>OAKLAND, Md., March 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — First United Corporation (Nasdaq: FUNC), a financial holding company and the parent company of First United Bank & Trust, announces a consolidated net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $11.8 million, compared to a net loss attributable to common shareholders of $12.8 million for 2009. Basic and diluted net loss per common share for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $1.91, compared to basic and diluted net loss per common share of $2.08 for 2009. The net loss resulted primarily from an $11.7 million decline in net interest income, $6.5 million of net losses related to a restructuring of the investment portfolio that was intended to limit credit risk and potential market and interest rate risk from a rising rate environment, and $3.4 million of losses and write-downs on foreclosed real estate. These losses were partially offset by a net tax benefit of $8.0 million and a decrease of $18.3 million in non-cash credit-related other-than-temporary impairment charges when comparing the year ended December 31, 2010 to the year ended December 31, 2009. The decline in net interest income resulted in a compressed net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, of 2.71% when compared to 3.56% for the year ended December 31, 2009. Interest income on our interest earning assets declined $14.7 million, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, due to the increase in non-accrual loans throughout 2009, the decline in loan balances, the decrease in the investment portfolio and the lower interest rate environment. Additionally, during 2009 and 2010, we elected to maintain an increased liquidity position. Our cash position increased significantly due to our election not to reinvest cash from called investments, repayment of loans, and growth in our retail deposit base. The increase in cash levels has had a negative impact on our net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2010 of approximately $6.8 million, or 42 basis points on our net interest margin.
