BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES - Annual Report: 2022 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

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

For the transition period from               to                 

Commission File Number: 001-13349

BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (207) 669-6784

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, or "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes ☐ No ☒

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of Bar Harbor Bankshares was $381,396,767 based on the closing sale price of the common stock on the NYSE American on June 30, 2022, the last trading day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter.

The Registrant had 15,124,451 shares of common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding as of March 10, 2023.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2022 are incorporated by reference into Part III this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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BAR HARBOR BANKSHARES AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-K

INDEX

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The Company conducts business operations principally through Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, which may be referred to as the Bank and which is a subsidiary of Bar Harbor Bankshares. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report to "our company, "our," "us," "we" and similar terms refer to Bar Harbor Bankshares and its subsidiaries, including the Bank, collectively.

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

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Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “Form 10-K” or “Annual Report”) that are not historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this Form 10-K the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “assume,” “should,” “predict,” “could,” “would,” “intend,” “targets,” “estimates,” “projects,” “plans,” and “potential,” and other similar words and expressions of the future, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, but other statements not based on historical information may also be considered forward-looking, including statements about our future financial and operating results and plans, objectives, and intentions. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of our company to differ materially from any results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the statements, including, but not limited to: 

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Other factors not identified above, including those described under the headings “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  Most of these factors are difficult to anticipate and are generally beyond our control. You should consider these factors in connection with considering any forward-looking statements that may be made by us. We undertake no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements, to report events or to report the occurrence of unanticipated events unless we are required to do so by law.

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GENERAL

Bar Harbor Bankshares (the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us” or similar terms) is the parent company of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust (the "Bank”), which is the only community bank headquartered in Northern New England with branches in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. The Bank is a regional community bank that thinks differently about banking. The Bank provides the technology offerings and capabilities of larger banks, accompanied by access to local decision makers who are acutely focused on their local markets. Having recently celebrated the 135th anniversary of the Bank’s founding, we remain focused on helping our customers achieve their goals as the key to the Bank’s success. With over 500 dedicated professionals and more than 50 locations, we are committed to servicing and building enduring relationships by providing a higher standard of banking. We offer a variety of financial products and services designed around our customers in order to serve their banking and financial needs. Through these efforts, we continue to be a relationship-focused community bank, maintaining our credit quality and serving businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals within our footprint. Our corporate goal is to be one of the top performing banks in New England, and our business model is centered on the following:

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Shown below is a profile and geographical footprint of the Bank as of December 31, 2022:

We serve affluent and growing markets in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont with more than 50 thousand, 48 thousand, and 24 thousand customers, respectively in those states. Within these markets, tourism, agriculture, and fishing industries remain strong and continue to drive economic activity. These core markets have also maintained their strength through diversification into various service industries.

Maine

We have 22 full-service branches in operation and two wealth management offices principally located in the regions of downeast, midcoast and central Maine, which are generally characterized as rural areas. We also have a commercial loan production office in Portland, Maine. In Maine, we consider our primary market areas to be Hancock, Penobscot, Washington, Kennebec, Knox, and Sagadahoc counties. The economies in these counties are based primarily on tourism, healthcare, fishing and lobstering, agriculture, state government, and small local businesses. They are also supported by a large contingent of retirees.

New Hampshire

We have 21 full-service branches in operation and five wealth management offices in New Hampshire located in the Lake Sunapee, Upper Valley, and Merrimack Valley regions. There are several distinct markets within each of these regions. The towns or cities of Nashua, Manchester, and Concord are considered part of the Merrimack Valley. Nashua, New Hampshire is a regional commercial, entertainment, and dining destination. With its border to Massachusetts, it also enjoys a vibrant high-tech industry and a robust retail industry due in part to New Hampshire’s absence of a sales tax. The upper valley region of New Hampshire includes the towns of Lebanon and Hanover, which are home to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth College, respectively. The Lake Sunapee market is a popular year-round recreation and resort area that includes both Lake Sunapee and Mount Sunapee and includes the towns of Claremont, New London, and Newport.

Vermont

We have 10 full-service branches in operation in Vermont. The branches are primarily located in central Vermont within the counties of Rutland, Windsor and Orange. These markets are home to many attractions, including Killington Mountain, Okemo Resort, and the city of Rutland. Popular vacation destinations in this region include Woodstock, Brandon, and Ludlow.

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SUBSIDIARY ACTIVITIES

Bar Harbor Bankshares is a legal entity separate and distinct from its first-tier bank subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, and its second-tier subsidiaries, Bar Harbor Wealth Management and Cottage Street Corporation.

There are two Connecticut statutory trusts for which all of the common stock is owned. These capital trusts are unconsolidated, and their only material asset is a $20.6 million trust preferred security related to the junior subordinated debentures reported in Note 7 – Borrowed Funds of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Annual, quarterly, and current reports, proxy statements and other information are required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. The SEC maintains a website at www.sec.gov that contains reports, proxy statements, and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

The Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and amendments to those documents filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, are also available free of charge on our website at www.barharbor.bank under the Shareholders Relations link as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

Investors should note announcements of material information to investors and others are performed using SEC filings, press releases, and postings on our website (www.barharbor.bank), including news and announcements regarding financial performance, key personnel, brands, and business strategy. Information posted on the corporate website could be deemed material to investors. Investors are encouraged to review the information posted on these channels. Updates may be made, from time to time, to the list of channels used to communicate information that could be deemed material, and any such change will be posted on www.barharbor.bank. The information on the website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part hereof or incorporated into this or any other filings with the SEC.

COMPETITION

Major competitors in market areas include local independent banks, local branches of large regional and national bank affiliates, thrift institutions, savings and loan institutions, mortgage companies, and credit unions.

We effectively compete with other financial institutions by emphasizing quality customer service, making decisions at the local level, maintaining long-term customer relationships, building customer loyalty, and providing products and services designed to address customers’ specific needs. However, no assurance can be provided regarding the ongoing ability to compete effectively with other financial institutions in the future.

No part of the business is materially dependent upon one or a few customers or upon a particular industry segment, the loss of which would have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

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LENDING ACTIVITIES

General

Loans are originated in four basic portfolio categories, which are discussed below. These portfolios include the categories commercial real estate, commercial and industrial, residential real estate and other consumer loans. Loan interest rates and other key loan terms are affected principally by our lending policy, asset/liability strategy, loan demand, competition, and the supply of money available for lending purposes. The amount of long-term fixed-rate lending and adjustable-rate loan products is monitored according to the Bank’s interest rate management policy. Loans originated are held for investment  except for certain residential mortgages that are underwritten with the intention to be sold in the secondary mortgage market.

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Loan Portfolio Analysis

The following table sets forth the year-end composition of the loan portfolio in dollar amounts and as a percentage of the portfolio for the years indicated. Further information about the composition of the loan portfolio is contained in Note 3 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Commercial Loan Exposure and Industries

All commercial loans are assigned Standard Industrial Classification codes, North American Industry Classification System codes, and state and county codes.  The following table summarizes the major industries of the commercial loan portfolio as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:

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Maturity and Sensitivity of the Loan Portfolio

The following table shows contractual maturities of selected loan categories at December 31, 2022. The contractual maturities do not reflect premiums, discounts, deferred costs, or prepayments.

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Problem Assets

There is a preference to work with borrowers to resolve problems rather than proceeding to foreclosure. For commercial loans, this may result in a period of forbearance or restructuring of the loan, which is normally done at current market terms and may not result in a “troubled” loan designation. For residential mortgage loans, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) guidelines are followed to attempt a restructuring that will enable owner-occupants to remain in their home. However, if these processes fail to result in a performing loan, foreclosure or other proceedings will be initiated no later than the 120th day of a delinquency, as necessary, to minimize any potential loss. Management reports on delinquent loans and non-performing assets to the Company’s Board of Directors monthly. Loans are generally removed from accruing status when they reach 90 days delinquent, except for certain loans which are well secured and in the process of collection. Loan collections are managed by a combination of the related business units and the managed assets group, which focuses on larger, riskier collections.

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The following table presents the problem assets for the years indicated:

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Allowance for Credit Losses

Our loan portfolio is regularly reviewed by management to evaluate the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). The allowance represents management’s estimate of inherent losses that are probable and estimable as of the date of the financial statements. The ACL is comprised of reserves measured on a collective (pool) basis based on a lifetime loss-rate model when similar risk characteristics exist. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis, generally comprised of larger non-accruing commercial loans and troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”).  The allowance for credit losses is discussed further in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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The following table presents an analysis of the allowance for credit losses for the years indicated:

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The following table presents year-end data for the approximate allocation of the allowance for credit losses by loan categories at the dates indicated. For each loan category, the table shows the amount of the allowance allocated to that category as a percentage of the outstanding loans in that category. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of any of the allowance to absorb losses in any category.

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INVESTMENT SECURITIES ACTIVITIES

The objective of the investment portfolio is to provide liquidity when loan demand is high, and to absorb excess funds when demand is low. The securities portfolio also provides a medium for certain interest rate risk measures intended to maintain an appropriate balance between interest income from loans and total interest expense. For additional information, see Item 7A of this Annual Report.

We invest in what we believe to be high-quality investment-grade securities. Investment decisions are made in accordance with the investment and treasury policies and include consideration of risk, return, duration, and portfolio concentrations. For further discussion on investments see Note 2 – Securities Available for Sale of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table presents the amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale for the years indicated:

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The following table presents the amortized cost and weighted average yields of securities available for sale at by maturity:

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DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Interest swap derivatives are utilized to minimize fluctuations in earnings and cash flows caused by interest rate volatility either in the form of interest rate swaps on wholesale funding and variable rate loans designated as cash flow hedges or partial interest rate hedges on securities accounted for as fair value hedges. For further discussion on derivatives see Note 10 – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Derivative products are offered in the form of interest rate swaps and interest rate caps, to commercial loan customers to facilitate their risk management strategies. An interest rate swap is entered into with a customer, while at the same time an offsetting interest rate swap with another financial institution is entered into to offset. These interest rate swap transactions allow customers to effectively fix the interest rate on their loans. Customer loan derivative income is recognized for the upfront fee paid by the customer at origination. These swaps are designated as economic hedges and transactions are cleared through arrangements with third-party financial institutions.

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Mortgage banking activities result in two types of derivative instruments. Interest rate lock commitments are offered to residential loan customers, to allow them the ability to lock into a fixed interest rate prior to closing, for loans intended to sell are classified as non-hedging derivatives. To offset this risk, an offsetting forward sale commitments may be entered into with national financial institutions to purchase the loans selected for sale under a best efforts or mandatory delivery contract accounted for as an economic hedge.

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Floating-rate fundings are certain hedging transactions and certain products, such as floating-rate loans and mortgages, determine the applicable interest rate or payment amount by reference to a benchmark rate, such as the secured interbank overnight financing rate (“SOFR”), London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or to an index, basket or other financial metric. We continue to transition loans with LIBOR based interest rates to other benchmark rates due to recent national, international, and other regulatory rate reform guidance.  The transition of those variable rate loans is expected to be complete by June 30, 2023.

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DEPOSIT ACTIVITIES

A variety of deposit products to consumers, businesses and institutional customers with a wide range of interest rates and terms are offered. Deposits consist of interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing demand accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit. Deposits are solicited primarily in the market area, excluding brokered deposits. Competitive pricing policies, marketing and customer service to attract and retain deposits are relied upon.

Customer-related deposit fees are a significant source of fee income and principally derived from debit card interchange fees earned from transaction fees that merchants pay whenever a customer uses a debit card to make a purchase. Customer deposit fees are also earned from a variety of deposit accounts with various fee schedules and terms, which are designed

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to meet the customer’s financial needs. Other depositor-related fee services provided to customers include ATMs, remote deposit capture, ACH origination, wire transfers, internet bill pay, and other cash management services.

Pricing of deposits is managed in keeping with the asset/liability management, liquidity and profitability objectives, subject to market competitive factors. Based on our experience, deposits are relatively stable sources of funds. Despite this stability, the ability to attract and maintain these deposits and rates are significantly affected by market conditions.

The following table presents the average balances and weighted average rates for deposits for the years indicated:

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Estimated uninsured non-maturity deposits were $328.5 million as of December 31, 2022 and $352.9 million as of December 31, 2021. Estimated uninsured time deposits were $13.8 million and $24.6 million as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.  The following table presents the scheduled maturities of time deposits greater than $250 thousand at December 31, 2022:

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BORROWING ACTIVITIES

Borrowings may be utilized as an alternative source of funds which can be invested at a positive interest rate spread when additional capacity to fund loan demand is desired or when asset/liability management goals are met to diversify funding sources and enhance interest rate risk management.

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Borrowings historically have included advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston ("FHLB"), securities sold under repurchase agreements, and a correspondent bank unsecured line of credit. Advances may be obtained from the FHLB by collateralizing the advances with certain loans and investment securities. These advances may be made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate, range of maturities and call features.

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We also have subordinated notes, junior subordinated debenture and other sources of liquidity that are fully described in Note 7 –Borrowed Funds of the Consolidated Financial Statements

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RETAIL BROKERAGE SERVICES

Bar Harbor Financial Services principally serves the brokerage needs of individuals ranging from first-time purchasers, to sophisticated investors. It also offers a line of life insurance, annuity, and retirement products, as well as financial planning services. These products are not deposits, are not insured by the FDIC or any other government agency, are not guaranteed by the Bank or any affiliate, and may be subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal.

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The Bank is a branch office of Infinex Investments, Inc., (“Infinex”) a full-service third-party broker-dealer, conducting business under the assumed business name “Bar Harbor Financial Services.” Infinex is an independent registered broker-dealer and is not affiliated with the Company or its subsidiaries. Infinex was formed by a group of member banks, and is one of the largest providers of third-party investment and insurance services to banks and their customers in New England. Through Infinex, the expertise, capabilities, and experience of a well-established third-party broker-dealer is obtained in a cost effective manner.

TRUST MANAGEMENT SERVICES

The Bank has one wholly-owned subsidiary that provides a comprehensive array of fiduciary services including trust and estate administration, wealth advisory services, and investment management services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and municipalities. As a New Hampshire-chartered trust company, Bar Harbor Wealth Management is subject to New Hampshire laws applicable to trust companies and fiduciaries. Professional advisors help individuals and families structure accounts that will meet their long-term financial needs. To many wealth management clients, the effective transfer of wealth to future generations is of paramount importance. The trust services act as a fiduciary for various types of trusts and serves as the investment manager for these accounts. Outside of trust services, they also provide 401(k) plan services, financial, estate and charitable planning, investment management, family office, municipal and tax services. The employees include credentialed investment professionals with extensive experience. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, trust management services had total assets under management of $2.3 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively.

HUMAN CAPITAL

We are very fortunate to have a diverse, committed team throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont who are capable, determined and empowered to drive our company forward. As of December 31, 2022, we had 486 full time equivalent employee positions. None of our colleagues are represented by unions.  All employment decisions are based on talent and potential for growth. Our ability to attract and retain diverse, top-tier talent while sustaining and deepening the current employees’ relationship is critical to maintaining a best-in-class customer and employee experience. The opportunity for personal and professional development is a critically important focus of ours and one that helps us retain top talent. We are committed to supporting, developing, and encouraging employees to engage with their communities.

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We invest in our employees and continuously encourage them to build the skills they need to become an even more valuable team member. Opportunities are provided for employees to take on challenging and intriguing work to advance their career goals and transition into new roles as the banking industry evolves. Developing programs aligned with employee skills and capabilities is critical to our organization’s success and creates robust development opportunities supported by leaders at every level.

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Attracting, retaining, and rewarding high-performing talent is key to our success. Our total rewards program is designed to recognize and reward top talent and keep employees engaged effectively. Compensation programs align with our Pay for Performance philosophy and guarantees that every employee knows their contribution to the success of the organization. We participate in several market studies, including peers in the banking industry, to ensure competitive pay, benefits, and programs are offered to validate that we are an employer of choice. Annual merit increases align with market data and performance to ensure fair and equitable practices are adhered to.  To complement these programs, employees are also able to provide and receive recognition through our online portal, Bar Harbor Connect.  When recognized employees receive points, they can then choose to redeem them for rewards that matter most to them including gift cards, logo items, and concert tickets.  

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Our commitment to an employee’s health and well-being is evidenced through comprehensive benefit packages, including medical, dental, vision, life and disability offerings, and several other voluntary programs.  We also contribute to employee-owned health savings accounts and have a robust wellness program to encourage employees to stay fit physically and mentally. The retirement savings programs include a 401(k) plan with a generous Company match that vests immediately, along with an Employee Stock Purchase Plan that allows employees to be owners of the Company at a reduced price. The plan encourages employees to think and make decisions like shareholders while mitigating risk-taking behavior.

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Providing good work-life balance choices results in our employees’ making more meaningful contributions in the workplace. We have a Paid Time Off policy to support employees’ time management and paid volunteer time to support this. In 2022, we continued to offer Flexible Work Arrangements (“FWA”), which includes programs as fully remote, partially remote, condensed workweeks, and flexible hours. The flexibility of these various FWAs allows employees to manage their work-life needs while continuing to deliver stellar results in the workplace.

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We value a diverse workforce to ensure different perspectives and ideas are considered and are a part of operations. As part of the commitment to equal employment opportunities, we seek to ensure affirmative action provides equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. 

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Serving the needs of all of the members of our communities also remains an important part of our commitment and strategy. For more than 135 years, the Bank has contributed to the economic health and vitality of the communities we serve, and we are proud that our employees are involved in the communities in which we live and work. Each year, Bank employees volunteer countless hours of their time on community projects and serve on nonprofit boards. In addition to these efforts, we have provided charitable donations to more than 450 community organizations across the Northern New England states of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

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REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

As a bank holding company, the Company is regulated under the federal Bank Holding Company Act (“BHC Act”) and is subject to examination and supervision by the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board requires the Company to file various reports and also may conduct an examination of the Company.

The Company is also under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and is subject to the disclosure and regulatory requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Exchange Act. The Company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange American exchange (“NYSE American”) under the trading symbol “BHB,” and is subject to the rules of NYSE American for listed companies.

As a Maine-chartered financial institution, the Bank is subject to supervision, regular examination, and regulation by the Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions ("BFI") and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") as its primary federal regulator and as its deposit insurer.  The Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC in accordance with applicable federal laws and regulations. The prior approval of the BFI and the FDIC is required, among other things, for the Bank to assume deposits or engage in any merger, consolidation, purchase or sale of all or substantially all of the assets of any bank. The prior approval of the FDIC is required, and the prior approval of the BFI may be required, for the Bank to establish or relocate a branch office.

Bar Harbor Wealth Management, a New Hampshire chartered non-depository trust company and an indirect subsidiary of the Bank (“BHWM”), is subject to supervision, regular examination, and regulation by the New Hampshire Banking Department. On April 30, 2022, Bar Harbor Trust Services, which was a Maine chartered non-depository trust company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank, merged with and into BHWM (formerly named Charter Trust Company).

In accordance with NH RSA 383-C:5-502, BHWM’s Capital Plan requires minimum capital of $1.0 million to be invested in accordance with NH RSA 564-B:9-902. As of December 31, 2022, BHWM’s total capital was $13.8 million and it had liquidation reserves of $503 thousand held in a money market account. BHWM also had operating reserves of $10.8 million held primarily at the Bank. As of December 31, 2022, BHWM had an appropriate liquidation reserve, minimum capital in excess of statutory requirements, and all funds were held in accordance with prudent investor standards of NH RSA 564-B:9-902 and as required by NH RSA 383-C:5-502.

Certain Laws and Regulations Applicable to the Company

The BHC Act and other federal laws subject bank holding companies to particular restrictions on the types of activities in which the Company may engage, and to a range of supervisory requirements and activities, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations.  Below is a summary of certain provisions of the BHC Act and

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certain other laws and regulations applicable to the Company.  These laws or regulations may be amended or changed by Congress or through other governmental or legal processes, which could have a material effect on the results of the Company.  

Permitted Activities

Generally, bank holding companies are prohibited under the BHC Act from engaging in non-banking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of any company engaged in non-banking activities. The Federal Reserve Board has allowed by regulation some exceptions based on activities closely related to banking including: (i) making or servicing loans; (ii) performing certain data processing services; (iii) providing discount brokerage services; (iv) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; and (v) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies.  The Federal Reserve Board has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate an activity or terminate control of or liquidate or divest certain subsidiaries or affiliates when the Federal Reserve Board believes the activity or the control of the subsidiary or affiliate constitutes a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of any of its banking subsidiaries.

A bank holding company that qualifies and elects to become a financial holding company is permitted to engage in additional activities that are financial in nature or incidental or complementary to financial activity. The Company currently has no plans to make a financial holding company election.

Safe and Sound Banking Practices

Bank holding companies and their non-banking subsidiaries are prohibited from engaging in activities that represent unsafe and unsound banking practices. For example, under certain circumstances the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation Y requires a holding company to give the Federal Reserve Board prior notice of any redemption or repurchase of its own equity securities if the consideration to be paid, together with the consideration paid for any repurchases during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may oppose the transaction if it believes that the transaction would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice or would violate a regulation. As another example, a holding company is prohibited from impairing its subsidiary bank’s safety and soundness by causing the bank to make funds available to non-banking subsidiaries or their customers if the Federal Reserve Board believes it not prudent to do so. The Federal Reserve Board has the power to assess civil money penalties for knowing or reckless violations, if the activities leading to a violation caused a substantial loss to a depository institution. Potential penalties are as high as $1,000,000 for each day the activity continues.

Dividends

Dividends from the Bank are the Company’s principal source of cash revenues. The Company’s earnings and activities are affected by federal and state legislation, regulations, local legislative and administrative bodies, and decisions of courts in the jurisdictions in which business is conducted. These include limitations on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company and the Company’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders. It is the policy of the Federal Reserve Board that bank holding companies should pay cash dividends on common stock only out of income available over the past year and only if prospective earnings retention is consistent with the organization’s expected future needs and financial condition. The policy provides that bank holding companies should not maintain a level of cash dividends that undermines the bank holding company’s ability to serve as a source of strength to its banking subsidiary. Consistent with such policy, a banking organization should have comprehensive policies on dividend payments that clearly articulate the organization’s objectives and approaches for maintaining a strong capital position and achieving the objectives of the policy statement.

The FDIC has the authority to use its enforcement powers to prohibit a bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. Federal law also prohibits the payment of dividends by a bank that will result in the bank failing to meet its applicable capital requirements on a pro forma basis. Maine law requires the approval of the BFI for any dividend that would reduce a bank’s capital below prescribed limits.

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Source of Strength

In accordance with Federal Reserve Board policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank. Section 616 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) codifies the requirement that bank holding companies serve as a source of financial strength to their subsidiary depository institutions. Under this policy, the holding company is expected to commit resources to support its bank subsidiary, including at times when the holding company may not be in a financial position to provide it. As discussed below, the Company could be required to guarantee the capital plan of the Bank if it becomes undercapitalized for purposes of banking regulations. Any capital loans by a bank holding company to its subsidiary bank are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. The BHC Act provides that, in the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a bank subsidiary will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment.

Anti-tying Restrictions

Bank holding companies and their affiliates are prohibited from tying the provision of services, such as extensions of credit, to other services offered by a holding company or its affiliates.

Mergers & Acquisitions

The BHC Act, the federal Bank Merger Act, the laws of the State of Maine applicable to financial institutions and other federal and state statutes regulate acquisitions of banks and their holding companies. The BHC Act generally limits acquisitions by bank holding companies to banks and companies engaged in activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto. The BHC Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before (i) acquiring more than 5% of the voting stock of any bank or other bank holding company, (ii) acquiring all or substantially all of the assets of any bank or bank holding company, or (iii) merging or consolidating with any other bank holding company.

In reviewing applications seeking approval of merger and acquisition transactions, the bank regulatory authorities generally consider, among other things, the competitive effect and public benefits of the transactions, the financial and managerial resources and future prospects of the combined organization (including the capital position of the combined organization), the applicant’s performance record under the federal Community Reinvestment Act (see Community Reinvestment Act included in Item I), fair housing laws and the effectiveness of the subject organizations in combating money laundering activities.

Limitations on Acquisitions of the Company’s Common Stock

The federal Change in Bank Control Act prohibits a person or group of persons from acquiring “control” of a bank holding company unless the appropriate federal bank regulator has been notified and has not objected to the transaction. Under a rebuttable presumption established by the federal bank regulator, the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting securities of a bank holding company with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act would constitute the acquisition of control of a bank holding company. In addition, the BHC Act prohibits any company from acquiring control of a bank or bank holding company without first having obtained the approval of the federal bank regulator. Among other circumstances, under the BHC Act, a company has control of a bank or bank holding company if the company owns, controls or holds with power to vote 25% or more of a class of voting securities of the bank or bank holding company, controls in any manner the election of a majority of directors or trustees of the bank or bank holding company, or the federal bank regulator has determined, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the company has the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the bank or bank holding company.

Transactions with Affiliates

The holding company and the Bank are considered “affiliates” of each other under the Federal Reserve Act, and transactions between a bank and its affiliates are subject to certain restrictions, under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal

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Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve Board’s implementing Regulation W. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B: (1) limit the extent to which an insured depository or its subsidiaries may engage in covered transactions (a) with an affiliate (as defined in such sections) to an amount equal to 10% of such institution’s capital and surplus, and (b) with all affiliates, in the aggregate to an amount equal to 20% of such capital and surplus; and (2) require all transactions with an affiliate, whether or not covered transactions, to be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution or subsidiary, as the terms provided or that would be provided to a non-affiliate. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and other similar types of transactions.

State Law Restrictions

As a Maine corporation, the Company is subject to certain limitations and restrictions under applicable Maine corporate law. For example, state law restrictions in Maine include limitations and restrictions relating to indemnification of directors, distributions and dividends to shareholders, transactions involving directors, officers or interested shareholders, maintenance of books, records, and minutes, and observance of certain corporate formalities. Further, as a Maine financial institution holding company, the Company is also subject to certain requirements and restrictions under applicable Maine banking law.

Capital Adequacy and Prompt Corrective Action

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued final rules (the “Capital Rules”) that established the current capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The Capital Rules generally implement the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s December 2010 final capital framework referred to as “Basel III” for strengthening international capital standards. In addition, the Capital Rules implement certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, including the requirements of Section 939A to remove references to credit ratings from the federal banking agencies’ rules. The Capital Rules substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and their depository institution subsidiaries. The risk based capital guidelines are designed to make regulatory capital requirements sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banks and bank holding companies, to account for off-balance sheet exposures and to minimize disincentives for holding liquid, low-risk assets.

The Capital Rules: (i) require a capital measure called “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”) and related regulatory capital ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets; (ii) specify that Tier 1 capital consists of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting certain revised requirements; (iii) mandate that most deductions/adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 and not to the other components of capital; and (iv) expand the scope of the deductions from and adjustments to capital as compared to existing regulations. The Capital Rules revised the definitions and the components of regulatory capital and impacted the calculation of the numerator in banking institutions’ regulatory capital ratios.

The Capital Rules prescribe a standardized approach for risk weightings, generally ranging from 0% for U.S. government and agency securities to 600% for certain equity exposures, resulting in higher risk weights for a variety of asset classes.

Pursuant to Section 38 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDI Act”), federal banking agencies are required to take “prompt corrective action” should an insured depository institution fail to meet certain capital adequacy standards. At each successive lower capital category, an insured depository institution is subject to more restrictions and prohibitions, including restrictions on growth, restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, restrictions or prohibitions on payment of dividends and restrictions on the acceptance of brokered deposits. Furthermore, if an insured depository institution is classified in one of the undercapitalized categories, it is required to submit a capital restoration plan to the appropriate federal banking agency, and the holding company must guarantee the performance of that plan. Based upon its capital levels, a bank that is classified as well-capitalized, adequately capitalized, or undercapitalized may be treated as though it were in the next lower capital category if the appropriate federal banking agency, after notice and opportunity for hearing, determines that an unsafe or unsound condition, or an unsafe or unsound practice, warrants such treatment.

For purposes of Section 38 of the FDI Act, for an insured depository institution to be classified as well-capitalized, it must have a:

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(i) total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%,

(ii) Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%,

(iii) CET1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.5%, and

(iv) leverage ratio of at least 5%.

In order to be classified as “well-capitalized” under the relevant regulatory framework, the Company must, on a consolidated basis, have a:

(i) total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, and

(ii) Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6%.

Both the Bank and the Company have always maintained regulatory capital ratios above the levels to be considered quantitatively well-capitalized. For information regarding the regulatory capital ratios of the Bank and the Company as of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022, respectively, see the discussion under the section captioned Capital Resources included in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report and Note 12 – Shareholders’ Equity and Earnings Per Common Share of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Other Significant Banking Regulations Applicable to the Bank

Deposit Insurance

The Bank’s deposit accounts are fully insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund ("DIF") of the FDIC up to the deposit insurance limits set forth in applicable law and regulations.

The FDIC uses a risk-based assessment system that imposes insurance premiums based upon a risk matrix that accounts for a bank’s capital level and supervisory rating (CAMELS rating). The risk matrix uses different risk categories distinguished by capital levels and supervisory ratings. The base for deposit insurance assessments is consolidated average assets less average tangible equity. Assessment rates are calculated using formulas that take into account the risk of the institution being assessed. The FDIC may increase or decrease the assessment rate schedule in order to manage the DIF to prescribed statutory target levels. An increase in the risk category for the Bank or in the assessment rates could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s and consequently the Company’s earnings. The FDIC may terminate deposit insurance if it determines the institution involved has engaged in or is engaging in unsafe or unsound banking practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition, or has violated applicable laws, regulations or orders.

Consumer Financial Protection

The Company is subject to a number of federal and state consumer protection laws that govern its relationship with its customers. These laws include, for example, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Right to Financial Privacy Act, the Service Members Civil Relief Act and these federal laws’ respective state law counterparts, as well as state usury laws and laws regarding unfair and deceptive acts and practices. These and other federal laws, among other things, require disclosures of the cost of credit and terms of deposit accounts, provide substantive consumer rights, prohibit discrimination in credit transactions, regulate the use of credit report information, provide financial privacy protections, prohibit unfair, deceptive and abusive practices, restrict the Bank’s ability to raise interest rates and subject the Bank to substantial regulatory oversight. Violations of applicable consumer protection laws can result in significant potential liability from litigation brought by customers, including actual damages, restitution and attorneys’ fees.

Further, the CFPB has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer financial laws that apply to all banks, including, among other things, the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. Abusive acts or practices are defined as those that materially interfere with a consumer’s ability to understand a term or condition of a consumer financial product or service or take unreasonable advantage of a consumer’s: (i) lack of understanding on the part of the consumer of the material risks, costs, or conditions of the product or service, (ii) inability of the consumer to

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protect its interests in selecting or using a consumer financial product or service, or (iii) reasonable reliance on a covered entity to act in the consumer’s interests.

Neither the Dodd-Frank Act nor the individual consumer financial protection laws prevent states from adopting stricter consumer protection standards.

Brokered Deposit Restrictions

Under the FDIC Improvement Act, banks may be restricted in their ability to accept brokered deposits, depending on their classification. “Well-capitalized” institutions are permitted to accept brokered deposits, but all banks that are not well- capitalized could be restricted from accepting such deposits. The Bank is currently well-capitalized and not restricted from accepting brokered deposits.

Community Reinvestment Act

The Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”), requires depository institutions to assist in meeting the credit needs of their market areas consistent with safe and sound banking practice. Under the CRA, each depository institution is required to help meet the credit needs of its market areas by, among other things, providing credit to low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions and applications to open a branch or facility. The applicable federal regulators regularly conduct CRA examinations to assess the performance of financial institutions and assign one of four ratings to the institution’s records of meeting the credit needs of its community. During its last examination, the Bank received a CRA rating of “satisfactory”.

Insider Credit Transactions

Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act (the “FRA”) and its implementing Regulation O, restricts loans to directors, executive officers, and principal shareholders (“insiders”). Under Section 22(h), loans to insiders and their related interests may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such persons and affiliated entities, the institution’s total capital and surplus. Loans to insiders above specified amounts must receive the prior approval of the Board of Directors. Further, under Section 22(h) of the FRA, loans to directors, executive officers and principal shareholders must be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons, except that such insiders may receive preferential loans made under a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to the bank’s employees and does not give preference to the insider over the employees. Section 22(g) of the FRA places additional limitations on loans to executive officers. A violation of these restrictions may result in the assessment of substantial civil monetary penalties on the affected bank or any officer, director, employee, agent or other person participating in the conduct of the affairs of that bank, the imposition of a cease and desist order, and other regulatory sanctions.

Safety and Soundness

Under the FDI Act, each federal banking agency has prescribed, by regulation, non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. These standards cover internal controls, information and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, such other operational and managerial standards as the agency determines to be appropriate, and standards for asset quality, earnings and stock valuation. An institution that fails to meet these standards must 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.

Financial Privacy

Section V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ("GLBA") and its implementing regulations require all financial institutions, including the Company and the Bank and the Bank’s subsidiaries, to adopt privacy policies, restrict the sharing of nonpublic customer data with non-affiliated parties at the customer’s request, limit the reuse of certain consumer information received from non-affiliated financial institutions, and establish procedures and practices to protect customer data from unauthorized access. In addition, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”), as amended by the Fair and Accurate

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Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (the "FACT Act”), includes many provisions affecting the Company, Bank, and/or their affiliates, including provisions concerning obtaining consumer reports, furnishing information to consumer reporting agencies, maintaining a program to prevent identity theft, sharing of certain information among affiliated companies, and other provisions. The FACT Act requires entities subject to FCRA to notify their customers if they report negative information about them to a credit bureau or if they are granted credit on terms less favorable than those generally available. The CFPB and the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) have extensive rulemaking authority under the FACT Act, and the Company and the Bank are subject to the rules that have been promulgated under the FACT Act, including rules requiring financial institutions with covered accounts (e.g. consumer bank accounts and loans) to develop, implement, and administer an identity theft protection program, as well as rules regarding limitations on affiliate marketing and implementation of programs to identify, detect and mitigate certain identity theft red flags. The Company has developed policies and procedures for itself and its subsidiaries, including the Bank, and believes it is in compliance with all privacy, information sharing, and notification provisions of the GLBA and the FACT Act. The Bank is also subject to data security standards, privacy and data breach notice requirements, primarily those issued by the FDIC, as well as under state laws.

Anti-Money Laundering Initiatives and the USA Patriot Act

A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions over the last two decades has been combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (“USA Patriot Act”), substantially broadened the scope of United States anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued a number of regulations that apply various requirements of the USA Patriot Act to financial institutions such as the Bank. These regulations impose obligations on financial institutions to maintain appropriate policies, procedures and controls to detect, prevent and report money laundering and terrorist financing and to verify the identities of their customers. Financial institutions are also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must use enhanced due diligence procedures in their dealings with certain types of high-risk customers and implement a written customer identification program. Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and report certain types of suspicious transactions. Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions for compliance with these obligations, and failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, can have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation

The United States has imposed economic sanctions that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, nationals and others. These are typically known as the “OFAC” rules based on their administration by the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”). The OFAC-administered sanctions targeting countries take many different forms. Generally, however, they contain one or more of the following elements: (i) restrictions on trade with or investment in a sanctioned country, including prohibitions against direct or indirect imports from and exports to a sanctioned country and prohibitions on “U.S. persons” engaging in financial transactions relating to making investments in, or providing investment-related advice or assistance to, a sanctioned country; and (ii) a blocking of assets in which the government or specially designated nationals of the sanctioned country have an interest, by prohibiting transfers of property subject to U.S. jurisdiction (including property in the possession or control of U.S. persons). Blocked assets (e.g., property and bank deposits) cannot be paid out, withdrawn, set off or transferred in any manner without a license from OFAC. The Company is responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of, and transactions with, such targets and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences.

Guidance on Sound Compensation Policies

The Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to give shareholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation at least every three years (the so-called “say-on-pay vote”) and on so-called “golden parachute” payments in connection with approvals of mergers and acquisitions. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded

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companies to give shareholders a non-binding vote, at least once every six years, on how frequently to hold the “say on pay” vote.

The Dodd-Frank Act also requires the federal banking agencies and the SEC to establish joint regulations or guidelines prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities with at least $1 billion in total consolidated assets that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits that could lead to material financial loss to the entity. The federal banking agencies and the SEC most recently proposed such regulations in 2016, but the regulations have not yet been finalized. If the regulations are adopted in the form initially proposed, they will restrict the manner in which executive compensation is structured.

Changing Regulatory Structure and Future Legislation and Regulation

Congress may enact further legislation that affects the regulation of the financial services industry, and state legislatures may enact further legislation affecting the regulation of financial institutions. Federal and state regulatory agencies also periodically propose and adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. The Company cannot predict the substance or impact of pending or future legislation or regulations, or the application thereof, although enactment of the proposed legislation could impact the regulatory structure under which the Company operates and may significantly increase costs, impede the efficiency of internal business processes, require an increase in regulatory capital, require modifications to the Company’s business strategy, and limit the Company’s ability to pursue business opportunities in an efficient manner. A change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries could have a material effect on its business.

Other Laws and Regulations

The Company is not only subject to federal laws applicable to it, it is also subject to the rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.  

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent to our business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect us are described below. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference herein. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair our business operations. This Annual Report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

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If any of the events described in the risk factors should actually occur, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the value of our securities could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

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Credit Risks

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Deterioration in local economies or real estate market may adversely affect our financial performance, as our borrowers’ ability to repay loans and the value of the collateral securing the loans may decline.

We serve individuals and businesses located in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is secured by real estate in these areas and the value of the associated collateral is subject to local real estate market conditions. Furthermore, many customers in the hospitality industry rely upon a high number of tourists to vacation destinations and attractions within our markets. Our success is largely dependent on the economic conditions, including employment levels, population growth, income levels, savings trends and government policies in those market areas. A downturn in the local economies may adversely affect collateral values, sources of funds, and demand for products, all of which could have a negative impact on results of operations, financial condition and business expansion.

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High concentrations of commercial loans may increase exposure to credit loss upon borrower default.

As of December 31, 2022, approximately 64% of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial real estate, commercial and industrial and construction loans. Commercial loan portfolio concentration generally exposes lenders to greater risk of delinquency and loss than residential real estate loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation and income streams from the property. Commercial loans typically involve larger balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers as compared to residential real estate loans. As our loan portfolio contains a significant number of large commercial loans, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in non-performing loans, provision for loan losses, and/or an increase in loan charge-offs, all of which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Greater than anticipated credit losses in the loan portfolios may adversely affect our earnings.

Credit losses are inherent in the business of making loans and could have a material adverse effect on operating results. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio and provide an allowance for credit losses based on a number of factors. The allowance for credit losses is evaluated on a periodic basis using current information, including the quality of the loan portfolio, economic conditions, and value of the underlying collateral and the level of non-accrual loans. Although we believe the allowance for credit losses is appropriate to absorb probable losses in the loan portfolio, this allowance may not be adequate. Increases in the allowance will result in an expense for the period, thereby reducing reported net income.

We are exposed to risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties to which we take title.

In the course of business, we may own or foreclose and take title to real estate that may be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to subject property. As a result, we may be held liable for property damage, personal injury, investigation and restoration costs. The cost associated with investigation or restoration activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property.

Liquidity and Interest Rate Risks

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Interest rate volatility could significantly reduce our profitability.

Our earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-bearing assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions, demand for loans, securities and deposits, policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, or the slope of the yield curve could influence not only the interest received on loans and securities and the amount of interest paid on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) the ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, and (iii) the average duration of loans and securities that are collateralized by mortgages. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings. If interest rates decline, higher-rate loans and investments may be subject to prepayment risk, which could negatively impact our net interest margin. Conversely, if interest rates increase, loans and investment securities may be subject to extension risk, which could negatively impact our net interest margin as well.

Wholesale funding sources may prove insufficient to replace deposits, support operations and future growth.

We must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of customers. To manage liquidity, we use a number of funding sources in addition to core deposit growth, loan repayments and maturities of loans and securities. These sources include FHLB and FRB advances, proceeds from the sale of securities and loans and liquidity resources at the holding company. Our ability to manage liquidity will be severely constrained if unable to maintain access to funding or if adequate financing is not available to accommodate future growth at acceptable costs. In addition, if we need to rely heavily on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, revenues may not increase proportionately to cover costs. In this case, our operating margins and profitability would be adversely affected.

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Loss of deposits or a change in deposit mix could increase our cost of funding.

Deposits are a low cost and stable source of funding.  We compete with banks and other financial institutions for deposits. Funding costs may increase if deposits are lost and are forced to replace them with more expensive sources of funding, if customers shift their deposits into higher cost products or if we need to raise interest rates to avoid losing deposits. Higher funding costs reduce our net interest income, net interest margin, and net income.

Our access to funds from subsidiaries may be restricted.

The Company is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Bank and its non-banking subsidiaries. The Company depends on dividends, distributions and other payments from its banking and non-banking subsidiaries to fund dividend payments on its common stock, debt service of subordinated borrowings, fund stock repurchase program and to fund strategic initiatives or other obligations. The Company’s subsidiaries are subject to laws that authorize regulatory bodies to block or reduce the flow of funds from those subsidiaries to the Company based on assertion that certain payments from subsidiaries are considered an unsafe or unsound practice.

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Prepayments of loans may negatively impact our business as customers may prepay the principal amount of their outstanding loans at any time.

The speeds at which such prepayments occur, as well as the size of such prepayments, are within the customers’ discretion. Fluctuations in interest rates, in certain circumstances, may also lead to high levels of loan prepayments, which may also have an adverse impact on net interest income. If customers prepay the principal amount of their loans, and we are unable to lend those funds to other borrowers or invest the funds at the same or higher interest rates, interest income will be reduced. A significant reduction in interest income could have a negative impact on results of operations and financial condition.

Secondary mortgage market conditions may adversely affect financial condition and earnings.

The secondary mortgage markets are impacted by interest rates and investor demand for residential mortgage loans and increased investor yield requirements for these loans. These conditions may fluctuate in the future. As a result, a prolonged period of secondary market illiquidity may reduce our loan production volumes, change loan portfolio composition, and reduce operating results. Secondary markets are affected by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginny Mae for loan purchases that meet their conforming loan requirements. These agencies could limit purchases of conforming loans due to capital constraints, changes in conforming loan criteria or other factors. Proposals to reform mortgage finance could affect the role of these agencies and the market for conforming loans.

Operational Risks

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We are subject to a variety of operational risks, including reputational risk, and the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including reputational risk, legal and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, and unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors, including clerical or record-keeping errors or those resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems. If personal, non-public, confidential, or proprietary information of customers in our possession were to be mishandled or misused, we could suffer significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage, and financial loss.

Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. Our necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process transactions and its large transaction volume may further increase the risk that technical flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. We may also be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond its control (e.g., computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages, natural disaster, pandemics, or other damage to property or physical assets), which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. We are further exposed to the risk that its external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations (or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees) and to the risk that our vendors’ business continuity and data security systems prove to be inadequate. The occurrence of any of these risks could result in a diminished ability to operate (e.g., by requiring us to expend significant resources to correct the defect), as well as potential liability to customers, reputational damage, and regulatory intervention.

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Disruptions to our information systems and security breaches may adversely affect our business and reputation.

In the ordinary course of business, we rely on electronic communications and information systems to conduct its businesses and to store sensitive data, including financial information regarding its customers. The integrity of information systems is under significant threat from cyberattacks by third parties, including through coordinated attacks sponsored by foreign nations and criminal organizations to disrupt business operations and other compromises to data and systems for political or criminal purposes. We employ an in-depth, layered, defense approach that leverages people, processes and technology to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. Notwithstanding the strength of defensive measures, the threat from cyberattacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures. Cybersecurity risks may also occur with our third-party service providers, and may interfere with their ability to fulfill their contractual obligations to us, with additional potential for financial loss or liability that could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. We offer our customers the ability to bank remotely and provide other technology-based products and services, which services include the secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet and other remote channels. To the extent that our customers’ systems are not secure or are otherwise compromised, its network could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, malicious software, phishing schemes and other security breaches. To the extent that our activities or the activities of its customers or third-party service providers involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and malicious software could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation and other possible liabilities.

Information security risks have generally increased in recent years, and continue to increase, in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the implementation of work-from-home arrangements, the use of the Internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists, and other external parties, some of which may be linked to terrorist organizations or hostile foreign governments. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our systems or to investigate and remediate vulnerabilities. System enhancements and updates may also create risks associated with implementing and integrating new systems. Due to the complexity and interconnectedness of information technology systems, the process of enhancing our systems can itself create a risk of systems disruptions and security issues.

While to date we have not experienced a significant compromise, significant data loss or material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks, our systems and those of our customers and third-party service providers, are under constant threat and may experience a significant event in the future. We may suffer material financial losses related to these risks or be subject to liability for compromises to its customers or third-party providers. Any such losses or liabilities could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations, and could expose us to reputation risk, the loss of client business, increased operational costs, as well as additional regulatory scrutiny, possible litigation, and related financial liability. These risks also include possible business interruption, including the inability to access critical information and systems.

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We have a continuing need for technological change, and we may not have the resources to implement new technology effectively, or we may experience operational challenges when implementing new technology or technology needed to compete effectively with larger institutions may not be available to us on a cost-effective basis.

The financial services industry undergoes rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services, including developments in telecommunications, data processing, automation, internet-based banking, debit cards and so-called “smart cards” and remote deposit capture. In addition to serving clients better, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, at least in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our clients by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy client demands for convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our products and service offerings. We offer electronic banking services for consumer and business customers via our website, including Internet banking and electronic bill payment, as well as mobile banking. We also offer debit cards, ATM cards, and automatic and ACH transfers. We may experience operational challenges as we implement these new technology enhancements or products, which could impair our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from such new technology or require us to incur significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner.

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Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. Third parties upon which we rely for our technology needs may not be able to develop on a cost-effective basis the systems that will enable us to keep pace with such developments. As a result, competitors may be able to offer additional or superior products compared to those that we will be able to provide, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. We may lose clients seeking new technology-driven products and services to the extent we are unable to provide such products and services. Accordingly, the ability to keep pace with technological change is important and the failure to do so could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Our operations are reliant on outside vendors.

Our operations are dependent on the use of certain outside vendors for its day-to-day operations. Vendors may not perform in accordance with established performance standards required in their agreements for any number of reasons including a change in the vendor’s senior management, financial condition, product line or mix and how they support existing customers, or simply change their strategic focus putting us at risk. While we have comprehensive policies and procedures in place to mitigate risk in all phases of vendor management from selection to performance monitoring, the failure of a vendor to perform in accordance with contractual agreements could be disruptive to our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.

Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Bank and non-bank financial services companies are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. We have exposure to different industries and counterparties through transactions with counterparties in the bank and non-bank financial services industries, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks and other institutional clients. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more bank or non-bank financial services companies, or the bank or non-bank financial services industries generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. These losses or defaults could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in the federal, state or local tax laws may negatively impact our financial performance and we are subject to examinations and challenges by tax authorities.

We are subject to federal and applicable state tax laws and regulations. Changes in these tax laws and regulations, some of which may be retroactive to previous periods, could increase our effective tax rates and, as a result, could negatively affect our current and future financial performance. Furthermore, tax laws and regulations are often complex and require interpretation. In the normal course of business, we are routinely subject to examinations and challenges from federal and applicable state tax authorities regarding the amount of taxes due in connection with investments we have made and the businesses in which we have engaged. Recently, federal and state taxing authorities have become increasingly aggressive in challenging tax positions taken by financial institutions. These tax positions may relate to tax compliance, sales and use, franchise, gross receipts, payroll, property and income tax issues, including tax base, apportionment and tax credit planning. The challenges made by tax authorities may result in adjustments to the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. If any such challenges are made and are not resolved in our favor, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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The performance of our investment securities portfolio is subject to fluctuation due to changes in interest rates and market conditions, including credit deterioration of the issuers of individual securities.

Changes in interest rates can negatively affect the performance of most of our investment securities. Interest rate volatility can reduce unrealized gains or increase unrealized losses in our portfolio, as was the case in 2022 with the rising rate environment. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors including monetary policies, domestic and international economic, social and political conditions and issues, including trade disputes, global health pandemics, and other factors beyond our control. Fluctuations in interest rates can materially affect both the returns on and market value of our investment securities. 

In addition, from time to time we may restructure portions of our investment securities portfolio as part of our asset liability management strategies or in response to liquidity needs, and we may incur losses, which may be material, in connection with any such restructuring. If we were to sell any of these securities before their value recovers, including as

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a result of asset liability management strategies or in response to liquidity needs, we would be required to recognize these losses and the recognition of those losses could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, capital and financial.

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Impairment of investment securities or goodwill could result in a negative impact on our results of operations.

In assessing whether the impairment of securities is related to a deterioration in credit factors, we consider the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain the securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term.

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Under current accounting standards, goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  A decline in our stock price or occurrence of a triggering event following any of its quarterly earnings releases and prior to the filing of the periodic report for that period could, under certain circumstances, require performance of a goodwill impairment test and result in an impairment charge being recorded for that period which was not reflected in such earnings release.  During 2022, our annual impairment test conducted in October, using discounted cash flows and market based approaches, indicated that the estimated fair value of our sole reporting unit “Bar Harbor Bank & Trust” exceeded the carrying value.  In a future assessment, we could conclude that all or a portion of our goodwill is impaired, which would result in a non-cash charge to earnings.  

Revenues from our wealth management business are significant to earnings.

Generating returns that satisfy customers in a variety of asset classes is important to maintaining existing business and attracting new business.  Administering or managing assets in accordance with the terms of governing documents and applicable laws is also important to client satisfaction. Failure in either of the foregoing areas can expose us to liability, and result in a decrease in revenues and earnings.

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Our wealth management business may be negatively affected by changes in economic and market conditions.

A decline in economic conditions, such as recession, economic downturn, and/or inflationary conditions, changes in domestic and foreign economic conditions, volatility in financial markets, and general trends in business and finance, all of which are beyond our control, could adversely impact the market value of wealth management assets under management, which are primarily marketable securities, and the fee revenues derived from the management of these assets.

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Strategic and External Risks

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Changes and instability in economic conditions, geopolitical matters and financial markets, including a contraction of economic activity, could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our success depends, to a certain extent, upon global, domestic and local economic and political conditions, as well as governmental monetary policies. Conditions such as changes in interest rates, money supply, levels of employment and other factors beyond our control may have a negative impact on economic activity. Any contraction of economic activity, including an economic recession, may adversely affect our asset quality, deposit levels and loan demand and, therefore, our earnings. In particular, interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including global, domestic and local economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, specifically, the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”). Throughout 2022 the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) raised the target range for the Federal funds rate on seven separate occasions and-citing factors including the hardships caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, continued global supply chain disruptions and imbalances, and increased inflationary pressure-the FOMC has indicated that ongoing increases may be appropriate.

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The tightening of the FRB's monetary policies, including repeated and aggressive increases in the target range for the Federal funds rate as well as the conclusion of the FRB's tapering of asset purchases, together with ongoing economic and geopolitical instability, increases the risk of an economic recession. Although forecasts have varied, many economists are projecting that U.S. economic growth will slow and inflation will remain elevated in the coming quarters, potentially resulting in a contraction of U.S. gross domestic output in 2023. Any such downturn, especially domestically and in the regions in which we operate, may adversely affect our asset quality, deposit levels, loan demand and results of operations.

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As a result of the economic and geopolitical factors discussed above, financial institutions also face heightened credit risk, among other forms of risk. Of note, because we have a significant amount of real estate loans, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral, which, in turn, can adversely affect the value of our loan and investment portfolios. Adverse economic developments, specifically including inflation-related impacts, may have a negative effect on the ability of our borrowers to make timely repayments of their loans or to finance future home purchases. Moreover, while commercial real estate values have stabilized as demand has returned to pre-pandemic levels in several markets; the post-pandemic outlook for commercial real estate demand remains dependent on the broader economic environment and, specifically, how major subsectors respond to a rising interest rate environment, the reduction of office utilization due to the impact of hybrid working patterns, greater flexibility for work location, and higher prices for commodities, goods and services. In each case, credit performance over the medium- and long-term is susceptible to economic and market forces and therefore forecasts remain uncertain. Instability and uncertainty in the commercial and residential real estate markets, headwinds for lease rates and landlord cash flows, as well as in the broader commercial and retail credit markets, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Monetary policy and economic environment could impact our financial performance.

Our earnings are significantly affected by the monetary and fiscal policies of governmental authorities, including the Federal Reserve Board. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the Federal Reserve Board to implement these objectives are open-market operations in U.S. Government securities and federal funds, changes in the discount rate on member bank borrowings, and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These instruments of monetary policy are used in varying combinations to influence the overall level of bank loans, investments, and deposits, and the interest rates charged on loans and paid for deposits. The Federal Reserve Board frequently uses these instruments of monetary policy, especially its open-market operations and the discount rate, to influence the level of interest rates, thereby affecting the strength of the economy, the level of inflation, or the price of the dollar in foreign exchange markets. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board have had a significant effect on the operating results of banking institutions in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. It is not possible to predict the nature of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies, or the effect which they may have on our business and earnings.

Involvement in wealth management creates risks associated with the industry.

Our wealth management operations present special risks not borne by institutions that focus exclusively on other traditional retail and commercial banking products. For example, the investment advisory industry is subject to fluctuations in the stock market and interest rate volatility that may have a significant adverse effect on transaction fees, client activity and client investment portfolio gains and losses. Also, additional or modified regulations may adversely affect our wealth management operations. In addition, our wealth management operations, are dependent on a small number of established financial advisors, whose departure could result in the loss of a significant number of client accounts. A significant decline in fees and commissions or trading losses suffered in the investment portfolio could adversely affect our income and potentially require the contribution of additional capital to support our operations.

Strong competition within our markets may significantly impact profitability.

We compete with an ever-increasing array of financial service providers. See the section entitled “Competition” of Item 1 of this Annual Report for additional competitor information. Competition from nationwide banks, as well as local institutions, continues to mount in our markets. To compete, we focus on quality customer service, making decisions at the local level, maintaining long-term customer relationships, building customer loyalty, and providing products and services designed to address the specific needs of customers. Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, which could adversely affect growth and profitability.

Market changes may adversely affect demand for our services and impact revenue, costs, and earnings.

Channels for servicing our customers are evolving rapidly, with less reliance on traditional branch facilities, increased use of e-commerce channels, and demand for universal bankers and other relationship managers who can service multiple product lines. We have an ongoing process for evaluating the profitability of its branch system and other office and operational facilities. The identification of unprofitable operations and facilities can lead to restructuring charges and introduce the risk of disruptions to revenues and customer relationships. We compete with larger financial institutions who are rapidly evolving their service channels and escalating the costs of evolving the service process.

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Expansion, growth, and acquisitions could negatively impact earnings if not successful.

We may grow organically both by geographic expansion and through business line expansion, as well as through acquisitions. Success of these activities depends on our ability to continue to maintain and develop an infrastructure appropriate to support and integrate such growth. Success may also depend on acceptance of the Bank by customers in these new markets and, in the case of expansion through acquisitions, these factors include the long-term recruitment and retention of key personnel and acquired customer relationships. Profitability depends on whether the marginal revenue generated in the new markets will offset the increased expenses of operating a larger entity, with more staff, more locations, and more product offerings. Failure to achieve any of these success factors may have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We may be adversely affected by continuous technological change.

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional operational efficiencies.

The introduction of new products and services can entail significant time and resources.  Our failure to manage risks and uncertainties associated with new products and services exposes us to enhanced risk of operational lapses which may result in the recognition of financial statement liabilities. Regulatory and internal control requirements, capital requirements, competitive alternatives, vendor relationships and shifting market preferences may also determine if such initiatives can be brought to market in a manner that is timely and attractive to our customers. Products and services relying on internet and mobile technologies may expose us to fraud and cybersecurity risks. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our business and reputation.

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Societal responses to climate change could adversely affect our business and performance, including indirectly through impacts on our customers.

Concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led and will continue to lead to governmental efforts around the world to mitigate those impacts. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior on their own as a result of these concerns. Our company and customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. Our company and customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions and operating process changes, among other impacts. The impact on our customers will likely vary depending on their specific attributes. In addition, we could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans. Our efforts to take these risks into account in making lending and other decisions may not be effective in protecting us from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior.

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Pandemics, severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events could significantly impact our business and the business of our customers.

Pandemics, including the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on our ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. In particular, such events may have a particularly negative impact upon the business of customers who are engaged in the hospitality industry in our markets, which could have a direct negative impact on our business and results of operations. Further, work-from-home and other modified business practices may introduce additional operational risks, including cybersecurity and execution risks, which may result in inefficiencies or delays, and may affect our ability to, or the manner in which we, conduct our business activities. 

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Legal, Regulatory and Compliance Risks

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We are subject to extensive government regulation and supervision, which may interfere with the ability to conduct business and may negatively impact our financial results.

Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, the Federal Deposit Insurance Fund and the safety and soundness of the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we can offer, and/or limit the pricing we can charge on certain banking services, among other things. Compliance personnel and resources may increase costs of operations and adversely impact earnings.

We are subject to possible claims and litigation pertaining to fiduciary responsibilities.

From time to time, customers make claims and take legal action pertaining to our performance of fiduciary responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal action related to our performance of fiduciary responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a favorable manner, they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of us and products and services as well as impact customer demand for our products and services.

Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.

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Fee revenues from overdraft protection programs constitute a significant portion of our noninterest income and may be subject to increased supervisory scrutiny.

Revenues derived from transaction fees associated with overdraft protection programs offered to our customers represent a significant portion of its noninterest income.  In response to recent increased congressional and regulatory scrutiny, and in anticipation of enhanced supervision and enforcement of overdraft protection practices in the future, certain banking organizations have begun to modify their overdraft protection programs, including by discontinuing the imposition of overdraft transaction fees. These competitive pressures, as well as any adoption by the Bank’s regulators of new rules or supervisory guidance or more aggressive examination and enforcement policies in respect of banks' overdraft protection practices, could cause it to modify programs and practices in ways that may have a negative impact on revenue and our earnings.  

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General Risk Factors

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Changes in accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially affect our results of operations, and financial condition.

Accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our results of operations, and financial condition. Some of the accounting policies are critical because they require us to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.  We may experience material losses if such estimates or assumptions underlying in our financial statements are incorrect.

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From time to time, the FASB and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards or the interpretation of those standards that govern the preparation of our external financial statements. These changes could materially impact how we report our results of operations and financial condition.  New or revised standards could also require retroactive application, which could result in the restatement of our prior period financial statements in material amounts.

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Internal controls may become ineffective in preventing or detecting material errors.

We regularly review and update our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the controls are met. Any

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failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

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We may be unable to attract and retain key personnel.

Our success depends, in large part, on its ability to attract and retain key personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry can be intense and we may not be able to hire or retain the key personnel. In addition, the Bank’s rural geographic marketplace, combined with relatively expensive real estate purchase prices in the many tourist communities we serve, create additional risks for the our ability to attract and retain key personnel. The unexpected loss of key personnel could have an adverse impact on our business because of their skills, knowledge of the markets in which the we operate, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

Our principal executive office is in a building located at 82 Main Street, Bar Harbor, Maine. We provide full-banking services at 53 locations throughout Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, of which 34 are owned and 19 are leased. We also have one stand-alone drive-up window in Vermont. In addition to banking offices, we also have Operations Centers located in Ellsworth, Maine, and Newport, New Hampshire that house our operations and data processing centers.  We have leased spaces in Hampden, Maine, Portland, Maine, Rockland, Maine and Manchester, New Hampshire where back office support for multiple lines of business and related functions are located. Additionally, we own a Wealth Management office located in Concord, New Hampshire. In the opinion of management, our physical properties are considered adequate to meet the needs of customers in the communities served.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are from time to time subject to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. These claims and litigation may include, among other things, allegations of violation of banking and other applicable regulations, competition laws, labor laws and consumer protection laws, as well as claims or litigation relating to intellectual property, securities, breach of contract and tort. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously against any pending or future claims and litigation.

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At this time, in the opinion of management, the likelihood is remote that the impact of such proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, one or more unfavorable outcomes in any claim or litigation against us could have a material adverse effect for the period in which they are resolved. In addition, regardless of their merits or their ultimate outcomes, such matters are costly, divert management’s attention and may materially adversely affect our reputation, even if resolved in our favor.

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PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Market Information

The common stock of the Company is traded on the NYSE American, under the trading symbol “BHB”.  As of March 10, 2023, there were 15,124,451 shares of Bar Harbor Bankshares common stock, par value $2.00 per share, outstanding and approximately 1,428 shareholders of record, as obtained through the Company’s transfer agent.

Cash dividends declared and paid totaled $0.26 per share in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2022 and $0.24 per share in the first quarter of 2022. We currently expect that comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future. However, no assurances can be given that any dividends will be declared or paid on the Company’s common stock in the future, or, if declared and paid, the amount or frequency of those dividends. The ability of the Company and the Bank to pay dividends is restricted by certain laws and regulations, and the payment of dividends by the Company and the Bank is within the discretion of their respective boards of directors.

Recent Sale of Unregistered Securities and Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

No unregistered equity securities were sold by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2022.

On June 23, 2022, the Board approved a 12-month plan to repurchase up to 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, representing 751,000 shares. No shares were repurchased by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2022 and the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plan is 751,000 shares.

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Common Stock Performance Graph

The following graph illustrates the estimated yearly change in value of the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock for each of the last five years. Total shareholder return is computed by taking the difference between the ending price of the common stock at the end of the previous year and the current year, plus any dividends paid divided by the ending price of the common stock at the end of the previous year. For purposes of comparison, the graph also matches our cumulative 5-Year total shareholder return on common stock with the cumulative total returns of the NYSE American Composite Index, and the S&P U.S. SmallCap Banks Index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2022.

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ITEM 6.

[Reserved]

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

The following discussion is management's analysis to assist in the understanding and evaluation of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of the Company. It should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes and selected financial data presented elsewhere in this Annual Report. Within the tables presented, certain columns and rows may not sum due to the use of rounded numbers for disclosure purposes.  The detailed financial discussion that follows focuses on 2022 results compared to 2021. For a discussion of 2021 results compared to 2020, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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GENERAL

The Company is a bank holding company headquartered in Maine, providing a broad array of banking and nonbanking products and services to businesses and consumers primarily within our three-state footprint. The Company's primary sources of revenue, through the Bank, are net interest income (predominantly from loans and investment securities) and noninterest income (principally fees and other revenue from financial services provided to customers or ancillary services tied to loans and deposits).

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ANNUAL PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

Earnings (For year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021)

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Financial Position (For year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021)

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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA