authority to engage in all financial activities except insurance underwriting, insurance investments, real estate investment or development, and merchant banking, and expands the potential activities of subsidiaries of state banks, subject to applicable state law. The range of activities in which bank holding companies and their subsidiaries may engage is not as broad, and GLBA may increase the competition the Company encounters.

Regulatory Agreements

        The Company and the Bank had previously been operating under agreements ("Memoranda of Understanding") with the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation, the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond to improve operating earnings and internal controls, to review and analyze the Company's growth strategy and access to capital, and monitor transactions with affiliates. Based upon the most recent examination completed in 2002 by all of those regulators, the Company and the Bank have complied with the provisions of these agreements and the agreements have been terminated.

ITEM 2    PROPERTY

        The principal executive offices of the Company and the main office of the Bank are located at 1801 South Clinton Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The Company and the Bank lease approximately 40,000 square feet of space at this location. Annual rent for this space is approximately $554,000, of which $519,000 is allocated for 38,830 square feet of office and $35,000 is allocated for 1,170 square feet of Bank branch space and drive-up banking and customer parking facilities. The Company maintains an operations facility at 1516 Baylis Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The Bank occupies approximately 23,000 square feet of office space and 6,000 square feet of storage space at this location, which is leased from Edwin F. Hale, Sr. Annual rent is approximately $232,000 for the office space and $32,000 for the storage space. Management believes that such terms are at least as favorable as those that could be obtained from an unaffiliated third party lessor.

13


        The Bank has branches at the following locations:*

Annapolis
161A Jennifer Road
Annapolis, MD 21401-7923
  Lutherville/Timonium
1738 York Road
Lutherville, MD 21093
Bel Air
12 A Bel Air South Parkway
Bel Air, MD 21015
  Ocean City
12505 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842
Canton/Headquarters
1801 S. Clinton Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
  Padonia (Mars Store)
15 East Padonia Road
Timonium, MD 21093
Carroll Island
176 Carroll Island Road
Baltimore, MD 21220
  Perry Hall
8843 Bel Air Road
Perry Hall, MD 21236
Crofton
1049 MD Route 3
Gambrills, MD 21087
  Pikesville
1013 Reisterstown Road
Baltimore, MD 21208-4207
Downtown Baltimore
16 S. Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202-1305
  Randallstown
9833 Liberty Road
Randallstown, MD 21133-2034
Dundalk
7860 Wise Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21222
  Rosedale
8206 Pulaski Highway
Rosedale, MD 21237
Easton
8133 Elliott Road
Easton, MD 21601
  Severna Park
366A Ritchie Highway
Severna Park, MD 21146
Ellicott City
10065 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
  Towson
115 East Joppa Road
Baltimore, MD 21286-3113
Glen Burnie
7400 L. Gov. Ritchie Highway
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
  Woodlawn
7007 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244
Loch Raven
1641 East Joppa Road
Baltimore, MD 21286
   
*    For branch hours and remote ATM locations, please refer to our website at
      www.1stmarinerbank.com

For more information on lease commitments and costs see Note 6 of the notes to the financial statements.

14


        The Bank has mortgage offices at the following locations:


Annadale, VA
7010 Little River Turnpike, Suite 140
Annadale, VA 22003

 

Fredericksburg, VA
2515 Fall Hill Avenue
Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Annapolis
2086 Generals Highway, 2nd Floor
Annapolis, MD 21401

 

Greencastle, PA
11 North Carisle Street
Greencastle, PA 17225

Annapolis (VA Mortgage.Com)
2661 Riva Road, Suite 110
Annapolis, MD 21401

 

Loch Raven
1641 East Joppa Road
Baltimore, MD 21286

Canton/Headquarters
1801 S. Clinton Street
Baltimore, MD 21224

 

Ocean City
12505 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842

Crofton
1049 MD Route 3
Gambrills, MD 21087

 

Prince Georges
7905 Malcolm Road, Suite 101
Clinton, MD 20735

Easton
8133 Elliott Road
Easton, MD 21601

 

Salisbury
309 E. Main Street
Salisbury, MD 21801

Eldersburg
1912 Liberty Road, Bldg. 2
Eldersburg, MD 21784

 

Waldorf
3200 Crain Highway, Suite 102
Waldorf, MD 20603-4841

Ellicott City
10065 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043

 

 

ITEM 3    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        Neither the Company nor the Bank is a party to, nor is any of their property the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings incidental to the business of the Company other than those arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management no such proceeding will have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

ITEM 4    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        None

ITEM 4A    EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        Edwin F. Hale, Sr. has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and of the Bank for the preceding six years.

        Joseph A. Cicero has been the President of the Company and Chief Operating Officer of the Bank for the preceding six years.

        George H. Mantakos has been Executive Vice President of the Company, and the President of First Mariner Bank for the preceding six years.

        Mark A. Keidel has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank since June 2000. Prior to June 2000, Mr. Keidel was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Mason Dixon Bancshares for the preceding five years.

15



PART II

ITEM 5    MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS MATTERS

Market for Common Stock

        The Company's common stock trades on The Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "FMAR." The table below sets forth for the periods indicated the low and high market prices of the Company's common stock as reported on The Nasdaq National Market. These over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices and do not include retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions, and they may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 
  Low
  High
2001 Quarter ended:        
  Fourth quarter   7.100   9.430
  Third quarter   5.250   10.240
  Second quarter   5.000   8.000
  First quarter   4.000   7.375

2000 Quarter ended:

 

 

 

 
  Fourth quarter   3.625   5.375
  Third quarter   4.750   5.625
  Second quarter   5.250   7.000
  First quarter   5.500   8.250

        The Company paid a cash dividend totaling 2 cents per share in the first quarter of 2000. The Board of Directors discontinued the payment of any further cash dividends to conserve cash and capital resources.

ITEM 6    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 
  For the Year Ended December 31,
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
  1997
 
  (Dollars in thousands except for per share data)

Net Interest Income   $ 25,642   $ 20,838   $ 17,651   $ 12,022   $ 7,753
Provision For Loan Losses     1,625     1,105     785     1,212     472
Noninterest income     10,973     9,105     7,264     5,595     2,351
Noninterest expense     31,296     27,798     22,743     16,246     9,459
Net Income     2,304     640     877     1,123     365
Net Income Per Common Share-Basic     0.58     0.20     0.28     0.36     0.12
Total Assets     777,865     677,449     616,072     497,487     256,984
Loans Receivable, Net     463,141     425,657     326,206     240,049     142,458
Deposits     600,588     476,882     368,751     262,311     196,962
Stockholders' Equity     44,008     27,849     21,863     28,488     26,966
Allowance For Loan Losses     5,524     4,341     3,322     2,676     1,614
Net Chargeoffs     442     86     139     150     100
Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets     0.56%     1.00%     0.90%     0.63%     1.36%
Return On Average Assets     0.32%     0.10%     0.16%     0.32%     0.21%
Return On Average Equity     6.98%     2.85%     3.30%     4.07%     1.39%
Dividend Payout Ratio         10%     21%        
Regulatory Ratios                              
  Leverage     8%     6%     6%     8%     15%
  Tier 1 Capital To Risk Weighted Assets     11%     9%     10%     14%     17%
  Total Capital To Risk Weighted Assets     13%     12%     15%     19%     18%

16


ITEM 7    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

About First Mariner Bancorp

        First Mariner Bancorp (the "Company") is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Maryland and registered under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company was organized in 1994 and changed its name to First Mariner Bancorp in May 1995. Since 1995, the Company's strategy has involved building a network of banking branches and ATMs to capture market share and build a community franchise for stockholders, customers and employees. The Company is focusing on growing assets and earnings by capitalizing on the broad network of Bank branches, mortgage offices, and ATMs established during its infrastructure expansion phase.

        Through its banking subsidiary, First Mariner Bank (the "Bank"), the Company offers consumer and commercial banking and real estate lending services primarily throughout central Maryland and parts of its Eastern Shore and in portions of Virginia.

        The following discussion compares the financial condition of the Company at December 31, 2001 to the financial condition at December 31, 2000 and results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements and related notes as well as statistical information included in this report.

Performance Overview

        The Bank continued to achieve significant growth in loans and deposits while producing a record profit in 2001. The Company substantially completed the development of its infrastructure and slowed the rate of new branch growth in 2001, which reduced the growth rate of expenses and resulted in higher levels of earnings and improved productivity and efficiency measures.

        The Company recorded net income of $2,304,000 for 2001 compared to $640,000 for 2000, an increase of 260% marking the highest net income for any year since the Company's formation. Diluted earnings per share were also the highest in Company history, totaling $.57 per share for 2001, an increase of 185% from $.20 per diluted share in 2000. The growth in net income and earnings per share resulted as gross revenue increased $6,672,000 or 22% while non interest expenses, the provision for loan losses, and income tax expense increased by $5,008,000 or 17%.

        The largest category of revenue, net interest income grew $4,804,000 or 23.1% due to growth in average earning assets of 8.8% and an increase in the net interest margin to 3.83% for 2001 from 3.39% in 2000. The increase in the net interest margin resulted from lower deposit and borrowing costs, and a higher proportion of lower cost deposits funding the earning asset base. Non interest income increased $1,868,000, or 20.5% due to higher levels of mortgage banking revenue, increased commissions earned on the sales of non-deposit investment products, and growth in deposit service charges and ATM fees. Gains realized on the sale of investment securities decreased $323,000. Core non interest income (excluding gains on sales of investment securities) increased 25.1% and comprised 29.9% of total revenue compared to 29.2% in 2000.

        The increase in total expenses resulted from higher non interest expenses of $3,498,000, an increase in the provision for loan losses of $520,000 and higher income tax expense totaling $990,000. Non interest expense growth was primarily the result of higher salaries and benefit costs, and increased occupancy and equipment expenses to support the Company's growth. The Company's efficiency ratio improved to 85.6% for 2001 from 94.0% for 2000. The increase in the provision for loan losses reflects the growth in loans, higher levels of net charge offs, and an increase in the allowance for credit losses to 1.18% of total loans as of December 31, 2001 from 1.01% as of December 31, 2000. Income tax

17



expense increased due to an increase of $2,654,000 in net income before taxes. The effective tax rate for the Company was 37.6% for 2001 compared to 38.5% for 2000.

        Total assets increased by $100,416,000 or 14.8%, reflecting significant increases in loans and deposits. Loans outstanding increased by $38,667,000 or 9.0%, while deposits grew by $123,706,000 or 25.9%. Growth statistics for loans and deposits continue to compare favorably to industry averages, and reflect the Company's continued efforts in business development and advertising. Since First Mariner's inception in 1995, total assets, loans, and deposits have increased at an average annual compound growth rate of 50.0%, 50.8%, and 52.0% respectively. Stockholders' equity increased $16,159,000 or 58.0% reflecting improvements in the market value of the Company's available-for-sale securities portfolio as well as $11,476,000 from a successful common stock offering completed in the fourth quarter of 2001, and shares issued under the Company's employee stock purchase plan of $200,000.

        Asset quality was favorable in 2001. The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets decreased to .56% at December 31, 2001 from 1.00% at December 31, 2000. The allowance for loan losses was increased to $5,524,000 and totaled 127.4% of nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2001 compared to 64.0% as of December 31, 2000. The ratio of net chargeoff to average total loans was .10% in 2001, compared to .02% in 2000.

        Capital adequacy levels improved in 2001, primarily due the additional capital raised in the fourth quarter of 2001. December 31, 2001 ratios for capital leverage, tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets, and total capital to risk weighted assets were 8.0%, 10.7%, and 12.9%, respectively. These ratio's improved from 6.0%, 9.0%, and 12.3%, respectively, at December 31, 2000 and continue to exceed the levels which qualify for "Well Capitalized" status under current regulatory guidelines.

Net Interest Income/Margins

        The primary source of earnings for the Company is net interest income, which is the difference between income earned on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest expense incurred on the interest-bearing sources of funds, such as deposits and borrowings. The level of net interest income is determined primarily by the average balances ("volume") and the rate spreads between the interest-earning assets and the Company's funding sources.

        Net interest income increased to $25,642,000 for 2001, a 23.1% increase from the net interest income of $20,838,000 earned for 2000. The increase was attributable to growth in average earning assets, which increased by $54,222,000 or 8.8% and an increase in the spreads realized between earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. Average loans and loans held for sale increased by 23.8% to $513,474,000 and average investments and other earning assets decreased by 22.2% to $156,339,000. The increase in average loans reflects the Company's expansion of its commercial and real estate lending activities among middle market borrowers in the Baltimore Metropolitan area, the growth of the Bank's mortgage banking activities, and the continued emphasis on consumer lending. The decrease in average investments and other earning assets was primarily the result of principal repayments in the Bank's mortgage-backed securities portfolio. Average earning asset growth was funded by an increase in average deposits of $90,406,000 or 21.3%. The increase in average deposits was due to the continued success of sales efforts in the Company's retail banking and commercial banking divisions, and the popularity of the Bank's "Money Market Maximizer" and "Flex CD" products. Average other borrowed funds decreased by $43,770,000 or 21.7%, as the Company repaid a significant portion of outstanding borrowings as deposit growth was more than sufficient to fund earning asset growth.

        For 2001, interest income on loans grew to $43,389,000, which represents an increase of $6,508,000 or 17.6% from $36,881,000 for 2000. While average balances on loans increased by $98,709,000 or 23.8%, yields decreased 44 basis points to 8.45%, as the Federal Reserve aggressively reduced market interest rates throughout 2001. Interest income on investment securities and other earning assets decreased $4,856,000 or 33.5% to $9,641,000 from $14,497,000. Average balances decreased on

18



investments and other earning assets by 22.2%, and yields on short-term investments decreased by 105 basis points which contributed to the decline in interest income. Interest expense on deposits increased to $18,384,000 in 2001, an increase of $196,000 or 1.1% from $18,188,000 for 2000. Growth in average interest bearing deposits of 20.5% was mostly offset by a decline in the average rates paid on deposits of 80 basis points. Interest expense on borrowings declined $3,348,000 to $9,004,000 for 2001, a decrease of 27.1% from $12,352,000 for 2000. The decline in average balances of 21.7%, as well as a decrease in the average rates paid on borrowings of 43 basis points contributed to the reduction.

        The key performance measure for net interest income is the "net interest margin", or net interest income divided by average earning assets. The Company's net interest margin is affected by loan pricing, mix of earning assets, and the distribution and pricing of deposits and borrowings. The Company's net interest margin was 3.83% for the year ended December 31, 2001 as compared to 3.39% for 2000. Yields on average total earning assets decreased by 43 basis points, while the cost of interest bearing deposits decreased by 80 basis points and the cost of other borrowings decreased by 43 basis points. A higher mix of loans as a percentage of earning assets and higher proportion of deposit accounts as a percentage of funding contributed to the increase in the net interest margin.

        "Comparative Average Balances-Yields and Rates" below indicates the Company's average volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and average yields and rates. Changes in net interest income from period to period result from increases or decreases in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, increases or decreases in the average rates earned and paid on such assets and liabilities and the availability of particular sources of funds, such as non-interest bearing deposits.

19



Comparative Average Balances(1) Yields and Rates

 
  2001
  2000
 
  Average
Balance

  Income/
Expense

  Yield/
Rate

  Average
Balance

  Income/
Expense

  Yield/
Rate

 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Assets:                                
  Loans & loans held for sale (net of unearned income)(1)   $ 513,474   $ 43,389   8.45%   $ 414,765   $ 36,881   8.89%
  Mortgage-backed securities available for sale     103,938     6,562   6.31%     155,879     11,132   7.14%
  Interest-bearing bank balances     19,967     511   2.56%     7,382     435   5.89%
  Treasury notes and agencies     3,023     208   6.88%     6,833     515   7.54%
  Trust preferred securities     21,064     1,893   8.99%     23,298     1,885   8.09%
  Other earning assets     8,347     467   5.59%     7,434     530   7.13%
   
 
     
 
   
      Total earning assets     669,813     53,030   7.92%     615,591     51,378   8.35%
         
           
   
  Allowance for loan losses     (4,940 )             (3,669 )        
  Other assets     44,998               37,988          
   
           
         
      Total assets   $ 709,871             $ 649,910          
   
           
         
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:                                
  Deposits:                                
    Passbook/Savings   $ 33,578     665   1.98%   $ 27,376     760   2.78%
    NOW/MMDA     214,708     6,916   3.22%     178,115     8,404   4.72%
    Certificates     194,534     10,803   5.55%     161,904     9,024   5.57%
   
 
     
 
   
      Total interest-bearing deposits     442,820     18,384   4.15%     367,395     18,188   4.95%
 
Other borrowed funds

 

 

158,219

 

 

9,004

 

5.69%

 

 

201,989

 

 

12,352

 

6.12%
   
 
     
 
   
      Total interest-bearing liabilities     601,039     27,388   4.56%     569,384     30,540   5.36%
         
           
   
 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

 

 

72,358

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

57,377

 

 

 

 

 
  Other liabilities     3,449               702          
  Stockholders' equity     33,025               22,447          
   
           
         
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 709,871             $ 649,910          
   
           
         
  Interest rate spread               3.36%               2.98%
    (Average yield less average rate)              
             
 
Net interest income

 

 

 

 

$

25,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

20,838

 

 
    (Interest income less interest expense)        
           
   
 
Net Interest Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.83%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.39%
    (Net interest income/total earning assets)              
             

(1)
Loans on non-accrual status are included in the calculation of average balances. Loans held for sale are included in calculation of average balances, income and yield.

20


 
  1999
 
  Average
Balance

  Income/
Expense

  Yield/
Rate

 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Assets:                
  Loans and loans held for sale (net of unearned income)(1)   $ 317,237   $ 26,719   8.42%
  Mortgage-backed securities available for sale     161,098     10,782   6.69%
  Interest-bearing bank balances     9,586     477   4.98%
  Treasury notes and agencies     6,205     392   6.32%
  Trust preferred securities     20,994     1,722   8.20%
  Other earning assets     7,371     381   5.17%
   
 
   
      Total earning assets     522,491     40,473   7.75%
         
   
  Allowance for loan losses     (3,067 )        
  Other assets     34,871          
   
         
      Total assets   $ 554,295          
   
         
Liabilities and stockholders' equity:                
  Deposits:                
    Passbook/Savings   $ 19,140     529   2.76%
    NOW/MMDA     129,885     4,828   3.72%
    Certificates     123,228     6,440   5.23%
   
 
   
      Total interest-bearing deposits     272,253     11,797   4.33%
   
Other borrowed funds

 

 

203,709

 

 

11,025

 

5.41%
   
 
   
      Total interest-bearing liabilities     475,962     22,822   4.79%
         
   
 
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits

 

 

46,473

 

 

 

 

 
  Other liabilities     5,323          
  Stockholders' equity     26,537          
   
         
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 554,295          
   
         
  Interest rate spread               2.96%
    (Average yield less average rate)              
 
Net interest income

 

 

 

 

$

17,651

 

 
    (Interest income less interest expense)        
   
 
Net Interest Margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.38%
    (Net interest income/total earning assets)              

(1)
Loans on non-accrual status are included in the calculation of average balances. Loans held for sale are included in calculation of average balances, income and yield.

        "Rate/Volume Analysis" below indicates the changes in the Company's net interest income as a result of changes in volume and rates. Changes in interest income and interest expense can result from variances in both volume and rates. The Company has an asset and liability management policy designed to provide a proper balance between rate sensitive assets and rate sensitive liabilities to attempt to optimize interest margins and to provide adequate liquidity for anticipated needs.

21


Rate/Volume Analysis

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2001
Compared to
Year Ended December 31, 2000

 
 
  Variance due to changes in
   
 
 
  Average
Volume

  Average
Rate

  Net
Increase/
(Decrease)

 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Interest Income:                    
  Loans and loans held for sale (net of unearned income)   $ 8,411   $ (1,903 ) $ 6,508  
  Mortgage-backed securities available for sale     (3,388 )   (1,182 )   (4,570 )
  Interest-bearing bank balances     426     (350 )   76  
  Treasury notes and agencies     (265 )   (42 )   (307 )
  Trust preferred securities     (190 )   198     8  
  Other earning assets     69     (132 )   (63 )
   
 
 
 
Total interest income     5,063     (3,411 )   1,652  
   
 
 
 
Interest Expense:                    
  Passbook     151     (246 )   (95 )
  NOW/MMDA     1,506     (2,994 )   (1,488 )
  Certificates     1,811     (32 )   1,779  
  Other borrowed funds     (2,528 )   (820 )   (3,348 )
   
 
 
 
Total interest expense     940     (4,092 )   (3,152 )
   
 
 
 
Change in net interest income   $ 4,123   $ 681   $ 4,804  
   
 
 
 
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2000
Compared to
Year Ended December 31, 1999

 
 
  Variance due to changes in
   
 
 
  Average
Volume

  Average
Rate

  Net
Increase/
(Decrease)

 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Interest Income:                    
  Loans and loans held for sale (net of unearned income)   $ 8,600   $ 1,562   $ 10,162  
  Mortgage-backed securities available for sale     (358 )   708     350  
  Interest-bearing bank balances     (121 )   79     (42 )
  Treasury notes and agencies     42     81     123  
  Trust preferred securities     186     (23 )   163  
  Other earning assets     3     146     149  
   
 
 
 
Total interest income     8,352     2,553     10,905  
   
 
 
 
Interest Expense:                    
  Passbook     227     4     231  
  NOW/MMDA     2,074     1,502     3,576  
  Certificates     2,140     444     2,584  
  Other borrowed funds     (95 )   1,422     1,327  
   
 
 
 
Total interest expense     4,346     3,372     7,718  
   
 
 
 
Change in net interest income   $ 4,006   $ (819 ) $ 3,187  
   
 
 
 

22


Noninterest Income

        Noninterest income is principally derived from mortgage banking activities, service fees on deposit accounts, ATM fees and gains on sale of investment securities. Noninterest income for year ended December 31, 2001 was $10,973,000, as compared to $9,105,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000, an increase of $1,868,000 or 20.5%. Core non interest income (excluding gains on sales of investment securities) increased 25.1%.

        Gains on sales of loans increased by $336,000 or 21.3% from the year ended December 31, 2000. Total originations of mortgage loans increased 95%, and resulted in more loans sold into the secondary market than during the prior year. The increase in mortgage loan origination was the result of successful sales efforts, an increase in the number of mortgage loan offices and lower interest rates. Refinance activity accounted for just under 25% of the total mortgage loan origination activity for 2001. Other mortgage banking income increased by $405,000 or 25.5%. Origination related income increased by $633,000, while mortgage servicing revenue decreased by $228,000. Service fees on deposits increased by $587,000 or 16.8% as the Company increased the number of demand deposit accounts by 4,985 or 20.2%. Pricing on most deposit accounts remained unchanged throughout 2001. ATM fees increased by $178,000 or 12.2% due to increased transaction volume, higher transaction fee pricing for non customers, and added ATM locations. Net gains of $36,000 were realized on the sale of investment securities in 2001, compared to net gains of $359,000 for 2000. Other increases in non interest income included higher commissions earned on the sale of investment products of $500,000, and increased revenue from sales and issuances of official checks of $233,000. The increase in income generated from the sales of investment products resulted from more focused sales training and marketing efforts, while increases in official check income resulted from improved pricing negotiated with the Company's vendor and higher check issuance volume.

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2001
Amount

  2000
Amount

  1999
Amount

 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Gain on sale of loans   $ 1,912   $ 1,576   $ 1,907
Service fees on deposits     4,091     3,504     2,603
ATM Fees     1,635     1,457     1,093
Gain on sale of investment securities     36     359     241
Other mortgage banking fees     1,991     1,586     827
Other     1,308     623     593
   
 
 
Total noninterest income   $ 10,973   $ 9,105   $ 7,264
   
 
 

Noninterest Expense

        Noninterest expense totaled $31,296,000 for the year ended December 31, 2001, compared to $27,798,000 for 2000, an increase of $3,498,000 or 12.6%. This increase reflects management's continued emphasis on growth through bank branching, mortgage loan office increases, costs associated with the data processing conversion, as well as significant increases in loans, deposits and mortgage banking operational activities. While branch expansion slowed in 2001, 3 new bank branches were opened in 2000 and were included in non interest expenses for the full year of 2001. Five new mortgage offices were opened in 2001.

        Salaries and benefits increased $1,262,000 or 9.4% primarily due to additional staffing resulting from the branch expansion throughout 2000 which was incurred for the full year in 2001, staffing increases to support loan and deposit growth, as well as regular salary increases and higher benefit costs. 2001 occupancy costs grew $575,000 or 14.7% compared to 2000. The increase was due to the additional branches and mortgage offices, as well as costs to terminate leases of two branches (Dundalk

23



Mars and Merritt Boulevard branches) that totaled $300,000. Excluding the cost associated with the lease terminations, occupancy expenses increased by $275,000 or 7.0%. Furniture, fixtures and equipment expense increased for the year ended 2001 by $426,000 or 25.6% due to the addition of new branches and mortgage offices, and due to increases in technology costs from the data processing conversion which occurred in November 2000, and is included for the full year of 2001.

        Professional services increased by $257,000 or 42.8% primarily as a result of increased legal fees associated with growth in lending activities. Advertising expenses grew by 1.7% and totaled $1,079,000 as the Company maintained most of its advertising campaigns from the prior year. Data processing expenses declined $58,000 as certain non-recurring expenses related to the systems conversion were incurred in 2000. All other non interest expenses increased $1,018,000 due to higher costs associated with Other Real Estate Owned of $377,000, deposit insurance increases of $251,000, increased bank security expenses of $138,000 and higher expenses for printing and office supplies of $100,000.

Noninterest expense

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
  2001
Amount

  2000
Amount

  1999
Amount

 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Salaries and employee benefits   $ 14,629   $ 13,367   $ 11,458
Net occupancy     4,478     3,903     2,939
Furniture, fixtures and equipment     2,088     1,662     1,271
Professional services     858     601     328
Advertising     1,079     1,061     1,028
Data processing     1,587     1,645     1,332
Service and maintenance     933     915     649
Office supplies     455     391     345
ATM servicing expenses     695     630     601
Printing     368     332     301
Corporate insurance     154     121     108
OREO expense     412     35     6
FDIC Premiums     391     140     167
Consulting fees     221     252     101
Marketing/promotion     459     443     333
Courier/postage     319     317     241
Security     217     79    
Other     1,953     1,904     1,535
   
 
 
Total noninterest expense   $ 31,296   $ 27,798   $ 22,743
   
 
 

Income Tax Expenses

        The Company recorded tax expense of $1,390,000 in 2001 for an effective tax rate of 37.6% compared to income tax expense of $400,000 and an effective tax rate of 38.5% for 2000. The effective rate decreased due to higher levels of tax- exempt income.

        The Company has utilized all prior net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes at December 31, 2001. Net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes approximated $4,800,000 and can be offset by future state taxable income of First Mariner Bancorp only. Management anticipates that it is more likely than not that the future operations of First Mariner Bancorp will not generate sufficient taxable income to realize the potential utilization of the net operating loss carryforward. A valuation allowance equal to the deferred tax asset associated with the net operating loss carryforward of $219,000 has been established to reflect this uncertainty.

24


Financial Condition

        At December 31, 2001, the Company's total assets were $777,865,000, as compared to $677,449,000 at December 31, 2000, an increase of 14.8%. This increase occurred as the Company continued to benefit from the development of its bank branching and mortgage loan office network, expansion of commercial and retail business development efforts, and successful development and marketing of deposit and loan products. The overall growth in core business, generating loans and gathering of deposits, grew at a higher rate than overall asset growth, as decreases in investment securities and other borrowings offset some of the growth in loans and deposits.

        Loans at December 31, 2001 were $468,665,000, as compared to $429,998,000 on December 31, 2000, which represents an increase of $38,667,000 or 9.0%. Increases were realized in commercial real estate, residential construction, and consumer loans, while residential mortgage loans, commercial construction loans and commercial loans decreased. Loans held for sale increased by $47,455,000 as a result of significant mortgage loan origination volume, particularly in the fourth quarter. Investment securities decreased by $36,882,000 due to increases in principal repayments of mortgage-backed securities. Historically low mortgage interest rates resulted in higher mortgage refinance activity and increased the level of principal reduction in these securities. Interest bearing deposits increased by $32,274,000 due to growth in deposits in excess of loan growth and the increase in loans held for sale.

        Total deposits increased by $123,706,000, an increase of 25.9% from $476,882,000 at December 31, 2000. Borrowings and repurchase agreements decreased by $39,241,000, and reduced overall dependence on borrowed funds to 16.7% of total assets as of December 31, 2001, compared to 24.9% as of December 31, 2000.

Loan Portfolio

        The Company's loan portfolio is expected to produce higher yields than investment securities and other interest-earning assets, the absolute volume and mix of loans and the volume and mix of loans as a percentage of total earning assets is an important determinant of net interest margin.

        The following table sets forth the composition of the Bank's loan portfolio.

 
  At December 31,
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
  1997
 
  (in thousands)

Loans:                              
  Commercial Loans and LOC   $ 64,157   $ 70,726   $ 68,215   $ 62,593   $ 24,119
  Comm/Residential Construction     34,411     34,832     8,092     33,773     21,970
  Commercial Mortgages     144,836     101,601     97,909     46,193     48,918
  Residential Construction-Consumer     125,954     82,318     34,419     17,706     8,083
  Residential Mortgages     54,456     98,731     85,784     63,073     33,723
  Consumer     44,851     41,790     35,109     19,387     7,259
   
 
 
 
 
    Total Loans   $ 468,665   $ 429,998   $ 329,528   $ 242,725   $ 144,072
   
 
 
 
 

        The largest increase in the loan portfolio occurred in the Residential Construction—Consumer category, which increased by $43,636,000 and reflected successful marketing and sales efforts, a strong regional economy, and a favorable interest rate environment for this category of loans. The residential construction portfolio consists of loans to individuals for construction of their primary residence, are secured by the property under construction, and frequently include additional collateral such as a second mortgage on the borrower's current home. These loans are generally converted to a permanent first mortgage upon completion of the construction and are underwritten for eventual sale in the secondary market. Commercial real estate loans increased by $43,235,000 again due successful sales

25



efforts, as well as a favorable economic and interest rate environment. Residential real estate loans, which consist primarily of 3-year and 5-year adjustable rate mortgages, decreased by $44,275,000. The decrease in this category of loans reflects higher payoffs and lower originations of adjustable rate loans as historically low mortgage interest rates encouraged borrowers to elect fixed rate 15- and 30-year loans. Consumer loans, comprised primarily of second mortgage loans, increased by $3,061,000. Commercial loans decreased by $6,569,000 while commercial construction loans decreased by $421,000.

        Approximately 29.5% of the Bank's loans have adjustable rates as of December 31, 2001 and approximately 30% at December 31, 2000, the majority of which are adjustable rate first mortgages indexed to U.S. Treasury obligations. Interest rates on variable rate loans adjust to the current interest rate environment, whereas fixed rates do not allow this flexibility. If interest rates were to increase in the future, the interest earned on the variable rate loans would improve, and if rates were to fall the interest earned would decline, thus impacting the Company's interest income. See also the discussion under "Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity" below. The following table sets forth the maturity distribution, classified according to sensitivity to changes in interest rate, for the Bank's loan portfolio at December 31, 2001. Some of the loans may be renewed or repaid prior to maturity. Therefore, the following table should not be used as a forecast of future cash collections. The scheduled repayments as shown above are reported in the maturity category in which the payment is due.

26



Maturity Schedule of Selected Loans

 
  Up to
1 Year

  More Than
1 Year
to 5 Years

  5 Years to
10 Years

  More Than
10 Years

  Total
 
  (in thousands)

Loans:                              
  Residential Real Estate   $ 3,550   $ 4,236   $ 5,621   $ 41,049   $ 54,456
  Commercial Construction     7,082     8,691     5,998     2,625     24,396
  Res Construction-Commercial     6,014     4,001     0     0     10,015
  Res Construction-Consumer     124,290     1,071     75     518     125,954
  Commercial real estate     10,111     102,532     28,318     3,875     144,836
  Commercial     34,423     26,743     1,790     1,201     64,157
  Consumer     28,433     6,318     4,508     5,592     44,851
   
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 213,903   $ 153,592   $ 46,310   $ 54,860   $ 468,665
   
 
 
 
 
Loans:                              
  Residential Real Estate   $ 2,332   $ 2,778   $ 2,670   $ 9,218   $ 16,998
  Commercial Construction     1,627     1,384     3,621     2,338     8,970
  Res Construction-Commercial     475     133     0     0     608
  Res Construction-Consumer     123,914     1,040     21     13     124,988
  Commercial real estate     6,252     92,520     20,680     3,661     123,113
  Commercial     13,728     20,931     1,195     647     36,501
  Consumer     2,874     6,318     4,508     5,592     19,292
   
 
 
 
 
Total—Fixed Rate     151,202     125,104     32,695     21,469     330,470
   
 
 
 
 
Loans:                              
  Residential Real Estate     1,219     1,457     2,951     31,831     37,458
  Commercial Construction     5,455     7,309     2,376     287     15,427
  Res Construction-Commercial     5,538     3,868     0     0     9,406
  Res Construction-Consumer     377     30     54     505     966
  Commercial real estate     3,858     10,012     7,639     214     21,723
  Commercial     20,695     5,812     595     554     27,656
  Consumer     25,559     0     0     0     25,559
   
 
 
 
 
Total—Variable Rate     62,701     28,488     13,615     33,391     138,195
   
 
 
 
 
Total—Fixed And Variable   $ 213,903   $ 153,592   $ 46,310   $ 54,860   $ 468,665
   
 
 
 
 

Credit Risk Management

        The Bank attempts to manage the risk characteristics of its loan portfolio through various control processes, such as credit evaluation of borrowers, establishment of lending limits and application of lending procedures, including the holding of adequate collateral and the maintenance of compensating balances. However, the Bank seeks to rely primarily on the cash flow of its borrowers' as the principal source of repayment. Although credit policies are designed to minimize risk, management recognizes that loan losses will occur and the amount of these losses will fluctuate depending on the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio as well as general and regional economic conditions.

        The allowance for loan losses represents a reserve for potential losses in the loan portfolio. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is evaluated periodically based on a review of all significant loans, with a particular emphasis on nonaccruing, past due and other loans that management believes require special attention.

27



        For significant problem loans, management's review consists of evaluation of the financial strengths of the borrower and the guarantor, the related collateral, and the effects of economic conditions. Specific reserves against the remaining loan portfolio are based on analysis of historical loan loss ratios, loan chargeoffs, delinquency trends, previous collection experience, and the risk rating on each individual loan along with an assessment of the effects of external economic conditions. "Allowance for Loan Loss Allocation," which is set forth below, indicates the specific reserves allocated by loan type and also the general reserves included in the allowance for loan losses.

        The provision for loan losses is a charge to earnings in the current period to maintain the allowance at a level management has determined to be adequate based upon factors noted above. The Company provided $1,625,000 for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2001, as compared to $1,105,000 for the year ended December 31, 2000. The higher provision was primarily the result of an increase in the coverage ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans to 1.18% as of December 32, 2001 from 1.01% as of December 31, 2000. Management deemed this increase to be prudent to guard against a potential softening and uncertainty in the overall economy.

        As of December 31, 2001 the allowance for loan losses was $5,524,000, as compared with the December 31, 2000 balance of $4,341,000, an increase of $1,183,000 or 27.3%. Net charge-offs of $442,000 and $86,000 were recognized for 2001 and 2000, respectively. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans increased from 0.02% for 2000 to 0.10% in 2001.

        The following table, "Allowance for Loan Losses" summarizes the allowance activities.

28


Allowance for Loan Losses

 
  Years Ended December 31,
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
  1998
  1997
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Allowance for loan losses, beginning of year   $ 4,341   $ 3,322   $ 2,676   $ 1,614   $ 1,242  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Loans charged off:                                
  Commercial     (347 )   (62 )       (88 )    
  Comm/Residential Construction     (50 )           (70 )    
  Commercial Mortgages                      
  Residential Construction-Consumer                      
  Residential Mortgages     (5 )   (24 )           (100 )
  Consumer     (116 )   (12 )   (142 )   (23 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total loans charged off     (518 )   (98 )   (142 )   (181 )   (100 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Recoveries                                
  Commercial     69             9      
  Comm/Residential Construction                      
  Commercial Mortgages                      
  Residential Construction-Consumer                      
  Residential Mortgages     1     4         17      
  Consumer     6     8     3     5      
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total recoveries     76     12     3     31      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Net chargeoffs     (442 )   (86 )   (139 )   (150 )   (100 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses     1,625     1,105     785     1,212     472  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses, end of year   $ 5,524   $ 4,341   $ 3,322   $ 2,676   $ 1,614  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Loans (net of premiums and discounts)                                
  Period-end balance   $ 468,665   $ 429,998   $ 329,528   $ 242,725   $ 144,072  
  Average balance during period     455,780     383,719     301,108     188,156     124,794  
Allowance as percentage of period-end loan balance     1.18 %   1.01 %   1.01 %   1.10 %   1.12 %

Percent of average loans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Provision for loan losses     0.36 %   0.29 %   0.26 %   0.64 %   0.38 %
  Net chargeoffs     0.10 %   0.02 %   0.05 %   0.08 %   0.08 %

        Management's judgment as to the level of future losses on existing loans is based on management's internal review of the loan portfolio, including an analysis of the borrowers' current financial position, the consideration of current and anticipated economic conditions and their potential effects on specific borrowers. In determining the collectibility of certain loans, management also considers the fair value of any underlying collateral. However, management's determination of the appropriate allowance level is based upon a number of assumptions about future events, which are believed to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove valid. Thus, there can be no assurance that charge-offs in future period will not exceed the allowance for loan losses or that additional increases in the allowance for loan losses will not be required. The following table summarizes the allocation of allowance by loan type.

29


        As a result of management's ongoing review of the loan portfolio, loans are classified as nonaccrual even though the presence of collateral or the borrowers financial strength may be sufficient to provide for ultimate repayment. Interest on non-accrual residential real estate loans is recognized only when received.

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses

 
  December 31, 2001
  December 31, 2000
  December 31, 1999
 
  Amount
  Percent
of Total

  Percent of
Loans to
Total
Loans

  Amount
  Percent
of Total

  Percent of
Loans to
Total
Loans

  Amount
  Percent
of Total

  Percent of
Loans to
Total
Loans

Commercial Loans and LOC   $ 1,141   20.7%   13.7%   $ 1,150   26.5%   16.4%   $ 1,264   38.0%   20.7%
Comm/Res Construction     81   1.5%   7.3%     191   4.4%   8.1%     156   4.7%   2.5%
Commercial Mortgages     1,377   24.9%   30.9%     1,106   25.5%   23.6%     892   26.9%   29.7%
Residential Constr-Cons     936   16.9%   26.9%     734   16.9%   19.2%     306   9.2%   10.4%
Residential Mortgages     99   1.8%   11.6%     107   2.5%   23.0%     90   2.7%   26.0%
Consumer     112   2.0%   9.6%     127   2.9%   9.7%     123   3.7%   10.7%
Unallocated     1,778   32.2%       926   21.3%       491   14.8%  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 5,524   100.0%   100.0%   $ 4,341   100.0%   100.0%   $ 3,322   100.0%   100.0%
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  December 31, 1998
  December 31, 1997
 
  Amount
  Percent
of Total

  Percent of
Loans to
Total
Loans

  Amount
  Percent
of Total

  Percent of
Loans to
Total
Loans

Commercial Loans and LOC   $ 622   23.2%   25.8%   $ 226   14.0%   16.8%
Comm/Res Construction     214   8.0%   13.9%     271   16.8%   15.2%
Commercial Mortgages     651   24.3%   19.0%     538   33.3%   34.0%
Residential Constr-Cons     145   5.4%   7.3%     78   4.8%   5.6%
Residential Mortgages     62   2.3%   26.0%     27   1.7%   23.4%
Consumer     68   2.5%   8.0%     17   1.1%   5.0%
Unallocated     914   34.3%       457   28.3%  
   
 
 
 
 
 
Total   $ 2,676   100.0%   100.0%   $ 1,614   100.0%   100.0%
   
 
 
 
 
 

Nonperforming Assets

 
  December 31,
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Loans on nonaccrual basis   $ 1,652   $ 3,172   $ 4,229
Real estate acquired by foreclosure     2,683     3,610     1,360
   
 
 
Total non-performing assets   $ 4,335   $ 6,782   $ 5,589
   
 
 
Loans past-due 90 days or more and accruing   $ 5,257   $ 701   $ 2,062

        As of December 31, 2001, the Company had approximately $1,652,000 in nonaccrual loans, as compared with $3,172,000 at December 31, 2000. The Company held other real estate owned of $2,683,000 at December 31, 2001, compared to $3,610,000 at December 31, 2000. The decrease in nonaccrual loans resulted from the resolution of one large loan of $992,000, which paid off during 2001, while the decline in other real estate owned resulted from increased sales of assets acquired in foreclosure. Nonperforming assets, the total of nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned, decreased to 0.56% of total assets at December 31, 2001 from 1.00% of total assets at December 31, 2000, reflecting the decline in the level of nonperforming assets coupled with higher total assets.

30



        The allowance for loan losses represented 127.4% of nonperforming assets as of December 31, 2001 compared to 64.0% as of December 31, 2000. At December 31, 2001, the allowance for loan losses represented 334.4% of nonaccruing loans compared to 136.9% at December 31, 2000. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate.

Capital Resources

        Stockholders' equity totaled $44,008,000 as of December 31, 2001 as compared to $27,849,000 as of December 31, 2000, an increase of $16,159,000 or 58.0%. The increase resulted from the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $2,179,000, the net retention of earnings of $2,304,000, and the issuance of additional capital of $11,676,000. The change in accumulated other comprehensive loss reflects the increase in value of the Company's available for sale securities. As market interest rates declined throughout 2001 the long term fixed rate nature of these securities resulted in an increase in market valuation. The additional capital of $11,676,000 resulted from a stock offering completed during the fourth quarter of 2001 in the amount of $11,476,000, as well as shares issued under the Company's employee stock purchase plan of $200,000.

        Banking regulatory authorities have implemented strict capital guidelines directly related to the credit risk associated with an institution's assets. Banks and bank holding companies are required to maintain capital levels based on their "risk adjusted" assets so that categories of assets with higher "deemed" credit risks will require more capital support than assets with lower risk. Additionally, capital must be maintained to support certain off-balance sheet instruments.

        To date, the Company has provided its capital requirements mainly through the funds received for its stock offerings. In the future, the Company may consider raising capital from time to time through an offering of common stock or other securities. As reflected in Table 10 "Capital Ratios", the Company exceeded its capital adequacy requirements as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and meet the requirement for "well capitalized" under Federal Banking Regulation. The Company continually monitors its capital adequacy ratios to ensure that the Company exceeds regulatory capital requirements.

        Capital is classified as Tier 1 capital (common stockholders' equity less certain intangible assets plus a portion of the trust preferred securities) and Total Capital (Tier 1 plus the allowed portion of the allowance for loan losses and the portion of trust preferred securities not included in Tier 1 capital). Minimum required levels must at least equal 4% for Tier 1 capital and 8% for Total Capital. In addition, institutions must maintain a minimum of 4% leverage capital ratio (Tier 1 capital to average total assets for the previous quarter).

        The Company's capital position is presented in the following table:

Capital Ratios

 
  December 31,
  Minimum
Requirements
for Capital
Adequacy Purposes

  To be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provision

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
Total capital to risk weighted assets   12.9%   12.3%   14.6%   8.0%   10.0%
Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets   10.7%   9.0%   10.5%   4.0%   6.0%
Tier 1 capital leverage ratio   8.0%   6.0%   6.4%   4.0%   5.0%

        The Bank also maintains capital levels which qualify for "Well Capitalized" status under current regulatory guidelines. See note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for more detailed information on the Bank's capital adequacy ratios.

31



Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity

        Interest rate sensitivity is an important factor in the management of the composition and maturity configurations of earning assets and funding sources. The primary objective of asset/liability management is to ensure the steady growth of the Company's primary earnings component, net interest income. Net interest income can fluctuate with significant interest rate movements. To lessen the impact of interest rate movements, management endeavors to structure the statement of financial condition so that repricing opportunities exist for both assets and liabilities in roughly equivalent amounts at approximately the same time intervals. Imbalances in these repricing opportunities at any point in time constitute interest rate sensitivity.

        The measurement of the Company's interest rate sensitivity, or "gap," is one of the principal techniques used in asset/liability management. Interest sensitive gap is the dollar difference between assets and liabilities which are subject to interest rate pricing within a given time period, including both floating rate or adjustable rate instruments and instruments which are approaching maturity.

        The Company's management and the board of directors oversee the asset/liability management function and meet periodically to monitor and manage the statement of financial condition, control interest rate exposure, and evaluate pricing strategies for the Company. The asset mix of the statement of financial condition is continually evaluated in terms of several variables: yield, credit quality, appropriate funding sources and liquidity. Management of the liability mix of the statement of financial condition focuses on expanding the various funding sources.

        In theory, interest rate risk can be diminished by maintaining a nominal level of interest rate sensitivity. In practice, this is made difficult by a number of factors including cyclical variation in loan demand, different impacts on interest-sensitive assets and liabilities when interest rates change, and the availability of funding sources. Accordingly, the Company undertakes to manage the interest rate sensitivity gap by adjusting the maturity of and establishing rates on the earning asset portfolio and certain interest-bearing liabilities commensurate with management's expectations relative to market interest rates. Additionally, management may employ the use of off balance sheet instruments, such as interest rate swap or caps, to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. Management generally attempts to maintain a balance between rate-sensitive assets and liabilities as the exposure period is lengthened to minimize the overall interest rate risk to the Company.

        The interest rate sensitivity position as of December 31, 2001 is presented in the table, "Rate Sensitivity Analysis" below. Assets and liabilities are scheduled based on maturity or repricing data except for mortgage loans and mortgage backed securities which are based on prevailing prepayments assumptions and core deposits which are based on core deposit studies done for banks in the Mid-Atlantic region The difference between rate-sensitive assets and rate-sensitive liabilities or the interest rate sensitivity gap, is shown at the bottom of the table. As of December 31, 2001, the Company's interest sensitive assets exceeded interest sensitive assets within a one year period by $121,911,000 or 15.7% of total assets. As of December 31, 2000, interest rate sensitive liabilities exceeded interest-sensitive assets by $32,517,000 or 4.8%. The change in the interest rate sensitivity gap occurred due to growth in core deposits which are less rate sensitive, growth in time deposits with maturities in excess of one year, which funded increases in short term investments and interest bearing deposits, and growth in loans with maturities or repricing opportunities less than one year.

        In addition to the use of interest rate sensitivity reports, the Company tests its interest rate sensitivity through the deployment of simulation analysis. Earnings simulation models are used to estimate what effect specific interest rate changes would have the Company's net interest income and net income. Derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate caps, are included in the analysis. Changes in prepayments have been included where changes in behavior patterns are assumed to be significant to the simulation, particularly mortgage related assets. Call features on certain securities and borrowings are based on their call probability in view of the projected rate change. At December 31,

32



2001, the Company's estimated earnings sensitivity profile reflected minimal sensitivity to interest rate changes. Based on an assumed increase of 200 basis points over a one year period, the Company's net interest income would decrease by 4% if rates were to decrease, and it would increase by 3% if rates were to increase.

        The Bank purchased an interest rate cap during 2000 to hedge a portion of its' borrowing position, and thereby protect a portion of the Bank's exposure to increasing interest rates. The interest rate cap purchased had a notional amount of $50,000,000, a maturity of March 22, 2002 and is based on a cap rate of 6.75%. The notional amount represents the unit of measure to determine payment, and is not an exchange of principal. Any credit risk is equal to the fair value of the cap if the counterparty fails to perform, which is usually a small percentage of the notional amount. Counterparty risk in mitigated by executing transactions with highly rated counterparties using International Derivatives Association Master Agreements. Cap payments are quarterly, and are based upon 3-month LIBOR (London Inter Bank Offering Rate). To the degree 3 month LIBOR exceeds 6.75% at the quarterly measurement periods, the Bank receives payments based on the difference between 3-month LIBOR and the cap rate of 6.75% with the notional amount representing the unit of measure to determine the payment. The interest rate cap was originally purchased for $127,500. As of December 31, 2001, the carrying value of the interest rate cap equaled the fair value of $0, which represents the risk of loss due to failure of the counterparty to perform.

Rate Sensititivity Analysis

 
  As of December 31, 2001
 
  180 Days
or Less

  181 Days–
One Year

  One–Five
Years

  Five–Ten
Years

  Longer Than
10 Years
or Non-
Sensitive

  Total
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets:                                    
  Interest-bearing deposits   $ 38,816   $   $   $   $   $ 38,816
  Investment securities     12,918     8,881     45,456     16,085     36,513     119,853
  Loans held for sale     83,276                     83,276
  Loans     228,495     42,009     151,246     35,657     11,258     468,665
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total interest-earnings assets   $ 363,505   $ 50,890   $ 196,702   $ 51,742   $ 47,771   $ 710,610
   
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabiltities:                                    
  Savings   $ 1,764   $ 1,774   $ 14,513   $ 18,788   $   $ 36,839
  NOW accounts     1,136     1,139     2,287     18,711     24,417     47,690
  Money market accounts     169,244     1,948     16,120             187,312
  Certificates     63,015     29,140     147,709             239,864
  Borrowings     23,324         25,000     60,000     21,450     129,774
   
 
 
 
 
 
    Total interest-bearing liabilities   $ 258,483   $ 34,001   $ 205,629   $ 97,499   $ 45,867   $ 641,479
   
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate sensitive gap   $ 105,022   $ 16,889   $ (8,927 ) $ (45,757 ) $ 1,904   $ 69,131
   
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative interest rate gap   $ 105,022   $ 121,911   $ 112,984   $ 62,227   $ 69,131      
   
 
 
 
 
     
Ratio of rate sensitive assets to rate sensitive liabilities     141%     150%     96%     53%     104%      
   
 
 
 
 
     

33


        Liquidity describes the ability of the Company and the Bank to meet the financial obligations that arise out of the ordinary course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of the Bank's customers and to fund current and planned expenditures. Liquidity is derived from increased customer deposits, the maturity distribution of the investment portfolio, loan repayment and income from earning assets. The Company's loan to deposit ratio was 78.0% and 90.2% for December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Funds received from new and existing depositors, provided a large source of liquidity for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000. The Bank seeks to rely primarily on core deposits from customers to provide stable and cost-effective sources of funding to support loan growth. The Bank also seeks to augment such deposits with longer term and higher yielding certificates of deposit. CD's of $100,000 or more are summarized by maturity in the table: "Maturity of Time Deposits $100,000 or More", below. To the extent that deposits are not adequate to fund customer loan demand, liquidity needs can be met in the short-term funds market. Longer term funding requirements can be obtained through advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"). The Bank maintains lines of credit with the FHLB of $150,000,000, with a remaining availability of $90,000,000. The Bank maintains other lines of credit with a remaining availability of $183,777,000.

        The Bank's investment securities portfolio includes $87,057,000 of mortgage-backed securities which provide significant cash flow each month. The entire investment portfolio is classified as available for sale, is highly marketable, and available to meet liquidity needs. The Bank's residential real estate portfolio includes loans, which are underwritten to secondary market criteria and provide an additional source of liquidity. Approximately $31,831,000 of residential real estate loans were sold into the secondary market in 2001. Additionally, the Bank's residential construction loan portfolio provides a source of liquidity as construction periods generally range from 6–12 months, and these loans are subsequently financed with permanent first mortgages and sold into the secondary market. Management is not aware of any known trends, demands, commitments, or uncertainties that are reasonably likely to result in material changes in liquidity.

Deposits

        The Bank uses deposits as the primary source of funding of its loans. The following table describes the maturity of time deposits of $100,000 or more at the dates indicated.

Maturity of Time Deposits $100,000 or More

 
  December 31,
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

Under 3 months   $ 6,557   $ 7,905   $ 4,600
3 to 6 months     8,111     6,031     6,261
6 to 12 months     8,632     10,371     5,870
Over 12 months     38,032     16,038     18,327
   
 
 
Total   $ 61,332   $ 40,345   $ 35,058
   
 
 

        The Bank offers individuals and businesses a wide variety of accounts. These balance include checking, savings, money market and CD's and are obtained primarily from communities which the Bank serves. The Bank holds no brokered deposits. The following table details the average amount, the average rate paid and the percentage of each category to total deposit for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999.

34



Average Deposit Composition and Cost

 
  Year Ended December 31, 2001
 
  Average
Balance

  Average
Rate

  Percent
of Total

 
  (Dollars
in thousands)

   
   
NOW & money market savings deposits   $ 214,708   3.22%   41.7%
Regular savings deposits     33,578   1.98%   6.5%
Time deposits     194,534   5.55%   37.8%
   
     
Total interest-bearing deposits     442,820   4.15%   86.0%
   
     
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     72,358     14.0%
   
     
Total deposits   $ 515,178   3.57%   100.0%
   
     
 
  Year Ended December 31, 2000
 
  Average
Balance

  Average
Rate

  Percent
of Total

 
  (Dollars
in thousands)

   
   
NOW & money market savings deposits   $ 178,115   4.72%   41.9%
Regular savings deposits     27,376   2.78%   6.5%
Time deposits     161,904   5.57%   38.1%
   
     
Total interest-bearing deposits     367,395   4.95%   86.5%
   
     
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     57,377     13.5%
   
     
Total deposits   $ 424,772   4.28%   100.0%
   
     
 
  Year Ended December 31, 1999
 
  Average
Balance

  Average
Rate

  Percent
of Total

 
  (Dollars
in thousands)

   
   
NOW & money market savings deposits   $ 129,885   3.72%   40.7%
Regular savings deposits     19,140   2.76%   6.0%
Time deposits     123,228   5.23%   38.7%
   
     
Total interest-bearing deposits     272,253   4.33%   85.4%
   
     
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits     46,473     14.6%
   
     
Total deposits   $ 318,726   3.70%   100.0%
   
     

        Total deposits as of December 31, 2001 were $600,588,000 compared to $476,882,000 as of December 31, 2000, an increase of $123,706,000. Rates paid on deposits decreased significantly with the overall increase in market interest rates. All categories of deposits increased, with the largest growth occurring in money market and time deposits. These increases reflect management's growth strategy, which includes significant marketing and promotion, cross-selling, product development, and the development of a bank branch network. The mix of deposits changed little during 2001 with NOW, money market savings, and time deposits comprising 80% of total deposits.

35


Investment Securities

        The following table presents the composition of the Company's securities portfolio as of December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999:

 
  December 31,
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  (in thousands)

Investment securities—available for sale:                  
Mortgage-backed securities   $ 87,057   $ 126,985   $ 163,734
Trust preferred securities     24,594     20,140     20,536
US Government agency bonds         5,008     4,836
US Treasury securities     1,014     1,008    
Equity securities     2,624     2,994     2,439
Other investment securities     4,564     600     350
   
 
 
Total investment securities—available-for-sale   $ 119,853   $ 156,735   $ 191,895
   
 
 

Borrowings and Repurchase Agreements

        Borrowings consist of short-term promissory notes issued to certain qualified investors and advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB"). The short-term promissory notes are in the form of commercial paper, which reprice daily and have maturities of 270 days or less. Advances from FHLB may be in the form of short term or long term obligations. Short-term advances have maturities for one year or less and can be paid without penalty. Long-term borrowings through the FHLB have original maturities up to five years and generally contain prepayment penalties.

        Total borrowings decreased by $15,842,000 or 16.0%. Short-term advances from the FHLB of $5,775,000 were paid off during 2001, while long-term advances were reduced by $5,000,000. Short-term promissory notes decreased by $4,550,000.

        Repurchase agreements may be short-term or long-term, are priced at origination and cannot be prepaid. Total repurchase agreements decreased $23,399,000. All short-term repurchase agreement were paid off as agreed during 2001. Long-term repurchase agreements increased $15,000,000. See note 8 of the consolidated financial statements for more information concerning borrowings and repurchase agreements.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

        The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto presented elsewhere herein have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time and due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of the Company's operations. Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all the assets of the Company are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on the Company's performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the price of goods and services.

Financial Review 2000/1999

        For the year ended December 31 2000, the Company recorded net income of $640,000 or $0.20 per basic share, compared to net income of $877,000 income or $0.28 per basic share in 1999. Results for 2000 reflect the cost increases associated with the Company's expansion strategy, as well as an increase in the provision for loan losses.

36



        Net interest income for 2000 increased $3,187,000 or 18.1% from 1999, primarily due to growth in average earning assets of $93,100,000 or 17.8% over the prior year. The net interest margin increased 1 basis point from 3.38% to 3.39%.

        The provision for loan losses increased from $785,000 in 1999 to $1,105,000 in 2000. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2000 represented 1.01%, the same as the ratio for December 31, 1999. Net chargeoffs were $86,000 in 2000 compared to $139,000 in 1999.

        Total noninterest income increased 25.3% to $9,105,000. The increase was mostly due to an increase in service fees on deposits and ATM fees of 34.2% as a result of increases in demand deposit account volume of 26.3% and some pricing increases. Other operating income increased 48.1% due primarily to increased mortgage banking fees, higher loan fees, and miscellaneous cash management fees. Gain on sale of loans declined by $331,000 or 17.4%. While total originations of mortgage loans increased, fewer loans were sold into the secondary market.

        The Company's noninterest expense growth was 22.2% to $27,798,000 in 2000. Salaries and benefits increased 16.7% to $13,367,000 as a result of additional staffing in the retail branches and mortgage banking offices due to the Bank's expansion programs. Also, additional employees were added to support the loan and deposit growth. Occupancy cost grew by 32.8% or $964,000. This increase was due to the additional branches as well as additional space requirement at the operations facility, due to staff expansion. Advertising expense grew by $33,000 or 3.2% as most major advertising programs were continued in 2000. The increase in other expenses is primarily due to additional branch locations, expansion of the mortgage company, and higher volume of loans, deposits and transactions.

        The Company recorded an income tax expense of $400,000 in 2000, compared to $510,000 recorded in 1999. The effective income tax rate for 2000 was 38.5% compared to 36.8% for 1999. The effective tax rate increased due to the recognition for financial statement purposes of the remaining benefit of operating loss carryforwards for Federal income taxes in 1999.

ITEM 7A    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        See "Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity" in Item 7 on pages 32 and 33 of this Form 10-K.

ITEM 8    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

37


[STEGMAN & COMPANY LOGO]

The Board of Directors and Stockholders
First Mariner Bancorp
Baltimore, Maryland

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of First Mariner Bancorp and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

        In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

     
    /s/ Stegman & Company

Baltimore, Maryland
February 8, 2002

 

 

38


[KPMG LOGO]


Independent Auditors' Report

The Board of Directors
First Mariner Bancorp:

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows of First Mariner Bancorp and subsidiaries (the "Company") for the year ended December 31, 1999. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.

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

        In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of their operations and their cash flows of First Mariner Bancorp and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Baltimore, Maryland
January 28, 2000

39


FIRST MARINER BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
ASSETS              
Cash and due from banks   $ 32,764   $ 19,095  
Interest-bearing deposits     38,618     6,344  
Available-for-sale securities, at fair value     119,853     156,735  
Loans held for sale     83,276     35,821  
Loans receivable     468,665     429,998  
Allowance for loan losses     (5,524 )   (4,341 )
   
 
 
Loans, net     463,141     425,657  
Other real estate owned     2,683     3,610  
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock, at cost     4,000     4,539  
Property and equipment, net     14,558     14,263  
Accrued interest receivable     4,137     4,413  
Deferred income taxes     2,497     3,368  
Prepaid expenses and other assets     12,338     3,604  
   
 
 
  Total assets   $ 777,865   $ 677,449  
   
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY              
Liabilities:              
  Deposits   $ 600,588   $ 476,882  
  Borrowings     83,324     99,166  
  Repurchase agreements     25,000     48,399  
  Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the Company     21,450     21,450  
  Accrued expenses and other liabilities     3,495     3,703  
   
 
 
  Total liabilities     733,857     649,600  
   
 
 
Stockholders' equity:              
  Common stock, $.05 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 5,367,270 and 3,610,808 shares issued and outstanding, respectively     268     181  
Additional paid-in capital     47,692     36,103  
Accumulated deficit     (2,949 )   (5,253 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (1,003 )   (3,182 )
   
 
 
  Total stockholders' equity     44,008     27,849  
   
 
 
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 777,865   $ 677,449  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

40


FIRST MARINER BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 
  For the Years Ended December 31,

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Interest income:                  
  Loans   $ 43,389   $ 36,881   $ 26,719
  Investment securities and other earning assets     9,641     14,497     13,754
   
 
 
Total interest income     53,030     51,378     40,473
   
 
 
Interest expense:                  
  Deposits     18,384     18,188     11,797
  Borrowed funds and other     9,004     12,352     11,025
   
 
 
Total interest expense     27,388     30,540     22,822
   
 
 
Net interest income     25,642     20,838     17,651
Provision for loan losses     1,625     1,105     785
   
 
 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses     24,017     19,733     16,866
   
 
 
Noninterest income:                  
  Gain on sale of loans     1,912     1,576     1,907
  Service fees on deposits     4,091     3,504     2,603
  ATM Fees     1,635     1,457     1,093
  Gain on sale of investment securities, net     36     359     241
  Other mortgage banking fees     1,991     1,586     827
  Other     1,308     623     593
   
 
 
Total noninterest income     10,973     9,105     7,264
   
 
 
Noninterest expenses:                  
  Salaries and employee benefits     14,629     13,367     11,458
  Net occupancy     4,478     3,903     2,939
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment     2,088     1,662     1,271
  Professional services     858     601     328
  Advertising     1,079     1,061     1,028
  Data processing     1,587     1,645     1,332
  Other     6,577     5,559     4,387
   
 
 
Total noninterest expenses     31,296     27,798     22,743
   
 
 
Income before income taxes     3,694     1,040     1,387
Income tax expense     1,390     400     510
   
 
 
Net income   $ 2,304   $ 640   $ 877
   
 
 
Net income per common share:                  
  Basic   $ 0.58   $ 0.20   $ 0.28
  Diluted     0.57     0.20     0.26

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

41


FIRST MARINER BANCORP

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

 
  For the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999

 
 
  Number of
Shares of
Common
Stock

  Common
Stock

  Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  Accumulated
Deficit

  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income

  Total
Stockholders'
Equity

 
Balance at January 1, 1999   3,166,813   $ 158   $ 34,394   $ (6,517 ) $ 453   $ 28,488  
Net income               877         877  
Other comprehensive (loss)                   (7,312 )   (7,312 )
Cash dividends               (190 )       (190 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 1999   3,166,813     158     34,394     (5,830 )   (6,859 )   21,863  
Common stock issued, net
of costs of issuance
  443,995     23     1,709             1,732  
Net income               640         640  
Other comprehensive income                   3,677     3,677  
Cash dividends               (63 )       (63 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2000   3,610,808     181     36,103     (5,253 )   (3,182 )   27,849  
Common stock issued, net of costs of issuance   1,756,462     87     11,589             11,676  
Net income               2,304         2,304  
Other comprehensive income                   2,179     2,179  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2001   5,367,270   $ 268   $ 47,692   $ (2,949 ) $ (1,003 ) $ 44,008  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

42


FIRST MARINER BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
  For The Year Ended December 31,

 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:                    
Net income   $ 2,304   $ 640   $ 877  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
used by operating activities:
                   
  Depreciation and amortization     2,560     2,056     1,555  
  Capitalizated interest     (25 )   (66 )    
  Amortization of unearned loan fees and costs, net     (1,496 )   (422 )   (490 )
  Amortization of premiums and discounts on loans     16     27     40  
  Amortization of premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities, net     434     221     269  
  Gain on securities     (36 )   (359 )   (241 )
  Loss on other real estate owned     (9 )       21  
  Valuation allowance of other real estate owned     342          
  Deferred income taxes     392     137     9  
  Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable     276     (1,101 )   (657 )
  Provision for loan losses     1,625     1,105     785  
  Net increase in mortgage loans held-for-sale     (47,455 )   (9,522 )   (4,978 )
  Net increase (decrease) loan sales received in advance         (14,458 )   14,458  
  Net (decrease) increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities     434     1,077     (1,448 )
  Net increase in prepaids and other assets     (10,160 )   (1,160 )   (481 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (50,798 )   (21,825 )   9,719  
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:                    
  Loan disbursements, net of principal repayments     (38,443 )   (102,816 )   (86,592 )
  Purchases of property and equipment     (2,830 )   (5,953 )   (4,325 )
  Sales (purchases) of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock     539     (174 )   (1,130 )
  Purchases of available for sale securities     (22,398 )   (18,942 )   (56,937 )
  Sales of available for sale securities     16,197     42,549     12,727  
  Principal repayments of available for sale securities     33,127     17,918     28,071  
  Maturities of available for sale securities     13,000          
  Maturities of investment securities             5,502  
  Construction disbursements-other real estate owned     (593 )   (237 )   (471 )
  Sales of other real estate owned     2,001     642     823  
   
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     600     (67,013 )   (102,332 )
   
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:                    
  Net increase in deposits     123,706     108,131     106,440  
  Net increase (decrease) in other borrowings     (28,466 )   (22,834 )   (16,840 )
  Proceeds from advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta     244,500     275,275     142,500  
  Repayment of advances from Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta     (255,275 )   (291,800 )   (119,900 )
  Proceeds from stock issuance, net     11,676     1,732      
  Cash dividends         (63 )   (190 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities     96,141     70,441     112,010  
   
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     45,943     (18,397 )   19,397  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     25,439     43,836     24,439  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 71,382   $ 25,439   $ 43,836  
   
 
 
 
Supplemental information:                    
  Interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds   $ 27,827   $ 30,280   $ 22,556  
  Real estate acquired in satisfaction of loans     814     2,665     100  
  Income taxes paid     1,980     483     495  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

43


FIRST MARINER BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999

(1)  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a)  Organization and Basis of Presentation

        First Mariner Bancorp (the "Company") is a bank holding company incorporated under the laws of Maryland and registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company was organized as "MarylandsBank Corp." in May 1994, and the Company's name was changed to "First Mariner Bancorp" in May 1995. The Company owns 100% of common stock of First Mariner Bank (the "Bank").

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to conform with classifications made in 2001.

        Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses. In connection with these determinations, management evaluates historical trends and ratios and where appropriate obtains independent appraisals for significant properties and prepares fair value analyses.

(b)  Loan Fees

        Origination and commitment fees and direct origination costs on loans held for investment are deferred and amortized to income over the contractual lives of the related loans using the interest method. Under certain circumstances, commitment fees are recognized over the commitment period or upon expiration of the commitment. Fees to extend loans three months or less are recognized in income upon receipt. Unamortized loan fees are recognized in income when the related loans are sold or prepaid.

(c)  Sales of Mortgage Loans

        Loans originated for sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. Market value is determined based on outstanding investor commitments or, in the absence of such commitments, based on current investor yield requirements. Gains and losses on loan sales are determined using the specific identification method.

(d)  Investment Securities

        Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and recorded at amortized cost. Debt and equity securities are classified as trading securities if bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Trading securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Debt securities not classified as held to maturity and debt and equity securities not classified as trading securities are considered available for sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and

44



losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders' equity, net of tax effects, in accumulated other comprehensive income.

        The Company designates securities into one of the three categories at the time of purchase. If a decline in value of an individual security classified as held to maturity or available for sale is judged to be other than temporary, the cost basis of that security is reduced to its fair value and the amount of the write-down is reflected in earnings. Fair value is determined based on bid prices published in financial newspapers or bid quotations received from securities dealers. Gains or losses on the sales of investments is calculated using a specific identification basis and is determined on a trade-date basis. Premiums and discounts on investment and mortgage-backed securities are amortized over the term of the security using methods that approximate the interest method.

(e)  Other Real Estate Owned

        Other real estate owned is recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value on their acquisition dates and at the lower of such initial amount or estimated fair value less selling costs thereafter. Subsequent write-downs are included in noninterest expense, along with operating income net of related expenses of such properties and gains or losses realized upon disposition.

(f)    Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are accumulated using straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Additions and betterments are capitalized and charges for repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization is eliminated from the accounts when an asset is sold or retired and the resultant gain or loss is credited or charged to income.

(g)  Loans

        Loans are stated at their principal balance outstanding net of related deferred fees and costs. Interest income on loans is accrued at the contractual rate based on the principal outstanding. Loans are placed in nonaccrual status when they are past due 90 days as to either principal or interest, unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection or earlier when, in the opinion of management, the collection of principal and interest is in doubt. A loan remains in nonaccrual status until the loan is current as to payment of both principal and interest and the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay and remain current. Loans are charged-off when a loan or a portion thereof is considered uncollectible.

        The Company identifies impaired loans and measures impairment (i) at the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate; (ii) at the observable market price, or (iii) at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. If the measure of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, an impairment loss is recognized through a valuation allowance and corresponding charge to provision for loan losses. The Company does not apply these provisions to larger groups of smaller-balance homogeneous loans such as consumer installment, residential first and second mortgage loans and credit card loans. These loans are collectively evaluated for impairment.

        A loan is determined to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the

45



loan agreement. A loan is not considered impaired during a period of delay in payment if the Company expects to collect all amounts due, including interest past-due. The Company generally considers a period of delay in payment to include delinquency up to 90 days.

        When the ultimate collectibility of an impaired loan's principal is in doubt, wholly or partially, all cash receipts are applied to principal. Once the recorded principal balance has been reduced to zero, future cash receipts are applied to interest income, to the extent any interest has been foregone, and then they are recorded as recoveries of any amounts previously charged off. When this doubt no longer exists, cash receipts are applied under the contractual terms of the loan agreements.

(h)  Allowance for Loan Losses

        The allowance for loan losses represents an amount which, in management's judgment, will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. The allowance for loan losses consists of an allocated component and an unallocated component. The components of the allowance for loan losses represent an estimation done pursuant to either Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies, or SFAS No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan. The adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is determined through careful and continuous review and evaluation of the loan portfolio and involves the balancing of factors as outlined below to establish a prudent level. Loans deemed uncollectible are charged against, while recoveries are credited to, the allowance. Management adjusts the level of the allowance through the provision for loan losses, which is recorded as a current period operating expense. The Company's methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of several key elements, which include the formula allowance, specific allowance and the unallocated allowance.

        The formula allowance is calculated by applying loss factors to corresponding categories of outstanding homogenious loans. Loss factors are based on the Company's historical loss experience. The use of these loss factors is intended to reduce the difference between estimated losses inherent in the portfolio and observed losses.

        Specific allowances are established in cases where management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related to a loan that leads management to believe the probability that a loss may be incurred in an amount different from the amount determined by formula allowance calculation. Management assigns a grade to each loan in this category based on an evaluation of each individual loan. Loss factors are set by management to reflect its assessment of the relative level of risk inherent in each grade.

        The unallocated allowance is based upon management's evaluation of various conditions that are not directly measured in the determination of the formula and specific allowances. Such conditions include general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit quality trends (including trends in delinquencies and nonperforming loans expected to result from existing conditions), loan volumes and concentrations, specific industry conditions within portfolio categories, recent loss experience in particular loan categories, duration of the current business cycle, bank regulatory examination results, findings of internal loan examiners, and management's judgment with respect to various other conditions including loan administration and management and the quality of risk identification systems. Executive management reviews these conditions quarterly.

        Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. However, the determination of the allowance requires significant judgment, and estimates of probable losses inherent in the loan

46



portfolio can vary significantly from the amounts actually observed. While management uses available information to recognize probable losses, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in the loans comprising the loan and lease portfolio and changes in the financial condition of borrowers which may result from changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies; as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank's loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses. Such review may result in recognition of additions to the allowance based on their judgments of information available to them at the time of their examination.

(i)    Comprehensive Income

        Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders' equity during a period, except those relating to investments by and distributions to stockholders. The Company's comprehensive income consists of net earnings and unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale and is presented in note 17. Accumulated other comprehensive income is displayed as a separate component of stockholders' equity.

(j)    Income Taxes

        Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided on income and expense items when they are reported for financial statement purposes in periods different from the periods in which these items are recognized in the income tax returns. Deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that such amounts will be realized based upon consideration of available evidence, including tax planning strategies and other factors.

(k)  Statements of Cash Flows

        The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

(l)    Net Income Per Share

        Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS is computed after adjusting the numerator and denominator of the basis EPS computation for the effect of all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period. The dilutive effects of options, warrants and their equivalents are computed under the "treasury stock" method.

(m)  Stock-Based Compensation

        The Company uses the intrinsic value method to account for stock-based employee compensation plans. Under this method, compensation cost is recognized for awards of shares of common stock to employees only if the quoted market price of the stock at the grant date (or other measurement date, if later) is greater than the amount the employee must pay to acquire the stock. Information concerning the pro forma effects of using an optional fair value-based method to account for stock-based employee compensation plans is provided in note 10.

47



(n)  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

        Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method over the fair value of the net assets at dates of acquisition and other identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis.

(o)  Loan Servicing

        The cost of mortgage servicing rights is amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, estimated net servicing revenue. Impairment of mortgage servicing rights is assessed based on the fair value of those rights. Fair values are estimated using discounted cash flows based on a current market interest rate. The amount of the impairment recognized is the amount by which the capitalized mortgage servicing rights exceed their fair value.

        When participating interests in loans sold have an average contractual interest rate, adjusted for normal servicing fees, that differs from the agreed yield to the purchaser, gains or losses are recognized equal to the present value of such differential over the estimated remaining life of such loans. The resulting "excess servicing receivable" or "deferred servicing revenue" is amortized over the estimated life using a method approximating the interest method.

        Quoted market prices are not available for the excess servicing receivables. Thus, the excess servicing receivables and the amortization thereon are periodically evaluated in relation to estimated future servicing revenue, taking into consideration changes in interest rates, current repayment rates, and expected future cash flows. The Company evaluates the carrying value of the excess servicing receivables by estimating the future servicing income of the excess servicing receivables based on management's best estimate of remaining loan lives and discounted at the original discount rate.

(2)  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

        In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity. SFAS No. 133, as amended by SFAS No. 137 and No. 138, established accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires that an entity recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. SFAS No. 133 as amended did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141) and No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS No. 142). SFAS No. 141 changes the accounting for business combinations, requiring that all business combinations be accounted for using the purchase method and that intangible assets be recognized as assets apart from goodwill if they arise from contractual or other legal rights, or if they are separable or capable of being separated from the acquired entity and sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged. SFAS No. 142 specifies the financial accounting and reporting for acquired goodwill and other intangible assets. Goodwill and intangible assets that have indefinite useful lives will not be amortized but rather will be tested at least annually for impairment. SFAS No. 142 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001.

        SFAS No. 142 requires that the useful lives of intangible assets acquired on or before June 30, 2001 be reassessed and the remaining amortization periods adjusted accordingly. Previously recognized

48



intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives shall be tested for impairment. Management does not expect the impact of SFAS No. 142 to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143 addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations associated with the retirement of intangible long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement costs and is effective for the fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Management does not expect the impact of SFAS No. 143 to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

        In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. SFAS No. 144 amends SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, and establishes a single accounting model for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. SFAS No. 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Management does not expect the impact of SFAS No. 144 to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

(3)  Restrictions on Cash and Due From Banks

        The Bank is required by the Federal Reserve System to maintain certain cash reserve balances based principally on deposit liabilities. At both December 31, 2001 and 2000, the required reserve balances were $275,000.

(4)  Available-for-sale securities

        The composition of available-for-sale securities and maturities, where applicable, are as follows at December 31:

 
  2001
 
  Amortized Cost
  Unrealized Gains
  Unrealized Losses
  Estimated Fair Value
 
  (in thousands)

Available for sale securities:                        
  Mortgage-backed securities   $ 87,387   $ 217   $ 547   $ 87,057
  Trust preferred securities—due after 10 years     26,268     286     1,960     24,594
  Equity securities     2,142     584     104     2,622
  U.S. Treasury Securities-due one year     1,000     14         1,014
  Corporate Notes due after one year through five years     2,047     4         2,051
  Other bonds and annuities—due after five years through ten years     2,515             2,515
   
 
 
 
    $ 121,359   $ 1,105   $ 2,611   $ 119,853
   
 
 
 
 
  2000
 
  Amortized
Cost

  Unrealized
Gains

  Unrealized
Losses

  Estimated
Fair
Value

 
  (in thousands)

Available for sale securities:                        
  Mortgage-backed securities   $ 128,762   $ 15   $ 1,792   $ 126,985
  Trust preferred securities-due after 10 years     23,275     42     3,177     20,140
  Equity securities     3,048     240     294     2,994
  U.S. Treasury Securities-due one year     999     9         1,008
  Other bonds—due after five years through ten years     5,598     11     1     5,608
   
 
 
 
    $ 161,682   $ 317   $ 5,264   $ 156,735
   
 
 
 

49


        Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities as issuers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations without penalty.

        During 2001, 2000 and 1999, the Company recognized gross gains on sale of securities of $91,000, $359,000 and $267,000, respectively and gross losses of $55,000, $0 and $26,000, respectively.

        At December 31, 2001, available for sale securities with an aggregate carrying value (fair value) of approximately $49,574,000 were pledged as collateral for borrowings under repurchase agreements.

(5)  Loans Receivable

        Approximately 90% of the Company's loans receivable are to customers located in the State of Maryland. Loans are extended only after evaluation by management of customers' creditworthiness and other relevant factors on a case-by-case basis. The Company generally does not lend more than 90% of the appraised value of a property and requires private mortgage insurance on residential mortgages with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80%. In addition, the Company generally obtains personal guarantees of repayment from borrowers and/or others for construction, commercial and multi-family residential loans and disburses the proceeds of construction and similar loans only as work progresses on the related projects.

        Residential lending is generally considered to involve less risk than other forms of lending, although payment experience on these loans is dependent to some extent on economic and market conditions in the Company's primary lending area. Commercial and construction loan repayments are generally dependent on the operations of the related properties or the financial condition of its borrower or guarantor. Accordingly, repayment of such loans can be more susceptible to adverse conditions in the real estate market and the regional economy.

        Loans receivable are summarized as follows at December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Loans secured by first mortgages on real estate:              
  Residential   $ 54,625   $ 99,038  
  Commercial     145,547     102,080  
  Consumer residential construction     126,246     82,453  
  Construction, net of undisbursed principle     34,668     35,198  
   
 
 
      361,086     318,769  

Commercial

 

 

64,295

 

 

70,828

 
Loans secured by second mortgages on real estate     28,399     22,412  
Consumer loans     14,814     17,824  
Loans secured by deposits and other     1,168     1,131  
   
 
 
  Total loans     469,762     430,964  
   
 
 
Unamortized loan premiums     5     20  
Unearned loan fees, net     (1,102 )   (986 )
   
 
 
    $ 468,665   $ 429,998  
   
 
 

50


        Nonaccrual loans totaled approximately $1,652,000, $3,172,000 and $4,229,000 at December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. The interest income which would have been recorded in 2001, 2000 and 1999 under the original terms of loans in nonaccrual status was approximately $168,000, $302,000 and $271,000, respectively. The actual interest income recorded on these loans in 2001, 2000 and 1999 was approximately $52,000, $32,000 and $30,000 respectively.

        Impaired loans totaled $980,000 and $2,818,000 at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, and were all collateral dependent loans. Collateral dependent loans are measured based in fair value of the collateral. The valuation allowance for impaired loans was $147,000 and $590,000 at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

        The average recorded investment in impaired loans was approximately $2,031,000, $3,426,000 and $1,279,000 at December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively, and no income has been accrued or collected on these loans while they have been classified as impaired.

        Changes in the allowance for losses on loans are summarized as follows:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Balance at beginning of year   $ 4,341   $ 3,322   $ 2,676  
Provisions for loan losses     1,625     1,105     785  
Charge-offs, net of recoveries     (442 )   (86 )   (139 )
   
 
 
 
  Balance at end of year   $ 5,524   $ 4,341   $ 3,322  
   
 
 
 

        Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers, provided that terms and conditions established in the related contracts are met. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company had commitments to originate first mortgage loans on real estate of approximately $83,342,000 and $53,117,000, respectively, all of which were committed for sale in the secondary market.

        At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the Company also had commitments to loan funds under unused home equity lines of credit aggregating approximately $20,453,000 and $14,903,000, respectively, and unused commercial lines of credit as well as unfunded construction commitment aggregating approximately $85,923,000 and $92,933,000, respectively. Such commitments carry a floating rate of interest.

        Commitments for first mortgage loans generally expire within 60 days and are normally funded with loan principal repayments, excess liquidity and deposits. Since certain of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

        Substantially all of the Company's outstanding commitments at December 31, 2001 and 2000, are for loans which would be secured by real estate with appraised values in excess of the commitment amounts. The Company's exposure to credit loss under these contracts in the event of non-performance by the other parties, assuming that the collateral proves to be of no value, is represented by the commitment amounts.

        During the ordinary course of business, the Company makes loans to its directors and their affiliates and several policy making officers on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing for comparable transactions with other customers. Loans outstanding, both direct and indirect, to directors, their affiliates, and policy making officers totaled $2,957,000, and

51



$5,012,000 at December 31, 2001, and 2000, respectively. During 2001, $224,000 of new loans were made and repayments totaled $2,279,000; in 2000, $705,000 of new loans and advances of existing loans were made and repayments totaled $2,735,000.

        The Company retains servicing on certain loans it sold into the secondary market. At December 31, 2001 and 2000, the servicing portfolio totaled $18,766,000 and $10,063,000 respectively. Servicing loans for others generally consists of collecting mortgage payments, disbursing payments to investors and foreclosure processing. Loan servicing income is recorded upon receipt and includes servicing fees from investors and certain charges collected from borrowers, such as late payment fees. Mortgage servicing rights had a carrying value of $259,000 and $298,000 as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Estimated fair values of these servicing rights approximate carrying value. Amortization expense and impairment of servicing rights was $136,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

(6)  Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are summarized as follows at December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
 
  (in thousands)

Land   $ 1,777   $ 1,177
Buildings and improvements     4,797     4,318
Leasehold improvements     4,082     4,091
Furniture, fixtures and equipment     10,535     8,964
   
 
Total at cost     21,191     18,550
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     6,633     4,287
   
 
    $ 14,558   $ 14,263
   
 

        Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 was approximately $2,590,000, $2,191,000 and $1,705,000, respectively. Rent expense for 2001 included $300,000 for early terminations of existing leases. Property and equipment have estimated useful lives of 5 to 39 years.

        The Company and the Bank occupy space leased from a company, of which the Chairman and CEO of the Company, is the owner. In 2001, this company was paid $817,000 for office and branch space. The original term of the lease is 15 years. Management believes that such terms are at least as favorable as those that could be obtained from a third party lessor.

        Minimum lease payments due for each of the next five years are as follows:

 
  (in thousands)
2002   $ 1,751
2003     1,624
2004     1,517
2005     1,341
2006     1,344
Thereafter     6,465
   
    $ 14,042
   

52


(7)  Deposits

        Deposits are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands) at December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
 
  Amount
  Weighted
Average
Effective
Rate

  Amount
  Weighted
Average
Effective
Rate

 
  (Dollars in thousands)

   
  (Dollars in thousands)

   
Noncertificate:                    
  Passbook and other   $ 36,839   1.98%   $ 29,103   2.78%
  Interest bearing demand deposits     47,690   1.15%     34,297   1.45%
  Money market accounts     187,312   3.63%     168,075   5.35%
  Non-interest bearing demand     88,883       69,740  
   
     
   
Total noncertificate deposits     360,724         301,215    
Certificates:                    
  Original maturities:                    
    Under 12 months     4,853   4.72%     8,267   5.64%
    12 to 60 months     220,169   5.58%     152,773   5.82%
  IRA and KEOGH     14,842   6.11%     14,627   6.03%
   
     
   
Total certificates of deposit     239,864         175,667    
   
     
   
Total deposits   $ 600,588       $ 476,882    
   
     
   
 
  Amount
  % of Total
  Amount
  % of Total
 
  (Dollars in thousands)

   
  (Dollars in thousands)

   
Scheduled certificate maturities:                    
  Under 6 months   $ 51,109   21.30%   $ 64,568   36.76%
  6 months to 12 months     41,047   17.11%     40,563   23.09%
  12 months to 24 months     126,452   52.72%     57,113   32.51%
  24 months to 36 months     16,307   6.80%     11,194   6.37%
  36 months to 48 months     1,141   0.48%     827   0.47%
  Over 48 months     3,808   1.59%     1,402   0.80%
   
 
 
 
    $ 239,864   100.00%   $ 175,667   100.00%
   
 
 
 

        Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more totaled approximately $61,332,000 and $40,345,000 at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

53


(8)  Borrowings and Repurchase Agreements

        Other borrowings consist of Federal Home Loan Bank at Atlanta (FHLB) advances, short-term promissory notes and repurchase agreements with callable options. The FHLB advances are available under a specific collateral pledge and security agreement, which allows the Company to borrow up to $150,000,000 and requires the Company to maintain collateral for all of its borrowings in the form of specific first mortgage loans with outstanding principal equal to 133% of the advances, overnight investments equal to 100% of advances or securities equal to 103% of advances.

        Certain information regarding borrowings and repurchase agreements are as follows:

 
  December 31,
 
 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Amount outstanding at year-end:                    
  FHLB short-term advances   $   $ 5,775   $ 7,300  
  Short-term promissory notes     23,324     27,874     22,439  
  Short-term repurchase agreements         38,916     12,840  
  FHLB long-term advances     60,000     65,000     80,000  
  Long-term repurchase agreements     25,000     10,000     65,000  
Weighted average interest rate at year-end:                    
  FHLB short-term advances         6.87 %   4.55 %
  Short-term promissory notes     1.29 %   4.41 %   4.01 %
  Short-term repurchase agreements         6.63 %   5.58 %
  FHLB long-term advances     5.99 %   5.89 %   5.02 %
  Long-term repurchase agreements     5.06 %   6.16 %   5.35 %
Maximum outstanding at any month-end:                    
  FHLB short-term advances   $ 29,000   $ 64,000   $ 32,300  
  Short-term promissory notes     39,604     29,516     29,705  
  Short-term repurchase agreements     35,534     44,767     22,958  
  FHLB long-term advances     60,000     75,000     80,000  
  Long-term repurchase agreements     25,000     85,000     87,797  
Average outstanding:                    
  FHLB short-term advances   $ 16,283   $ 32,175   $ 7,844  
  Short-term promissory notes     21,070     22,257     18,474  
  Short-term repurchase agreements     18,934     28,116     15,828  
  FHLB long-term advances     60,288     62,083     64,317  
  Long-term repurchase agreements     20,217     33,750     78,857  
Weighted average interest rate during the year:                    
  FHLB short-term advances     4.83 %   6.50 %   5.61 %
  Short-term promissory notes     2.86 %   4.31 %   3.79 %
  Short-term repurchase agreements     5.20 %   5.95 %   5.60 %
  FHLB long-term advances     6.07 %   5.70 %   4.94 %
  Long-term repurchase agreements     5.56 %   6.01 %   5.26 %

54


        Repayments on Long-term FHLB advances and Long-term repurchase agreements are as follows: 2002–$0; 2003–$0; 2004–$0; 2005–$10,000,000; 2006–$15,000,000; thereafter–$60,000,000. Long term borrowings totaling $60,000,000 are subject to call provisions beginning in 2001, while the remaining $25,000,000 is subject to call provisions in 2002.

        The Company has pledged securities with a carrying value (fair value) of $49,574,000 and loans with a carrying value of $54,500,000 as collateral for other borrowings.

(9)  Redeemable Trust Preferred Securities

        Company-obligated manditorily redeemable preferred securities of a subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the Company (trust preferred securities) consist of 2,145,000 securities with a liquidation amount of $10 per security, which were issued in June 1998 by a statutory business trust; Mariner Capital Trust (the "Trust"). The Trust is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company because the Company owns all of the securities of the Trust that possesses general voting powers. The Trust used the proceeds of the trust preferred securities to purchase at par $22,113,000 of 8.3% junior subordinated debentures of the Company due June 30, 2028. The junior subordinated debentures are the sole assets of the Trust.

        Payments to be made by the Trust on the trust preferred securities are dependent on payments that the Company has undertaken to make, particularly the payments to be made by the Company on the debentures. Considered together, the obligations of the Company constitute a full and unconditional guarantee of the Trust's obligations under the trust preferred securities.

        Distributions on the trust preferred securities are payable from interest payments received on the debentures and are due quarterly at a rate of 8.3% of the liquidation amount, subject to deferral for up to five years under certain conditions. Distributions are included in interest expense. Redemptions of the trust preferred securities are payable at the liquidation amount from redemption payments received on the debentures. The Company may redeem the debentures at par at any time after June 30, 2003.

(10) Employee Benefit Plans

(a)
Profit Sharing Plan

The Company established a defined contribution plan in 1997, covering employees meeting certain age and service eligibility requirements. The Plan provides for cash deferrals qualifying under Section 401(k). Matching contributions made by the Company totaled $238,000, $145,000 and $115,000 in 2001, 2000, and 1999 respectively.

(b)
Stock Options
The Company has stock option award arrangements, which provide for the granting of options to acquire common stock to directors and key employees. Option prices are equal to or greater than the estimated fair market value of the common stock at the date of the grant. Options issued prior to 1996 are exercisable immediately after the date of grant. Beginning in 1999, options granted have a three-year vesting schedule with the first year vested upon issuance. All options expire ten years after the date of grant.

55


        Information with respect to stock options is as follows for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  Number
of
Shares

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number
of
Shares

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number
of
Shares

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding at beginning of year   270,180   $ 8.60   452,190   $ 10.57   190,930   $ 9.09
Granted   110,150     5.63   54,250     5.73   263,910     11.62
Exercised                  
Forfeited/Cancelled   (7,160 )   7.57   (236,260 )   11.70   (2,650 )   9.09
   
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding at end of year   373,170   $ 7.74   270,180   $ 8.60   452,190   $ 10.57
   
 
 
 
 
 

        Options outstanding are summarized as follows at December 31, 2001:

Options Outstanding

   
Exercise Price ($)
  Shares
  Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)

  Options
Exercisable
Shares

  4.00   1,400   9.0   467
  5.50   100,250   9.2   33,417
  5.63   45,250   8.2   30,167
  6.25   3,000   8.4   2,000
  6.45   700   9.5   233
  7.10   6,000   9.4   2,000
  7.40   550   9.8   183
  8.69   10,000   7.9   10,000
  9.09   185,020   4.9   185,020
  9.16   1,250   10.0   417
10.50   3,000   7.6   3,000
11.75   16,750   7.2   16,750
   
     
  7.74   373,170   6.8   249,770
   
     

        The option price was equal to the market price of the common stock at the date of grant for all options granted in 2001, 2000 and 1999 and, accordingly, no compensation expense related to options was recognized. If the Company had applied a fair value-based method to recognize compensation cost for the options granted, net income and net income per share would have been changed to the following pro forma amounts for the years ended December 31, 2001:

 
   
  2001
  2000
  1999
Net income   As reported   $ 2,304,000   $ 640,000   $ 877,000
    Proforma     2,145,000     571,000     733,000
Net income per share-basic   As reported     0.58     0.20     0.28
    Proforma     0.54     0.18     0.23
Net income per share-diluted   As reported     0.57     0.20     0.26
    Proforma     0.53     0.18     0.22

56


        The weighted average fair values of options granted during 2001, 2000 and 1999 were $4.33, $3.07 and $5.10, respectively, on the dates of grant. The fair values of options granted were calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
Dividend yield   0.00 % 0.00 % 0.55 %
Expected volatility   65.00 % 25.00 % 25.00 %
Risk-free interest rate   5.29 % 6.35 % 6.01 %
Expected lives   10 Years   10 Years   10 Years  

(c)  Warrants

        Warrants to acquire 860,376 shares of common stock at $9.09 per share were outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. These warrants have various expiration dates beginning 2004.

(d)  Stock Purchase

        The Company began a stock purchase plan for employees in 1999 whereby the employees can purchase Company stock through payroll deductions. The Company may provide a discount of up to 10% of the purchase price.

(11) Income Taxes

        Income tax expense consists of the following for the years ended December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  (in thousands)

Current   $ 998   $ 263   $ 501
Deferred     392     137     9
   
 
 
Income tax expense   $ 1,390   $ 400   $ 510
   
 
 

        Income tax expense (benefit) are reconciled to the amount computed by applying the federal corporate tax rate of 34% to income before taxes as follows for the years ended December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Income tax expense at federal corporate rate   $ 1,256   $ 354   $ 472  
Change in valuation allowance     63     49     107  
Other     71     (3 )   (69 )
   
 
 
 
    $ 1,390   $ 400   $ 510  
   
 
 
 

57


        The tax effects of temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and income tax basis of assets and liabilities relate to the following at December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Deferred tax assets:              
  Allowance for losses on loans   $ 2,102   $ 1,590  
  Amortization of intangible assets     56      
  Net operating loss carryforward     219     156  
  Other     114     190  
   
 
 
Total gross deferred tax assets     2,491     1,936  
Less valuation allowance     (219 )   (156 )
   
 
 
Net deferred tax assets     2,272     1,780  
Deferred tax liabilities:              
  Depreciation     178     80  
  Gain on sales of loans     100     98  
   
 
 
Total gross deferred tax liabilities     278     178  
   
 
 
Attributable to operations     1,994     1,602  
Unrealized loss on investments charged to other comprehensive income     503     1,766  
   
 
 
Net deferred tax asset   $ 2,497   $ 3,368  
   
 
 

        The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of approximately $4,741,000 which is available to offset future state taxable income of First Mariner Bancorp only. Management anticipates that it is more likely than not that the future operations of First Mariner Bancorp will not generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax asset in the amount of $219,000 relating to this state net operating loss.

58



(12) Other Expenses

        Other expenses are comprised of the following for the years ended December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  (in thousands)

Service and maintenance   $ 933   $ 915   $ 649
Office supplies     455     391     345
ATM servicing expenses     695     630     601
Printing     368     332     301
Corporate insurance     154     140     108
OREO expense     412     35     6
FDIC Premiums     391     140     167
Consulting fees     221     252     101
Marketing/promotion     459     443     333
Courier/postage     319     317     241
Security     217     79    
Other(a)     1,953     1,885     1,535
   
 
 
    $ 6,577   $ 5,559   $ 4,387
   
 
 

(a)
No single item included in this category exceeded one percent of total revenues.

(13) Dividends and Earnings Per Share

        As a depository institution whose deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Bank may not pay dividends or distribute any of its capital assets while it remains in default on any assessment due the FDIC. The Bank currently is not in default under any of its obligations to the FDIC. As a commercial bank under the Maryland Financial Institution Law, the Bank may not declare cash dividends from undivided profits or, without the prior approval of the Commissioner of Financial Regulation, out of surplus in excess of 100% of its required capital stock, and after providing for due or accrued expenses, losses, interest and taxes.

        The Company and the Bank, in declaring and paying dividends, are also limited insofar as minimum capital requirements authorities must be maintained. The Company and the Bank comply with such capital requirements.

        The Company's current ability to pay dividends is largely dependent upon the receipt of dividends from its banking subsidiary, the Bank. Both federal and state laws impose restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends. The FRB has issued a policy, which provides that, as a general matter, insured banks and bank holding companies may pay dividends only out of prior operating earnings. For a Maryland state-chartered bank or trust company, dividends may be paid out of undivided profits or, with the prior approval of the Commissioner, from surplus in excess of 100% of required capital stock. Cash dividends may not be paid in excess of 90% of net earnings.

59



        Information relating to the calculations of earnings per common share is summarized as follows for the years ended December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
  (dollars in thousands)

Net income-basic and diluted   $ 2,304   $ 640   $ 877
   
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding     3,993,462     3,185,186     3,166,813
Dilutive securities-options and warrants     36,082         181,755
   
 
 
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding-dilutive     4,029,544     3,185,186     3,348,568
   
 
 

(14) Regulatory Matters

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

        Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I capital to average assets. Management believes, as of December 31, 2001, that the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. As of December 31, 2001 the Bank was "well capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes would change the Bank's category.

60



        Regulatory capital amounts (dollars in thousands) and ratios for the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, were:

 
   
   
  Minimum Requirements For Capital Adequacy Purposes
  To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provision
 
  Actual Amount
   
 
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
  Amount
  Ratio
As of December 31, 2001                          
Total capital (to risk weighted assets):                          
  Consolidated   $ 71,985   12.9%   44,799   8.0%   55,998   10.0%
  The Bank     60,622   11.0%   44,167   8.0%   55,210   10.0%

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Consolidated     60,015   10.7%   22,399   4.0%   33,599   6.0%
  The Bank     55,098   10.0%   22,083   4.0%   33,126   6.0%

Tier 1 capital (to average assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Consolidated     60,015   8.0%   30,204   4.0%   37,755   5.0%
  The Bank     55,098   7.4%   30,000   4.0%   37,501   5.0%

As of December 31, 2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Total capital (to risk weighted assets):                          
  Consolidated   $ 56,822   12.3%   36,879   8.0%   46,099   10.0%
  The Bank     45,783   10.2%   35,812   8.0%   44,765   10.0%

Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Consolidated     41,375   9.0%   18,439   4.0%   27,659   6.0%
  The Bank     41,442   9.3%   17,906   4.0%   26,859   6.0%

Tier 1 capital (to average assets):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Consolidated     41,375   6.0%   27,402   4.0%   34,253   5.0%
  The Bank     41,442   6.1%   27,109   4.0%   33,886   5.0%

        The FDIC, through the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), insures deposits of accountholders up to $100,000. The Bank pays an annual premium to provide for this insurance. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and is required to maintain an investment in the stock of the FHLB equal to at least 1% of the unpaid principal balances of residential mortgage loans, 0.3% of total assets or 5% of outstanding advances from the bank, whichever is greater. Purchases and sales of stock are made directly with the bank at par value.

        The Company and the Bank had previously been operating under agreements ("Memoranda of Understanding") with the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation, the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond to improve operating earnings and internal controls, to review and analyze the Company's growth strategy and access to capital, and monitor transactions with affiliates. Based upon the most recent examination completed in 2002 by all of those regulators, the Company and the Bank have complied with the provisions of these agreements and the agreements have been terminated.

61


(15) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

        Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below for the Company's financial instruments as of December 31, 2001 and 2000.

        The carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments is summarized as follows:

 
  2001
  2000
 
  Carrying
Value

  Estimated
Fair Value

  Carrying
Value

  Estimated
Fair Value

 
  (in thousands)

Assets:                  
  Cash and interest-bearing deposits   $ 71,382   71,382   25,439   25,439
  Investment securities     119,853   119,853   156,735   156,735
  Loans     468,665   494,588   429,998   433,814
  Loans held for sale     83,276   83,554   35,821   36,260
  Mortgage loan servicing rights     258   258   298   298
  Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock     4,000   4,000   4,539   4,539

Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Deposit accounts     600,588   604,175   476,882   477,396
  Borrowings     83,627   88,752   99,166   100,418
  Repurchase agreements     25,000   25,832   48,399   48,398
  Company-obligated manditorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the company     21,450   21,445   21,450   16,673

Off balance sheet instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest Rate Cap         106   4
  Commitments to extend credit          
  Loans sold with recourse          
  Unused lines of credit          

(a)  Cash and interest-bearing deposits

        The carrying amount for cash and interest-bearing deposits approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

(b)  Investment Securities

        The fair value of investment securities is based on bid prices received from an external pricing service or bid quotations received from securities dealers.

(c)  Loans

        Loans were segmented into portfolios with similar financial characteristics. Loans were also segmented by type such as residential, multifamily and nonresidential, construction and land, second mortgage loans, commercial, and consumer. Each loan category was further segmented by fixed and adjustable rate interest terms and performing and nonperforming categories. The fair value of each

62



loan category was calculated by discounting anticipated cash flows based on weighted-average contractual maturity, weighted-average coupon, and discount rate.

        The fair value for nonperforming loans was determined by reducing the carrying value of nonperforming loans by the Company's historical loss percentage for each specific loan category.

(d)  Loans Held for Sale

        The fair value of loans held for sale is based on commitments to sell loans classified as held for sale in the secondary market.

(e)  Mortgage Loan Servicing Rights

        The fair of mortgage loan servicing rights was calculated by discounting anticipated cash flows of net servicing income based on assumptions involving interest rates and current repayment rates.

(f)    Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta Stock

        The carrying value of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta stock is a reasonable estimate of its fair value as FHLB stock does not have a readily available market and can only be sold back to the FHLB at its par value of $100 per share.

(g)  Deposits

        The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as noninterest bearing deposits, interest bearing now accounts, money market and statement savings accounts, is deemed to be equal to the carrying amounts. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate for certificates of deposit was estimated using the rate currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

(h)  Borrowings and Repurchase Agreements

        Borrowings were segmented into categories with similar financial characteristics. Carrying values were discounted using a cash flow approach based on market rates as of December 31, 2001.

(i)    Company-obligated manditorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the Company

        The fair value of these obligations is based on the bid price on the NASDAQ National Market.

(j)    Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments

        The Company's adjustable rate commitments to extend credit move with market rates and are not subject to interest rate risk. The rates and terms of the Company's fixed rate commitments to extend credit are competitive with others in the various markets in which the Company operates. It is impractical to assign fair values to these instruments.

        The disclosure of fair value amounts does not include the fair values of any intangibles, including core deposit intangibles. Core deposit intangibles represent the value attributable to total deposits based on an expected duration of customer relationships.

63


Limitations

        Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about financial instruments. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company's entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Company's financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect estimates.

(16) Segment Information

        The Company is in the business of providing financial services, and operates in two business segments-commercial and consumer banking and mortgage banking. Commercial and consumer banking is conducted through the Bank and involves delivering a broad range of financial products and services, including lending and deposit taking, to individuals and commercial enterprises. Mortgage banking is conducted through First Mariner Mortgage, a division of the Bank, and involves originating residential single family mortgages for sale in the secondary market and to the Bank.

        The following table presents certain information regarding these business segments:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Total revenue:                    
  Commercial and consumer banking   $ 31,522 (1) $ 25,322 (1) $ 21,804 (1)
  Mortgage banking     7,484     5,369     4,498  
  Less related party transactions     2,391 (3)   748 (3)   1,387 (3)
   
 
 
 
      5,093 (2)   4,621 (2)   3,111 (2)
   
 
 
 
Consolidated revenue   $ 36,615   $ 29,943   $ 24,915  
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes:                    
  Commercial and consumer banking   $ 3,279 (1) $ 1,639 (1) $ 2,749 (1)
  Mortgage banking     2,806     149     25  
  Less related party transactions     2,391 (3)   748 (3)   1,387 (3)
   
 
 
 
      415 (2)   (599) (2)   (1,362) (2)
   
 
 
 
Consolidated income before income taxes   $ 3,694   $ 1,040   $ 1,387  
   
 
 
 
Identifiable assets:                    
  Commercial and consumer banking   $ 694,589   $ 652,580   $ 600,872  
  Mortgage banking     83,276     24,869     15,200  
   
 
 
 
Consolidated total assets   $ 777,865   $ 677,449   $ 616,072  
   
 
 
 

(1)
Includes net interest income of $25,642, $20,838 and $17,283 for 2001, 2000 and 1999 respectively.
(2)
Includes net interest income of $1,274, $1,757 and $368 for 2001, 2000 and 1999 respectively.
(3)
Management's policy for the mortgage banking segment is to recognize a gain for loans sold to the Bank at market prices determined on an individual loan basis.

64


(17) Comprehensive Income

        The Company's components of comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands) for the years ended December 31:

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (dollars in thousands)

 
Net income   $ 2,304   $ 640   $ 877  
   
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:                    
  Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period (net of tax (benefit) of $1,263, $2,452, and $(2,978), respectively)     2,199     3,897     (7,164 )
  Less: reclassification adjustment for gains (net of taxes of $16, $139 and $93, respectively) included in net income     20     220     148  
   
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)     2,179     3,677     (7,312 )
   
 
 
 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)   $ 4,483   $ 4,317   $ (6,435 )
   
 
 
 

(18) Quarterly Results of Operations

        The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000:

 
  Three months ended
 
  December 31,
2001

  September 30,
2001

  June 30,
2001

  March 31,
2001

 
  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Interest income   $ 13,011   $ 13,323   $ 13,570   $ 13,126
Interest expense     6,064     6,544     7,098     7,682
Net interest income     6,947     6,779     6,472     5,444
Provision for credit losses     450     425     375     375
Other operating income     2,821     2,948     2,559     2,609
Gain on sale of securities     (1 )   23     (51 )   65
Operating expenses     7,963     8,271     7,814     7,248
   
 
 
 
Income before taxes     1,354     1,054     791     495
Applicable income taxes     524     393     290     183
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 830   $ 661   $ 501   $ 312
   
 
 
 
Net income per common share (Basic)     0.17     0.18     0.14     0.09
Net income per common share (Diluted)     0.16     0.18     0.14     0.09

65


 
  Three months ended
 
  December 31,
2001

  September 30,
2001

  June 30,
2001

  March 31,
2001

 
  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Interest income   $ 14,013   $ 13,446   $ 12,453   $ 11,466
Interest expense     8,264     8,224     7,436     6,616
Net interest income     5,749     5,222     5,017     4,850
Provision for credit losses     425     300     300     80
Other operating income     2,644     2,255     2,220     1,626
Gain on sale of securities     119     116     115     9
Operating expenses     7,733     6,998     6,745     6,322
   
 
 
 
Income before taxes     355     295     307     83
Applicable income taxes     136     114     118     32
   
 
 
 
Net income   $ 219   $ 181   $ 189   $ 51
   
 
 
 
Net income per common share (Basic)     0.07     0.06     0.06     0.01
Net income per common share (Diluted)     0.07     0.06     0.06     0.01

(19) Financial Information of Parent Company

        The following is financial information of First Mariner Bancorp (parent company only):

Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31,

 
  2001
  2000
 
  (in thousands)

Assets:            
  Cash and interest bearing deposits   $ 6,002   $ 4,156
  Loans     2,650     3,150
  Available-for-sale securities     2,622     2,582
  Investment in subsidiaries     54,399     38,976
  Other assets     972     1,354
   
 
    Total assets   $ 66,645   $ 50,218
   
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity:            
  Other liabilities   $ 587   $ 319
  Company-obligated manditorily redeemable preferred securities of subsidiary trust holding solely debentures of the Company     22,050     22,050
  Stockholders' equity     44,008     27,849
   
 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 66,645   $ 50,218
   
 

66


Statement of Income for the years ended December 31,

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Income:                    
  Interest income on investments and interest bearing deposits   $ 165   $ 310   $ 532  
  Interest income on loans     228     402     351  
  (Loss) gain on sale of securities     (12 )   119     182  
  Other income     653     422     75  
   
 
 
 
    Total income     1,034     1,253     1,140  
   
 
 
 
Expenses:                    
  Interest expense     1,880     1,880     1,881  
  Salaries and employee benefits             486  
  Professional expenses     231     161     65  
  Other expenses     243     208     247  
   
 
 
 
    Total expenses     2,354     2,249     2,679  
   
 
 
 
    Loss before income tax benefit     (1,320 )   (996 )   (1,539 )

Income tax benefit

 

 

(469

)

 

(339

)

 

(602

)
   
 
 
 
  (Loss) income before equity in undistributed net income of the subsidiaries     (851 )   (657 )   (937 )

Equity in undistributed net income in subsidiaries

 

 

3,155

 

 

1,297

 

 

1,814

 
   
 
 
 
    Net income   $ 2,304   $ 640   $ 877  
   
 
 
 

67


Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,

 
  2001
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (in thousands)

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
  (Loss) income before undistributed net income of subsidiaries   $ (851 ) $ (657 ) $ (937 )
  Loss (gain) on sale of securities     12     (119 )   (182 )
  (Decrease) increase in other liabilities     268     (172 )   (911 )
  Decrease (increase) in other assets     246     3,563     (5,621 )
   
 
 
 
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (325 )   2,615     (7,651 )
   
 
 
 
Net cash flows from investing activities:                    
  Investment in subsidiaries     (10,500 )   (4,737 )   2,702  
  Loans repayments (disbursements), net     500     1,660     (1,850 )
  Purchase of available for sale securities         (76 )   (1,478 )
  Sale of available for sale securities     495     771     1,838  
   
 
 
 
    Net cash (provided by) used in investing activities     (9,505 )   (2,382 )   1,212  
   
 
 
 
Net cash flows from financing activities:                    
  Proceeds from stock issuance, net     11,676     1,732      
  Dividends paid         (63 )   (190 )
   
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     11,676     1,669     (190 )
   
 
 
 
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and interest bearing deposits     1,846     1,902     (6,629 )

Cash and short-term investments at beginning of year

 

 

4,156

 

 

2,254

 

 

8,883

 
   
 
 
 
Cash and short-term investments at end of year   $ 6,002   $ 4,156   $ 2,254  
   
 
 
 

ITEM 9    CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

        The Board of Directors and its Audit Committee approved the change in accountants from its previous independent public accountant KPMG LLP ("KPMG"), to Stegman & Company effective July 18, 2000.

        The Company believes that for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 and the subsequent interim period through July 18, 2000, KPMG did not have any disagreement on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement, if not resolved to the satisfaction of KPMG would have caused it to make reference in connection with its report on the Company's financial statements to the subject matter of the disagreement.

        The report of KPMG on the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1999 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, and was not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles. During that period, there were no "reportable events" within the meaning of Item 30A(a)(I)(v) of Regulation 8-K promulgated under the Securities Act.

68



        The Company requested that KPMG furnish a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether KPMG agrees with the above statements.

        On July 25, 2000, KPMG filed the letter that we requested with the Securities and Exchange Commission stating that it had read our statements and agreed with such statements, except to the extent that KPMG was not in a position to agree or disagree with the Company's statement that the change was approved by the Board of Directors and its Audit Committee.


PART III

ITEM 10    DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        Certain information relating to directors and executive officers of the Company and Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is incorporated by reference herein from the Company's proxy statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 7, 2002, which proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

ITEM 11    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        Certain information relating to directors and executive officers compensation, the Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation, and stock performance is incorporated by reference herein from the Company's definitive proxy statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2002, which proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

ITEM 12    SECURITIES OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        Certain information relating to security ownership of certain directors, 5% beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference herein from the Company's definitive proxy statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2002, which proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

ITEM 13    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        Certain information relating to certain relationships and related transactions is incorporated by reference herein from the Company's definitive proxy statement in connection with its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 7, 2002, which proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after the close of the fiscal year.

ITEM 14    EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

        (a)(1), (2) Financial Statements

69


        (a)(3) Exhibits Required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulations S-K.

        (b) Reports on Form S-K

        (c) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K

70



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.

    FIRST MARINER BANCORP

Date: 4/1/2002

 

By:

/s/  
EDWIN F. HALE SR.      
Edwin F. Hale Sr.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Date: 4/1/2002

 

By:

/s/  
MARK A. KEIDEL      
Mark A. Keidel
Chief Financial Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following person on behalf of the registrant in their capacities as Director on the 20th day of March, 2001

/s/  BONDROFF, BARRY B.      
Bondroff, Barry B.
  /s/  MANTAKOS, GEORGE H.      
Mantakos, George H.

/s/  
BROWN, EDITH B.      
Brown, Edith B.

 

/s/  
MATRICCIANI, JAY J.      
Matricciani, Jay J.

/s/  
CERNAK, ROSE M.      
Cernak, Rose M.

 

/s/  
O'CONOR, JAMES P.      
O'Conor, James P.

/s/  
CICERO, JOSEPH A.      
Cicero, Joseph A.

 

/s/  
OLIVER, JOHN J.      
Oliver, John J.

/s/  
FRIEDMAN, HOWARD      
Friedman, Howard

 

/s/  
SCHMOKE, PATRICIA      
Schmoke, Patricia

/s/  
HALE, EDWIN F. SR.      
Hale, Edwin F. Sr.

 

/s/  
SIBEL, HANAN Y.      
Sibel, Hanan Y.

/s/  
HOFFMAN, BRUCE H.      
Hoffman, Bruce H.

 

/s/  
STOLER, LEONARD      
Stoler, Leonard

 

 

/s/  
WATSON, MICHAEL R.      
Watson, Michael R.

71



EXHIBIT INDEX

3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of First Mariner Bancorp (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2, as amended, file no. 333-16011 (the "1996 Registration Statement"))

3.2

 

Amended and Restated Bylaws of First Mariner Bancorp (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the 1996 Registration Statement)

10.1

 

1996 Stock Option Plan of First Mariner Bancorp (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Registration Statement)

10.2

 

Employment Agreement dated May 1, 1995 between First Mariner Bancorp and First Mariner Bank and George H. Mantakos (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the 1996 Registration Statement)

10.3

 

Lease Agreement dated March 1, 1996 between First Mariner Bank and Mars Super Markets, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the 1996 Registration Statement)

10.4

 

Lease Agreement dated November 1, 1997 between Edwin F. Hale, Sr. and First Mariner Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Pre-Effective Amendment Number 1 to Form S-1, file no. 333-53789-01)

10.5

 

1998 Stock Option Plan of First Mariner Bancorp (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Pre-Effective Amendment Number 1 to Form S-1, file no. 333-53789-01)

10.6

 

Employee Stock Purchase Plan of First Mariner Bancorp (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of Pre-Effective Amendment Number 1 to Form S-1, file no. 333-53789-01)

10.7

 

Lease Agreement dated as of June 1, 1998 between Building #2, L.L.C. and First Mariner Bank (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of Pre-Effective Amendment Number 1 to Form S-1, file no. 333-53789-01)

21

 

Subsidiaries of Registrant filed herewith

23.1

 

Consent of Stegman & Company filed herewith

23.2

 

Consent of KPMG, LLP filed herewith

99

 

Risk Factors filed herewith

72




QuickLinks

FIRST MARINER BANCORP
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PART I
PART II
Independent Auditors' Report
FIRST MARINER BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
FIRST MARINER BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Operations
FIRST MARINER BANCORP Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
FIRST MARINER BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
FIRST MARINER BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements For the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
PART III
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX