FIRST BANCORP /NC/ - Annual Report: 2010 (Form 10-K)

form10k-113090_fbnc.htm

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, 2010

Commission File Number 0-15572

FIRST BANCORP

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

North Carolina		56-1421916
(State of Incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

341 North Main Street, Troy, North Carolina		27371-0508
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:		(910) 576-6171

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, No Par Value		The Nasdaq Global Select Market

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 of 1933. o YES x NO

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. o YES x 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 Exchange Act during the preceding twelve 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. x YES o NO

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files. o YES o NO

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any amendment to the Form 10-K. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one)

o Large Accelerated Filer	x Accelerated Filer	o Non-Accelerated Filer	o Smaller Reporting Company
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o YES x NO

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock, no par value, held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price of the Common Stock as of June 30, 2010 as reported by The NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $217,318,832.

The number of shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding on February 28, 2011 was 16,822,271.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A are incorporated herein by reference into Part III.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Begins on Page (s)

Forward-Looking Statements		5

PART I
Item 1	Business	5
Item 1A	Risk Factors	21
Item 1B	Unresolved Staff Comments	27
Item 2	Properties	27
Item 3	Legal Proceedings	27
PART II
Item 5	Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	27, 69
Item 6	Selected Consolidated Financial Data	30, 69
Item 7	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	31
	Overview – 2010 Compared to 2009	31
	Overview – 2009 Compared to 2008	34
	Outlook for 2011	36
	Critical Accounting Policies	37
	Merger and Acquisition Activity	39
	FDIC Indemnification Asset	40
	Statistical Information
	Net Interest Income	43, 70
	Provision for Loan Losses	45, 77
	Noninterest Income	46, 71
	Noninterest Expenses	48, 72
	Income Taxes	49, 72
	Stock-Based Compensation	49
	Distribution of Assets and Liabilities	52, 73
	Securities	53, 73
	Loans	55, 75
	Nonperforming Assets	56, 77
	Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Loss Experience	59, 78
	Deposits and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase	60, 79
	Borrowings	61
	Liquidity, Commitments, and Contingencies	63, 83
	Capital Resources and Shareholders’ Equity	64, 85
	Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Derivative Financial Instruments	66
	Return on Assets and Equity	66, 84
	Interest Rate Risk (Including Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk)	66, 82
	Inflation	68
	Current Accounting Matters	68
Item 7A	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	68
Item 8	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data:
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009	87
	Consolidated Statements of Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010	88

Table of Contents

		Begins on Page (s)

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010	89
	Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010	90
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010	91
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	92
	Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	150
	Selected Consolidated Financial Data	69
	Quarterly Financial Summary	86

Item 9	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures	152
Item 9A	Controls and Procedures	152
Item 9B	Other Information	153

PART III
Item 10	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	153*
Item 11	Executive Compensation	153*
Item 12	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters	153*
Item 13	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	153*
Item 14	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	153*

PART IV
Item 15	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	154

SIGNATURES		157

*	Information called for by Part III (Items 10 through 14) is incorporated herein by reference to the Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or before April 30, 2011.

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, which statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements that include projections, predictions, expectations or beliefs about future events or results or otherwise are not statements of historical fact. Further, forward-looking statements are intended to speak only as of the date made. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualifying words (and their derivatives) such as “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” or other statements concerning our opinions or judgment about future events. Factors that could influence the accuracy of such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the financial success or changing strategies of our customers, our level of success in integrating acquisitions, actions of government regulators, the level of market interest rates, and general economic conditions. For additional information that could affect the matters discussed in this paragraph, see the “Risk Factors” section in Item 1A of this report.

PART I

Item 1. Business

General Description

The Company

First Bancorp (the “Company”) is a bank holding company. Our principal activity is the ownership and operation of First Bank (the “Bank”), a state-chartered bank with its main office in Troy, North Carolina. The Company is also the parent to a series of statutory business trusts organized under the laws of the State of Delaware that were created for the purpose of issuing trust preferred debt securities. Our outstanding debt associated with these trusts was $46.4 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

The Company was incorporated in North Carolina on December 8, 1983, as Montgomery Bancorp, for the purpose of acquiring 100% of the outstanding common stock of the Bank through a stock-for-stock exchange. On December 31, 1986, the Company changed its name to First Bancorp to conform its name to the name of the Bank, which had changed its name from Bank of Montgomery to First Bank in 1985.

The Bank was organized in 1934 and began banking operations in 1935 as the Bank of Montgomery, named for the county in which it operated. Troy, population 3,500, is located in the center of Montgomery County, approximately 60 miles east of Charlotte, 50 miles south of Greensboro, and 80 miles southwest of Raleigh. As of December 31, 2010, we conducted business from 92 branches covering a geographical area from Little River, South Carolina to the southeast, to Wilmington, North Carolina to the east, to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina to the northeast, to Radford, Virginia to the north, to Wytheville, Virginia to the northwest, and to Harmony, North Carolina to the west. We also have a loan production office in Blacksburg, which is located in southwestern Virginia and represents our furthest location to the north of Troy. Of the Bank’s 92 branches, 77 are in North Carolina, nine branches are in South Carolina and six branches are in Virginia (where we operate under the name “First Bank of Virginia”). Ranked by assets, the Bank was the fifth largest bank headquartered in North Carolina as of December 31, 2010.

On June 19, 2009, we acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Cooperative Bank, which had been closed earlier that day by regulatory authorities. Cooperative Bank operated through twenty-four branches located primarily in the coastal region of North Carolina. In connection with the acquisition, we assumed assets with a book value of $959 million, including $829 million in loans and $706 million in deposits. The loans and

Table of Contents

foreclosed real estate purchased are covered by loss share agreements between the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and First Bank which affords the Bank significant loss protection. We recorded a gain of $67.9 million as a result of this acquisition. Additional information regarding this transaction is contained in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 2 to the audited consolidated financial statements.

On January 21, 2011, we entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC to purchase substantially all of the assets and liabilities of The Bank of Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina. The Bank of Asheville had five branches with approximately $193 million in total assets, including $154 million in loans, and $196 million in liabilities, including $192 million in deposits. Substantially all of the loans and foreclosed real-estate are covered by loss share agreements with the FDIC.

As of December 31, 2010, the Bank had two wholly owned subsidiaries, First Bank Insurance Services, Inc. (“First Bank Insurance”) and First Troy SPE, LLC. First Bank Insurance was acquired as an active insurance agency in 1994 in connection with the Company’s acquisition of a bank that had an insurance subsidiary. On December 29, 1995, the insurance agency operations of First Bank Insurance were divested. From December 1995 until October 1999, First Bank Insurance was inactive. In October 1999, First Bank Insurance began operations again as a provider of non-FDIC insured investments and insurance products. Currently, First Bank Insurance’s primary business activity is the placement of property and casualty insurance coverage. First Troy SPE, LLC, which was organized in December 2009, is a holding entity for certain foreclosed properties.

Our principal executive offices are located at 341 North Main Street, Troy, North Carolina 27371-0508, and our telephone number is (910) 576-6171. Unless the context requires otherwise, references to the “Company” in this annual report on Form 10-K shall mean collectively First Bancorp and its consolidated subsidiaries.

General Business

We engage in a full range of banking activities, with the acceptance of deposits and the making of loans being its most basic activities. We offer deposit products such as checking, savings, NOW and money market accounts, as well as time deposits, including various types of certificates of deposits (CDs) and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). For business customers, we offer repurchase agreements (also called securities sold under agreement to repurchase), which are similar to interest-bearing deposits and allow us to pay interest to business customers without statutory limitations on the number of withdrawals that these customers can make. We provide loans for a wide range of consumer and commercial purposes, including loans for business, agriculture, real estate, personal uses, home improvement and automobiles. We also offers credit cards, debit cards, letters of credit, safe deposit box rentals, bank money orders and electronic funds transfer services, including wire transfers. In addition, we offer internet banking, mobile banking, cash management and bank-by-phone capabilities to our customers, and are affiliated with ATM networks that give our customers access to 61,000 ATMs, with no surcharge fee. In 2007, we introduced remote deposit capture, which provides business customers with a method to electronically transmit checks received from customers into their bank account without having to visit a branch. In 2008, we joined the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS), which gives our customers the ability to obtain FDIC insurance on deposits of up to $50 million, while continuing to work directly with their local First Bank branch.

Because the majority of our customers are individuals and small to medium-sized businesses located in the counties we serve, management does not believe that the loss of a single customer or group of customers would have a material adverse impact on the Bank. There are no seasonal factors that tend to have any material effect on the Bank’s business, and we do not rely on foreign sources of funds or income. Because we operate primarily within the coastal and central Piedmont regions of North Carolina, the economic conditions of those areas could have a material impact on the Company. See additional discussion below in the section entitled “Territory Served and Competition.”

Table of Contents

Beginning in 1999, First Bank Insurance began offering non-FDIC insured investment and insurance products, including mutual funds, annuities, long-term care insurance, life insurance, and company retirement plans, as well as financial planning services (the “investments division”). In May 2001, First Bank Insurance added to its product line when it acquired two insurance agencies that specialized in the placement of property and casualty insurance. In October 2003, the “investments division” of First Bank Insurance became a part of the Bank. The primary activity of First Bank Insurance is now the placement of property and casualty insurance products. In February 2010, First Bank Insurance acquired The Insurance Center, Inc., a Troy-based property and casualty insurance agency with approximately 500 customers.

Until April 2010, the Company owned and operated another subsidiary, Montgomery Data Services, Inc. Montgomery Data provided electronic data processing services for the Bank and to other area financial institutions for a fee. In January 2010, Montgomery Data’s last external customer terminated its service agreement. Due to the demands of providing service to the Bank, we decided to discontinue servicing third parties and merged the operations of Montgomery Data into the Bank in April 2010. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, external customers provided gross revenues of $32,000, $139,000 and $167,000, respectively.

First Bancorp Capital Trust I was organized in October 2002 for the purpose of issuing $20.6 million in debt securities. These debt securities were called by the Company at par on November 7, 2007 and First Bancorp Capital Trust I was dissolved.

First Bancorp Capital Trust II and First Bancorp Capital Trust III were organized in December 2003 for the purpose of issuing $20.6 million in debt securities ($10.3 million was issued from each trust). These borrowings are due on January 23, 2034 and are also structured as trust preferred capital securities in order to qualify as regulatory capital. These debt securities are callable by the Company at par on any quarterly interest payment date beginning on January 23, 2009. The interest rate on these debt securities adjusts on a quarterly basis at a weighted average rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.70%.

First Bancorp Capital Trust IV was organized in April 2006 for the purpose of issuing $25.8 million in debt securities. These borrowings are due on June 15, 2036 and are structured as trust preferred capital securities, which qualify as capital for regulatory capital adequacy requirements. These debt securities are callable by the Company at par on any quarterly interest payment date beginning on June 15, 2011. The interest rate on these debt securities adjusts on a quarterly basis at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 1.39%.

Table of Contents

Territory Served and Competition

Our headquarters are located in Troy, Montgomery County, North Carolina. At the end of 2010, we served primarily the south central area of the Piedmont and the eastern coastal regions of North Carolina, with additional operations in northeastern South Carolina and southwestern Virginia. As previously discussed, in January 2011, we acquired a failed bank that operated in Buncombe County, which is in the western part of North Carolina. The following table presents, for each county where we operated as of December 31, 2010; the number of bank branches operated by the Company within the county, the approximate amount of deposits with the Company in the county as of December 31, 2010, our approximate deposit market share at June 30, 2010, and the number of bank competitors located in the county at June 30, 2010.

County	Number of Branches		Deposits (in millions)		Market Share			Number of Competitors
Anson, NC		1	$	11		3.9	%		5
Beaufort, NC		3		35		3.6	%		6
Bladen, NC		1		24		10.5	%		5
Brunswick, NC		4		89		6.5	%		12
Cabarrus, NC		2		37		1.7	%		11
Carteret, NC		2		31		3.6	%		8
Chatham, NC		2		53		13.8	%		10
Chesterfield, SC		3		60		17.3	%		7
Columbus, NC		2		31		5.0	%		6
Dare, NC		1		10		1.3	%		11
Davidson, NC		3		104		3.9	%		10
Dillon, SC		3		69		25.5	%		3
Duplin, NC		3		114		26.7	%		6
Florence, SC		2		25		1.4	%		14
Guilford, NC		1		59		0.6	%		21
Harnett, NC		3		116		12.7	%		10
Horry, SC		1		4		0.1	%		25
Iredell, NC		2		31		1.5	%		23
Lee, NC		4		182		23.6	%		10
Montgomery, NC		5		102		37.7	%		4
Montgomery, VA		2		50		2.4	%		13
Moore, NC		11		382		26.3	%		11
New Hanover, NC		5		143		4.3	%		20
Onslow, NC		2		52		4.9	%		9
Pulaski, VA		1		26		6.6	%		8
Randolph, NC		4		65		3.8	%		15
Richmond, NC		1		22		4.5	%		6
Robeson, NC		5		188		19.5	%		10
Rockingham, NC		1		31		2.6	%		11
Rowan, NC		2		47		3.5	%		13
Scotland, NC		2		59		17.7	%		6
Stanly, NC		4		84		9.9	%		6
Wake, NC		1		24		0.1	%		30
Washington, VA		1		33		2.4	%		16
Wythe, VA		2		72		12.8	%		11
Brokered & Internet Deposits		-		188
Total		92	$	2,653

Our branches and facilities are primarily located in small communities whose economies are based primarily on services, manufacturing and light industry. Although our market is predominantly small communities and rural areas, the market area is not dependent on agriculture. Textiles, furniture, mobile homes, electronics, plastic and metal fabrication, forest products, food products, chicken hatcheries, and cigarettes are among the leading manufacturing industries in the trade area. Leading producers of lumber and rugs are located in Montgomery County, North Carolina. The Pinehurst area within Moore County, North Carolina, is a widely known golf resort and retirement area. The High Point, North Carolina, area is widely known for its furniture

Table of Contents

market. New Hanover and Brunswick Counties, located in the southeastern coastal region of North Carolina, are popular with tourists and have significant retirement populations. Additionally, several of the communities served by the Company are “bedroom” communities of large cities like Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro, while several branches are located in medium-sized cities such as Albemarle, Asheboro, High Point, Southern Pines and Sanford. We also have branches in small communities such as Bennett, Polkton, Vass, and Harmony.

Approximately 14% of our deposit base is in Moore County. Accordingly, material changes in competition, the economy or population of Moore County could materially impact the Company. No other county comprises more than 10% of our deposit base.

We compete in our various market areas with, among others, several large interstate bank holding companies. These large competitors have substantially greater resources than us, including broader geographic markets, higher lending limits and the ability to make greater use of large-scale advertising and promotions. A significant number of interstate banking acquisitions have taken place in the past decade, thus further increasing the size and financial resources of some of our competitors, three of which are among the largest bank holding companies in the nation. In many of our markets, we also compete against banks that have been organized within the past ten to fifteen years. Until recently, these new banks often focused on loan and deposit balance sheet growth, and not necessarily on earnings profitability, which often resulted in them offering more attractive terms on loans and deposits than we were able to offer in light of our profitability goals. Due to capital considerations, most of these banks are no longer seeking balance sheet growth. This has increased our ability to compete for loans, but the same banks continue to offer premium rates on deposits, presumably in an effort to maintain maximum liquidity during these challenging economic times. Moore County, which as noted above comprises a disproportionate share of our deposits, is a particularly competitive market, with at least eleven other financial institutions having a physical presence. See “Supervision and Regulation” below for a further discussion of regulations in our industry that affect competition.

We compete not only against banking organizations, but also against a wide range of financial service providers, including federally and state-chartered savings and loan institutions, credit unions, investment and brokerage firms and small-loan or consumer finance companies. One of the credit unions in our market area is among the largest in the nation. Competition among financial institutions of all types is virtually unlimited with respect to legal ability and authority to provide most financial services. We also experience competition from internet banks, particularly in the area of time deposits.

Despite the competitive market, we believe we have certain advantages over our competition in the areas we serve. We seek to maintain a distinct local identity in each of the communities we serve and we actively sponsor and participate in local civic affairs. Most lending and other customer-related business decisions can be made without delays often associated with larger institutions. Additionally, employment of local managers and personnel in various offices and low turnover of personnel enable us to establish and maintain long-term relationships with individual and corporate customers.

Lending Policy and Procedures

Conservative lending policies and procedures and appropriate underwriting standards are high priorities of the Bank. Loans are approved under our written loan policy, which provides that lending officers, principally branch managers, have authority to approve loans of various amounts up to $350,000, with lending limits varying depending upon the experience of the lender and whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Each of our regional senior lending officers has discretion to approve secured loans of various principal amounts up to $500,000 and together can approve loans up to $4,000,000. Loans above $4,000,000 must be approved by the Executive Committee of the board of directors.

Our board of directors reviews and approves loans that exceed management’s lending authority, loans to executive officers, directors, and their affiliates and, in certain instances, other types of loans. New credit

Table of Contents

extensions are reviewed daily by our senior management and at least monthly by our board of directors.

We continually monitor our loan portfolio to identify areas of concern and to enable us to take corrective action. Lending officers and the board of directors meet periodically to review past due loans and portfolio quality, while assuring that the Bank is appropriately meeting the credit needs of the communities it serves. Individual lending officers are responsible for pursuing collection of past-due amounts and monitoring any changes in the financial status of borrowers.

We also contract with an independent consulting firm to review new loan originations meeting certain criteria, as well as to assign risk grades to existing credits meeting certain thresholds. The consulting firm’s observations, comments, and risk grades, including variances with the Bank’s risk grades, are shared with the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors and are considered by management in setting Bank policy, as well as in evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. The consulting firm also provides training on a periodic basis to our loan officers to keep them updated on current developments in the marketplace. For additional information, see “Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Loss Experience” under Item 7 below.

Investment Policy and Procedures

We have adopted an investment policy designed to maximize our income from funds not needed to meet loan demand, in a manner consistent with appropriate liquidity and risk objectives. Pursuant to this policy, we may invest in federal, state and municipal obligations, federal agency obligations, public housing authority bonds, industrial development revenue bonds, Federal Home Loan Bank bonds, Fannie Mae bonds, Government National Mortgage Association bonds, Freddie Mac bonds, Small Business Administration bonds, and, to a limited extent, corporate bonds. Except for corporate bonds, our investments must be rated at least Baa by Moody’s or BBB by Standard and Poor’s. Securities rated below A are periodically reviewed for creditworthiness. We may purchase non-rated municipal bonds only if such bonds are in our general market area and we determine these bonds have a credit risk no greater than the minimum ratings referred to above. Industrial development authority bonds, which normally are not rated, are purchased only if they are judged to possess a high degree of credit soundness to assure reasonably prompt sale at a fair value. We are also authorized by our board of directors to invest a portion of our securities portfolio in high quality corporate bonds, with the amount of such bonds not to exceed 15% of the entire securities portfolio. Prior to purchasing a corporate bond, the Company’s management performs due diligence on the issuer of the bond, and the purchase is not made unless we believe that the purchase of the bond bears no more risk to the Company than would an unsecured loan to the same company.

Our investment officer implements the investment policy, monitors the investment portfolio, recommends portfolio strategies and reports to the Company’s Investment Committee. The Investment Committee generally meets on a quarterly basis to review investment activity and to assess the overall position of the securities portfolio. The Investment Committee compares our securities portfolio with portfolios of other companies of comparable size. In addition, reports of all purchases, sales, issuer calls, net profits or losses and market appreciation or depreciation of the bond portfolio are reviewed by our board of directors each month. Once a quarter, our interest rate risk exposure is evaluated by our board of directors. Each year, the written investment policy is approved by the board of directors.

Mergers and Acquisitions

As part of our operations, we have pursued an acquisition strategy over the years to augment our internal growth. We regularly evaluate the potential acquisition of, or merger with, various financial institutions. Our acquisitions have generally fallen into one of three categories - 1) an acquisition of a financial institution or branch thereof within a market in which we operate, 2) an acquisition of a financial institution or branch thereof in a market contiguous or nearly contiguous to a market in which we operate, or 3) an acquisition of a company that has products or services that we do not currently offer. Historically, we have paid for our acquisitions with

Table of Contents

cash and/or common stock and any operating income or loss has been fully borne by the Company beginning on the closing date of the acquisition.

In 2009, FDIC-assisted acquisitions began to occur frequently as banking regulators closed problem banks. In FDIC-assisted transactions, the acquiring bank often does not pay any consideration for the failed bank, and in some cases receives cash from the FDIC as part of the transaction. In addition, the acquiring bank usually enters into one or more loss share agreements with the FDIC, which affords the acquiring bank significant loss protection. As discussed below, we completed FDIC-assisted transactions in 2009 and 2011.

We believe that we can enhance our earnings by pursuing these types of acquisition opportunities through any combination or all of the following: 1) achieving cost efficiencies, 2) enhancing the acquiree’s earnings or gaining new customers by introducing a more successful banking model with more products and services to the acquiree’s market base, 3) increasing customer satisfaction or gaining new customers by providing more locations for the convenience of customers, and 4) leveraging the customer base by offering new products and services. There is also the possibility, especially in a FDIC-assisted transaction, to record a gain on the acquisition date arising from the difference between the purchase price and the acquisition date fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities.

From 2000 to 2010, we completed acquisitions in each of the three categories described above. During that time, we 1) completed four whole-bank traditional acquisitions, with one being in our existing market areas and the other three being in contiguous markets, with total assets exceeding $700 million, 2) purchased ten bank branches from other banks (both in existing market area and in contiguous/nearly contiguous markets) with total assets of approximately $250 million, and 3) acquired three insurance agencies, which provided us with the ability to offer property and casualty insurance coverage.

In addition to the traditional acquisitions discussed above, on June 19, 2009, we acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Cooperative Bank in a FDIC-assisted transaction. Cooperative Bank operated through twenty-one branches in North Carolina and three branches in South Carolina in the same markets in which the Bank was already operating, as well as in several new, mostly contiguous markets. In connection with the acquisition, First Bank assumed assets with a book value of $959 million, including $829 million in loans and $706 million in deposits. The loans and foreclosed real estate purchased are covered by two loss share agreements with the FDIC, which afford First Bank significant loss protection. Under the loss share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of covered loan and foreclosed real estate losses up to $303 million and 95% of losses in excess of that amount. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is five years in respect to losses and eight years in respect to loss recoveries. The reimbursable losses from the FDIC are based on the book value of the relevant loan as determined by the FDIC at the date of the transaction. New loans made after that date are not covered by the loss share agreements. We received $25.8 million from the FDIC as result of this acquisition and recorded an acquisition gain of $67.9 million.

There are many factors that we consider when evaluating how much to offer for potential acquisition candidates (including FDIC-assisted transactions) with a few of the more significant factors being projected impact on earnings per share, projected impact on capital, and projected impact on book value and tangible book value. Significant assumptions that affect this analysis include the estimated future earnings stream of the acquisition candidate, estimated credit and other losses to be incurred, the amount of cost efficiencies that can be realized, and the interest rate earned/lost on the cash received/paid. In addition to these primary factors, we also consider other factors including (but not limited to) marketplace acquisition statistics, location of the candidate in relation to our expansion strategy, market growth potential, management of the candidate, potential integration issues (including corporate culture), and the size of the acquisition candidate.

We plan to continue to evaluate acquisition opportunities that could potentially benefit the Company and its shareholders. These opportunities may include acquisitions that do not fit the categories discussed above.

Table of Contents

As previously discussed, in January 2011, we entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC to purchase substantially all the assets and liabilities of The Bank of Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina in a FDIC-assisted transaction. See Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information.

For a further discussion of recent acquisition activity, see “Merger and Acquisition Activity” under Item 7 below.

Employees

As of December 31, 2010, we had 753 full-time and 41 part-time employees. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements, and we consider our employee relations to be good.

Supervision and Regulation

As a bank holding company, we are subject to supervision, examination and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”) and the North Carolina Office of the Commissioner of Banks (the “Commissioner”). The Bank is subject to supervision and examination by the FDIC and the Commissioner. For additional information, see also Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

Supervision and Regulation of the Company

The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. The Company is also regulated by the Commissioner under the North Carolina Bank Holding Company Act of 1984.

A bank holding company is required to file quarterly reports and other information regarding its business operations and those of its subsidiaries with the Federal Reserve Board. It is also subject to examination by the Federal Reserve Board and is required to obtain Federal Reserve Board approval prior to making certain acquisitions of other institutions or voting securities. The Federal Reserve Board requires the Company to maintain certain levels of capital - see “Capital Resources and Shareholders’ Equity.” The Federal Reserve Board also has the authority to take enforcement action against any bank holding company that commits any unsafe or unsound practice, or violates certain laws, regulations or conditions imposed in writing by the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board generally prohibits a bank holding company from declaring or paying a cash dividend that would impose undue pressure on the capital of subsidiary banks or would be funded only through borrowing or other arrangements which might adversely affect a bank holding company’s financial position. Under the Federal Reserve Board policy, a bank holding company is not permitted to continue its existing rate of cash dividends on its common stock unless its net income is sufficient to fully fund each dividend and its prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with its capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition.

The Commissioner is empowered to regulate certain acquisitions of North Carolina banks and bank holding companies, issue cease and desist orders for violations of North Carolina banking laws, and promulgate rules necessary to effectuate the purposes of the North Carolina Bank Holding Company Act of 1984.

Regulatory authorities have cease and desist powers over bank holding companies and their nonbank subsidiaries where their actions would constitute a serious threat to the safety, soundness or stability of a subsidiary bank. Those authorities may compel holding companies to invest additional capital into banking subsidiaries upon acquisitions or in the event of significant loan losses or rapid growth of loans or deposits.

The United States Congress and the North Carolina General Assembly have periodically considered and adopted legislation that has impacted the Company.

Table of Contents

Supervision and Regulation of the Bank

Federal banking regulations applicable to all depository financial institutions, among other things: (i) provide federal bank regulatory agencies with powers to prevent unsafe and unsound banking practices; (ii) restrict preferential loans by banks to “insiders” of banks; (iii) require banks to keep information on loans to major shareholders and executive officers and (iv) bar certain director and officer interlocks between financial institutions.

As a state-chartered bank, the Bank is subject to the provisions of the North Carolina banking statutes and to regulation by the Commissioner. The Commissioner has a wide range of regulatory authority over the activities and operations of the Bank, and the Commissioner’s staff conducts periodic examinations of the Bank and its affiliates to ensure compliance with state banking regulations. Among other things, the Commissioner regulates the merger and consolidation of state-chartered banks, the payment of dividends, loans to officers and directors, recordkeeping, types and amounts of loans and investments, and the establishment of branches. The Commissioner also has cease and desist powers over state-chartered banks for violations of state banking laws or regulations and for unsafe or unsound conduct that is likely to jeopardize the interest of depositors.

The dividends that may be paid by the Bank to the Company are subject to legal limitations under North Carolina law. In addition, regulatory authorities may restrict dividends that may be paid by the Bank or the Company’s other subsidiaries. The ability of the Company to pay dividends to its shareholders is largely dependent on the dividends paid to the Company by the Bank.

The FDIC is authorized to approve conversions, mergers, consolidations and assumptions of deposit liability transactions between insured banks and uninsured banks or institutions, and to prevent capital or surplus diminution in such transactions if the resulting, continuing, or assumed bank is an insured nonmember bank. In addition, the FDIC monitors the Bank’s compliance with several banking statutes, such as the Depository Institution Management Interlocks Act and the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977. The FDIC also conducts periodic examinations of the Bank to assess its compliance with banking laws and regulations, and it has the power to implement changes to, or restrictions on, the Bank’s operations if it finds that a violation is occurring or is threatened.

U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program

On October 3, 2008, in response to the financial crises affecting the banking system and financial markets and going concern threats to investment banks and other financial institutions, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”) was signed into law. Pursuant to the EESA, the U.S. Treasury was given the authority to, among other things, purchase up to $700 billion of mortgages, mortgage-backed securities and certain other financial instruments from financial institutions for the purpose of stabilizing and providing liquidity to the U.S. financial markets.

On October 14, 2008, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the Treasury would purchase equity stakes in a wide variety of banks and thrifts. Under the program, known as the Capital Purchase Program, the Treasury made $250 billion of capital available from EESA to U.S. financial institutions in the form of purchases of preferred stock. In addition to the preferred stock, the Treasury received, from participating financial institutions, warrants to purchase common stock with an aggregate market price equal to 15% of the preferred investment. Participating financial institutions were required to adopt the Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the Treasury holds equity issued under the Capital Purchase Program.

Although we believed that our capital position was sound, we concluded that the Capital Purchase Program would allow us to raise additional capital on favorable terms in comparison with other available alternatives. Accordingly, we applied to participate in the Capital Purchase Program. The Treasury approved our application

Table of Contents

in December 2008, and we received $65 million in proceeds from the sale of 65,000 shares of cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share to the Treasury on January 9, 2009. The preferred stock issued to the Treasury pays a dividend of 5% for the first five years and 9% thereafter. As part of the transaction, we also granted the Treasury a ten-year warrant to purchase up to 616,308 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $15.82.

Under the terms of the Capital Purchase Program, the Treasury’s consent will be required for any increase in our dividends paid to common stockholders (above a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per common share) or the Company’s redemption, purchase or acquisition of common stock or any trust preferred securities issued by the Company’s capital trusts until the third anniversary of the senior preferred share issuance to the Treasury unless prior to such third anniversary the senior preferred shares are redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all of these shares to third parties.

Participants in the Capital Purchase Program were required to accept several compensation-related limitations associated with this Program. Each of our senior executive officers has agreed in writing to accept the compensation standards in existence at that time under the Capital Purchase Program and thereby cap or eliminate some of their contractual or legal rights. The provisions agreed to were as follows:

No Golden Parachute Payments. For purposes of the Capital Purchase Program, “golden parachute payment” was defined to mean a severance payment resulting from involuntary termination of employment or from a bankruptcy event of the employer, which exceeds three times the terminated employee’s average annual base salary over the five years prior to termination. Our senior executive officers have agreed to forego all golden parachute payments for as long as two conditions remain true: they remain “senior executive officers” (CEO, CFO and the next three highest-paid executive officers), and the Treasury continues to hold our equity or debt securities issued under the Capital Purchase Program. The period during which the Treasury holds those securities is the “Capital Purchase Program Covered Period.”

Recovery of Incentive Compensation if Based on Certain Material Inaccuracies. Our senior executive officers have also agreed to a “clawback provision,” which means that we can recover incentive compensation paid during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period that is later found to have been paid based on materially inaccurate financial statements or other materially inaccurate measurements of performance.

No Compensation Arrangements That Encourage Excessive Risks. During the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, we are not allowed to enter into compensation arrangements that encourage senior executive officers to take “unnecessary and excessive risks that threaten the value” of the Company. Therefore, the Company’s Compensation Committee is required to meet at least once a year with our senior risk officers to review our executive compensation arrangements in light of our risk management policies and practices. Our senior executive officers’ written agreements include their obligation to accept any changes in our incentive compensation arrangements resulting from the Compensation Committee’s review.

Limit on Federal Income Tax Deductions. During the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, we are not allowed to take federal income tax deductions for compensation paid to senior executive officers in excess of $500,000 per year, with certain exceptions that do not apply to our senior executive officers.

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (the “Stimulus Act”) into law. The Stimulus Act modified the compensation-related limitations contained in the Capital Purchase Program and created additional compensation-related limitations. The limitations in the Stimulus Act apply to all participants in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (under which the Capital Purchase Program was created), regardless of when participation commenced. Thus, the newly enacted compensation-related limitations are applicable to the Company, subject to the Treasury Department’s issuance of implementing regulations. The compensation-related limitations applicable to the Company which have been added or modified by the Stimulus Act are as follows:

Table of Contents

No Severance Payments. Under the Stimulus Act, the definition of “golden parachute” was expanded to include any severance payment resulting from termination of employment, except for payments for services performed or benefits accrued. In addition, the Stimulus Act expanded the group of employees to which such restrictions apply. Consequently, under the Stimulus Act, we are prohibited from making any severance payment to our “senior executive officers” (defined in the Stimulus Act as the five highest paid senior executive officers) and our next five most highly compensated employees during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period.

Recovery of Incentive Compensation if Based on Certain Material Inaccuracies. The Stimulus Act also contains the “clawback provision” discussed above, but extends its application to our next 20 most highly compensated employees.

No Compensation Arrangements That Encourage Earnings Manipulation. In addition to the Capital Purchase Program prohibition on compensation arrangements that encourage unnecessary and excessive risk, the Stimulus Act prohibits us during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period from entering into compensation arrangements that encourage manipulation of reported earnings to enhance the compensation of any of our employees.

Limit on Incentive Compensation. The Stimulus Act contains a provision that prohibits the payment or accrual of any bonus, retention award or incentive compensation to any of our senior executive officers during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, other than awards of long-term restricted stock that (i) do not fully vest during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, (ii) have a value not greater than one-third of the total annual compensation of the awardee and (iii) are subject to such other restrictions as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. The prohibition on bonus, incentive compensation and retention awards does not preclude payments required under written employment contracts entered into on, or prior to, February 11, 2009.

Compensation and Human Resources Committee Functions. The Stimulus Act requires that our Compensation Committee be comprised solely of independent directors and that it meet at least semiannually to discuss and evaluate our employee compensation plans in light of an assessment of any risk posed to us from such compensation plans.

Compliance Certifications. The Stimulus Act also requires a written certification by our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our compliance with the provisions of the Stimulus Act. These certifications are contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Treasury Review of Excessive Bonuses Previously Paid. The Stimulus Act directs the Secretary of the Treasury to review all compensation paid to our senior executive officers and the next 20 most highly compensated employees prior to adoption of the Stimulus Act to determine whether any such payments were inconsistent with the purposes of the Capital Purchase Program or the Stimulus Act or were otherwise contrary to the public interest. If the Secretary of the Treasury makes such a finding, the Secretary of the Treasury is directed to negotiate with the Capital Purchase Program recipient and the employee recipient for appropriate reimbursements to the federal government with respect to the compensation.

Say on Pay. Under the Stimulus Act, during the Capital Purchase Program Covered Period, we must include in the proxy statement for our annual meeting of shareholders a non-binding say on pay vote by the shareholders on executive compensation.

Limitation on Luxury Expenditures. The Stimulus Act required us to adopt a company-wide policy regarding excessive or luxury expenditures, such as entertainment expenses, office or facility renovation expenses and transportation services expenses.

Table of Contents

FDIC Insurance

As a member of the FDIC, the Bank’s deposits are insured by the FDIC. For this protection, each member bank pays a quarterly statutory assessment, based on its level of deposits, and is subject to the rules and regulations of the FDIC. Based on the specified risk factors, for 2008, the Bank was assigned an assessment rate of 5.1 cents per $100 of assessable deposits, which resulted in annual insurance premium expense of approximately $1.2 million during 2008.

On December 16, 2008, the FDIC raised the deposit insurance assessment rates uniformly for all institutions by 7 cents for every $100 of domestic deposits effective for the first quarter of 2009. On February 27, 2009, the FDIC announced that, commencing in April 2009, its minimum rates would increase to a range of twelve cents to sixteen cents per $100 in deposits. During 2009, we recorded approximately $3.9 million in annual FDIC insurance premium expense (excluding the special assessment discussed below).

The FDIC also announced on February 27, 2009 an interim rule that imposed a one-time special assessment of seven cents per $100 in insured deposits to be collected on September 30, 2009, which resulted in a $1.6 million expense for the Bank that was recorded in the second quarter of 2009 and paid on September 30, 2009. The interim rule also permits the FDIC to impose emergency special assessments from time to time after June 30, 2009 if the FDIC board believes the deposit insurance fund will fall to a level that would adversely affect public confidence in federal deposit insurance. To date, the FDIC has not imposed additional special assessments, but in December 2009, the FDIC did require banks to prepay their estimated insurance premiums for 2010 through 2012, which resulted in the Bank prepaying approximately $16.9 million in premiums. This prepaid amount is being recorded as expense on our books as it is incurred. We recognized approximately $4.4 million in FDIC insurance expense in 2010.

In February 2011, the FDIC announced changes to the deposit insurance program whereby FDIC deposit insurance assessments will be based on average total assets less average tangible equity instead of the previous methodology that was based on deposits. Also new assessment rates were adopted. The new assessment methodology and assessment rates will be effective April 1, 2011. Excluding the impact of any special assessments or future rule changes, we expect this new methodology to reduce our FDIC insurance expense by approximately $1.6 million on an annual basis.

In addition to deposit insurance assessments, the FDIC is authorized to collect assessments against insured deposits to be paid to the Finance Corporation (FICO) to service FICO debt incurred in connection with the resolution of the thrift industry crisis in the 1980s. The FICO assessment rate is adjusted quarterly. The average annual assessment rate in 2010 was 1.04 cents per $100 for insured deposits, which resulted in approximately $297,000 in expense for the Bank for 2010. For the first quarter of 2011, the FICO assessment rate for such deposits will be 1.02 cents per $100 of insured deposits, which is expected to result in expense of approximately $271,000 in 2011.

Pursuant to EESA, in 2008 the maximum deposit insurance amount per depositor was temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000 until December 31, 2013. On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (see discussion below) permanently raised the standard maximum deposit insurance amount to $250,000 per depositor. On November 9, 2010 the FDIC issued a final rule under the Dodd-Frank Act that provides unlimited insurance coverage of non-interest bearing transaction accounts from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012. An amendment was signed into law in December 2010 to include Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (IOLTAs) within the definition of “noninterest-bearing transaction accounts.”

Additionally, in 2008, regulatory authorities enacted legislation that enabled the FDIC to establish its Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program (“TLGP”). The TGLP had two primary components – 1) a transaction account guarantee program (“TAGP”), and 2) a debt guarantee program. Under the TAGP, the FDIC would fully guarantee, until June 30, 2010, all noninterest-bearing transaction accounts, including NOW accounts with

Table of Contents

interest rates of 0.50 percent or less and IOLTAs. On April 14, 2010, the FDIC extended the TAGP until December 31, 2010, with a revised interest rate of 0.25 percent or less. Under the debt guarantee program of the TLGP, the FDIC guaranteed certain senior unsecured debt of insured depository institutions, or their qualified holding companies, issued between October 14, 2008 and October 31, 2009. After an initial phase-in period, both programs became elective options for banks during 2009.

We elected to participate in both programs, although we did not utilize the debt guarantee program, which has now expired as it relates to new issuances of debt. The cost of the TAGP was not significant in 2009. In 2010, we recorded approximately $207,000 in expense related to the TAGP. The TAGP program expired on December 31, 2010, but as noted above new FDIC rules provide unlimited FDIC insurance coverage of non-interest bearing transaction accounts from December 31, 2010 through December 31, 2012.

Legislative and Regulatory Developments

Given the ongoing financial crisis and the current presidential administration, legislation that would affect regulation in the banking industry is introduced in most legislative sessions. The most significant recent legislative and regulatory developments impacting the Company were 1) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, and 2) Automated Overdraft Payment Regulation, each of which is discussed below.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010

On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Act became law. The Dodd-Frank Act will have a broad impact on the financial services industry, including significant regulatory and compliance changes including, among other things,

enhanced authority over troubled and failing banks and their holding companies;

increased capital and liquidity requirements;

increased regulatory examination fees;

specific provisions designed to improve supervision and safety and soundness by imposing restrictions and limitations on the scope and type of banking and financial activities.

In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act establishes a new framework for systemic risk oversight within the financial system that will be enforced by new and existing federal regulatory agencies, including the Financial Stability Oversight Council (FSOC), the FRB, the Office of Comptroller of the Currency, the FDIC, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The following description briefly summarizes aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act that could impact the Company, both currently and prospectively.

Deposit Insurance. The Dodd-Frank Act makes permanent the $250,000 deposit insurance limit for insured deposits. Amendments to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act also revise the assessment base against which an insured depository institution’s deposit insurance premiums paid to the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) will be calculated. Under the amendments, the FDIC assessment base will no longer be the institution’s deposit base, but rather its average consolidated total assets less its average tangible equity. The Dodd-Frank Act also changes the minimum designated reserve ratio of the DIF, increasing the minimum from 1.15% to 1.35% of the estimated amount of total insured deposits, and eliminating the requirement that the FDIC pay dividends to depository institutions when the reserve ratio exceeds certain thresholds by September 30, 2020.

Interest on Demand Deposits. The Dodd-Frank Act also provides that, effective one year after the date of its enactment, depository institutions may pay interest on demand deposits. Although we have not determined the ultimate impact of this aspect of the legislation, we expect interest costs associated with demand deposits to increase.

Table of Contents

Trust Preferred Securities. The Dodd-Frank Act prohibits bank holding companies from including in their regulatory Tier 1 capital hybrid debt and equity securities issued on or after May 19, 2010. Among the hybrid debt and equity securities included in this prohibition are trust preferred securities, which we have issued in the past in order to raise additional Tier 1 capital and otherwise improve our regulatory capital ratios. Although we may continue to include our existing trust preferred securities as Tier 1 capital, the prohibition on the use of these securities as Tier 1 capital may limit our ability to raise capital in the future.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Dodd-Frank Act creates a new, independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) within the FRB. The CFPB’s responsibility is to establish, implement and enforce rules and regulations under certain federal consumer protection laws with respect to the conduct of providers of certain consumer financial products and services. The CFPB has rulemaking authority over many of the statutes that govern products and services banks offer to consumers. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and regulations that are more stringent than those regulations the CFPB will promulgate and state attorney generals will have the authority to enforce consumer protection rules the CFPB adopts against state-chartered institutions and national banks. Compliance with any such new regulations established by the CFPB and/or states could reduce our revenue, increase our cost of operations, and could limit our ability to expand into certain products and services.

Debit Card Interchange Fees. The Dodd-Frank Act gives the FRB the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for electronic debit transactions by payment card issuers having assets over $10 billion and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer. While we are not directly subject to these rules for so long as our assets do not exceed $10 billion, our activities as a debit card issuer may nevertheless be indirectly impacted by the change in the applicable debit card market caused by these regulations, which may require us to match any new lower fee structure implemented by larger financial institutions in order to remain competitive. Such lower fees could impact the revenue we earn from debit interchange fees, which amounted to $2.5 million for 2010.

Increased Capital Standards and Enhanced Supervision. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal banking agencies to establish minimum leverage and risk-based capital requirements for banks and bank holding companies. These new standards will be no less strict than existing regulatory capital and leverage standards applicable to insured depository institutions and may, in fact, become higher once the agencies promulgate the new standards. Compliance with heightened capital standards may reduce our ability to generate or originate revenue-producing assets and thereby restrict revenue generation from banking and non-banking operations.

Transactions with Affiliates. The Dodd-Frank Act enhances the requirements for certain transactions with affiliates under Section 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, including an expansion of the definition of “covered transactions,” and an increase in the amount of time for which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be maintained.

Transactions with Insiders. The Dodd-Frank Act expands insider transaction limitations through the strengthening of loan restrictions to insiders and the expansion of the types of transactions subject to the various limits, including derivative transactions, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing transactions. The Dodd-Frank Act also places restrictions on certain asset sales to and from an insider of an institution, including requirements that such sales be on market terms and, in certain circumstances, receive the approval of the institution’s board of directors.

Enhanced Lending Limits. The Dodd-Frank Act strengthens the existing limits on a depository institution’s credit exposure to one borrower. Federal banking law currently limits a national bank’s ability to extend credit to one person or group of related persons to an amount that does not exceed certain thresholds. The Dodd-Frank Act expands the scope of these restrictions to include credit exposure arising from derivative transactions, repurchase agreements and securities lending and borrowing transactions. It also will eventually prohibit state-chartered banks from engaging in derivative transactions unless the state lending limit laws take into account

Table of Contents

credit exposure to such transactions.

Corporate Governance. The Dodd-Frank Act addresses many corporate governance and executive compensation matters that will affect most U.S. publicly traded companies, including the Company. The Dodd-Frank Act:

grants shareholders of U.S. publicly traded companies an advisory vote on executive compensation;

enhances independence requirements for compensation committee members;

requires companies listed on national securities exchanges to adopt clawback policies for incentive-based compensation plans applicable to executive officers; and

provides the SEC with authority to adopt proxy access rules that would allow shareholders of publicly traded companies to nominate candidates for election as directors and require such companies to include such nominees in its proxy materials.

Many of the requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act will be subject to implementation over the course of several years. While we do not currently expect the final requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act to have a material adverse impact on the Company, we do expect them to negatively impact our profitability, require changes to certain of our business practices, including limitations on fee income opportunities, and impose more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements upon the Company. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements.

Automated Overdraft Payment Regulation

The Federal Reserve and FDIC have recently enacted consumer protection regulations related to automated overdraft payment programs offered by financial institutions. In November 2009, the Federal Reserve amended its Regulation E to prohibit financial institutions, including the Company, from charging consumers fees for paying overdrafts on automated teller machine and one-time debit card transactions, unless a consumer consents, or opts in, to the overdraft service for those types of transactions. The Regulation E amendments also require financial institutions to provide consumers with a notice that explains the financial institution’s overdraft services, including the fees associated with the service and the consumer’s choices. We have completed implementation of the changes as required by the Regulation E amendments, which resulted in a reduction of overdraft fees that we were able to collect during the second half of 2010.

In November 2010, the FDIC supplemented the Regulation E amendments by requiring FDIC-supervised institutions, including the Company, to implement additional changes relating to automated overdraft payment programs by July 1, 2011. The most significant of these changes require financial institutions to monitor overdraft payment programs for “excessive or chronic” customer use and undertake “meaningful and effective” follow-up action with customers that overdraw their accounts more than six times during a rolling 12-month period. The additional guidance also imposes daily limits on overdraft charges, requires institutions to review and modify check-clearing procedures, prominently distinguish account balances from available overdraft coverage amounts and requires increased board and management oversight regarding overdraft payment programs. We have already begun to implement many of the changes required by the FDIC guidance, and we are working to implement the remaining changes in advance of the July 1, 2011 effective date.

Neither the Company nor the Bank can predict what other legislation might be enacted or what other regulations or assessments might be adopted.

See “Capital Resources and Shareholders’ Equity” under Item 7 below for a discussion of regulatory capital requirements.

Table of Contents

Available Information

We maintain a corporate Internet site at www.FirstBancorp.com, which contains a link within the “Investor Relations” section of the site to each of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These filings are available, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings can also be accessed at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website located at www.sec.gov. Information included on our Internet site is not incorporated by reference into this annual report.

Table of Contents

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Difficult market conditions and economic trends have adversely affected our industry and our business.

A general economic downturn began in the latter half of 2007. Dramatic declines in the housing market, with decreasing home prices and increasing delinquencies and foreclosures, have negatively impacted the credit performance of mortgage and construction loans and resulted in significant write-downs of assets by many financial institutions. In addition, the value of real estate collateral supporting many loans has declined and may continue to decline. General downward economic trends, reduced availability of commercial credit and increasing unemployment have negatively impacted the credit performance of commercial and consumer credit, resulting in additional write-downs. We believe that the economic downtrends are largely responsible for the deterioration in loan quality that we experienced over the past three years, including higher levels of loan charge-offs, higher levels of nonperforming assets, and higher provisions for loan losses. Concerns over the stability of the financial markets and the economy have resulted in decreased lending by financial institutions to their customers and to each other. This market turmoil and tightening of credit has led to increased commercial and consumer delinquencies, lack of confidence, increased market volatility and widespread reduction in general business activity. Financial institutions, including us, have experienced a decrease in access to borrowings. The resulting economic pressure on consumers and businesses and the lack of confidence in the financial markets have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.

As a result of the foregoing factors, there is a potential for new federal or state laws and regulations regarding lending and funding practices and liquidity standards, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to be very aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations. This increased governmental action may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities. The FDIC has increased deposit insurance premiums and assessments to restore its deposit insurance funds. We may be required to pay even higher premiums to the FDIC because financial institution failures resulting from the depressed market conditions are expected to increase.

Our ability to assess the creditworthiness of customers and to estimate the losses inherent in our credit exposure is made more complex by these difficult market and economic conditions. A worsening of these conditions would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of these difficult market and economic conditions on us, our customers and the other financial institutions in our market. As a result, we may experience additional increases in foreclosures, delinquencies and customer bankruptcies, as well as more restricted access to funds.

We are vulnerable to the economic conditions within the fairly small geographic region in which we operate.

Like many businesses, our overall success is partially dependent on the economic conditions in the marketplace where we operate. Our marketplace is predominately concentrated in the central Piedmont and coastal regions of North Carolina. As is the case for most of the country, these regions are currently experiencing recessionary economic conditions, which we believe is a factor in our increases in borrower delinquencies, nonperforming assets, and loan losses during 2009 and 2010 compared to recent prior years. If economic conditions in our marketplace worsen, it would likely have an adverse impact on us. In particular, if economic conditions related to real estate values in our marketplace were to worsen, our loan losses would likely increase. At December 31, 2010, approximately 90% of our loans were secured by real estate collateral, which means that additional decreases in real estate values would have an adverse impact on our operations.

Table of Contents

Current levels of unprecedented market volatility may adversely affect the market value of our common stock.

During the economic downturn, the capital and credit markets have experienced volatility and disruption. In some cases, the markets have produced downward pressure on stock prices for certain companies without regard to those companies’ underlying financial strength.

The market value of our stock may also be affected by conditions affecting the financial markets generally, including price and trading fluctuations. These conditions may result in (i) volatility in the level of, and fluctuations in, the market prices of stocks generally and, in turn, our stock and (ii) sales of substantial amounts of our stock in the market, in each case that could be unrelated or disproportionate to changes in our operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market value of our stock.

If our goodwill becomes impaired, we may be required to record a significant charge to earnings.

We have goodwill recorded on our balance sheet as an asset with a carrying value as of December 31, 2010 of $65.8 million. Under generally accepted accounting principles, goodwill is required to be tested for impairment at least annually and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. The test for goodwill impairment involves comparing the fair value of a company’s reporting units to their respective carrying values. For our company, our community banking operation is our only material reporting unit. The price of our common stock is one of several measures available for estimating the fair value of our community banking operations. For much of 2009 and 2010, the stock market value of our common stock traded below the book value of our company. Subject to the results of other valuation techniques, if this situation persists or worsens, this could indicate that our next test of goodwill will result in a determination that there is impairment. We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill is determined, which could have a negative impact on our results of operations.

We may be subject to more stringent capital requirements.

We are each subject to capital adequacy guidelines and other regulatory requirements specifying minimum amounts and types of capital which we must maintain. From time to time, the regulators implement changes to these regulatory capital adequacy guidelines. If we fail to meet these minimum capital guidelines and other regulatory requirements, our financial condition would be materially and adversely affected. In light of proposed changes to regulatory capital requirements contained in the Dodd-Frank Act and the regulatory accords on international banking institutions formulated by the Basel Committee and implemented by the Federal Reserve, we likely will be required to satisfy additional, more stringent, capital adequacy standards. The ultimate impact of the new capital standards on us cannot be determined at this time and will depend on a number of factors, including the treatment and implementation by the U.S. banking regulators. These requirements, however, and any other new regulations, could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends, or could require us to reduce business levels or to raise capital, including in ways that may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

We might be required to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available or may not be available on terms acceptable to us when it is needed.

We are required to maintain adequate capital levels to support our operations. In the future, we might need to raise additional capital to support growth, absorb loan losses, or meet more stringent capital requirements. Our access to capital markets (excluding the Capital Purchase Program) has remained limited for most of the past two years. Our ability to raise additional capital will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot be certain of our ability to raise additional capital in the future if needed or on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when

Table of Contents

needed, our ability to conduct our business could be materially impaired.

Future issuances of additional equity securities could result in dilution of your ownership.

We may decide from time to time to issue additional equity securities to raise additional capital, support growth, or to make acquisitions. These issuances of our securities could dilute the voting and economic interests of our existing shareholders.

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

Since the middle of 2007, the financial services industry as a whole, as well as the securities markets generally, have been materially adversely affected by substantial declines in the values of nearly all asset classes and by a significant lack of liquidity. Financial institutions in particular have been subject to increased volatility and an overall loss in investor confidence. Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services companies are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, and investment banks. Defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services companies, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. We can make no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation, which could have an adverse effect on our operations.

We are subject to extensive regulation and supervision from the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks, the FDIC, and the Federal Reserve Board. This regulation and supervision is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC insurance fund and our depositors and borrowers, rather than for holders of our equity securities. In the past, our business has been materially affected by these regulations. This trend is likely to continue in the future.

Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of the allowance for loan losses. Changes in the regulations that apply to us, or changes in our compliance with regulations, could have a material impact on our operations.

Additionally, the documents that we executed with the Treasury when they purchased the Series A preferred stock allow the Treasury to unilaterally change the terms of the Series A preferred stock or impose additional requirements on us if there is a change in law. For example, the Stimulus Act imposed executive compensation restrictions that went beyond those imposed by the terms of the Capital Purchase Program. Additional changes or requirements could restrict our ability to conduct business, could subject us to additional cost and expense or could change the terms of the senior preferred stock agreement to the detriment of our common shareholders. While it may be possible for us to redeem the senior preferred stock in the event the Treasury imposes any changes or additional requirements that we believe are detrimental, there can be no assurances that our federal regulator will approve such redemption (as is required by law) or that we will have the ability to implement such redemption.

The passage of the Dodd-Frank Act may result in lower revenues and higher costs.

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act represents a significant overhaul of many aspects of the regulation of the financial services industry, addressing, among other things, systemic risk, capital adequacy, deposit insurance assessments, consumer financial protection, interchange fees, derivatives, lending limits, and changes among the bank regulatory agencies. Many of these provisions are

Table of Contents

subject to further study, rule making, and the discretion of regulatory bodies, such as the Financial Stability Oversight Council, which will regulate the systemic risk of the financial system. While we do not currently expect the final requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act to have a material adverse impact on the Company, we do expect them to negatively impact our profitability, require changes to certain of our business practices, including limitations on fee income opportunities, and impose more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements upon the Company. These changes may also require us to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements. See “Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010” above for additional information regarding the Dodd-Frank Act.

The provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act restricting bank interchange fees, and any rules promulgated thereunder, may negatively impact our revenues and earnings.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Reserve must adopt rules regarding the interchange fees that may be charged with respect to electronic debit transactions in 2011. The limits to be placed on debit interchange fees may significantly reduce our debit card interchange revenues. Interchange fees, or “swipe” fees, are charges that merchants pay to us and other credit card companies and card-issuing banks for processing electronic payment transactions. The Dodd-Frank Act provides the Federal Reserve with authority over interchange fees received or charged by a card issuer, and requires that fees must be “reasonable and proportional” to the costs of processing such transactions. While we are not directly subject to these rules for so long as our assets do not exceed $10 billion, our activities as a debit card issuer may nevertheless be indirectly impacted by changes in the applicable debit card market caused by these regulations, which may require us to match any new lower fee structures implemented by larger financial institutions in order to remain competitive. Such lower fees could impact the revenue we earn from debit interchange fees, which amounted to $2.5 million for 2010.

Recently enacted consumer protection regulations related to automated overdraft payment programs could adversely affect our business operations, net income and profitability.

The Federal Reserve and FDIC recently enacted consumer protection regulations related to automated overdraft payment programs offered by financial institutions. We have implemented, and are in the process of further implementing, changes to our business practices relating to overdraft payment programs in order to comply with these regulations.

For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, overdraft and insufficient funds fees represented a significant amount of our noninterest fees collected. Implementing the changes required by these regulations will decrease the amount of fees we receive for automated overdraft payment services and adversely impact our noninterest income. Complying with these regulations has resulted in increased operational costs, which may continue to rise. The actual impact of these regulations in future periods could vary due to a variety of factors, including changes in customer behavior, economic conditions and other factors, which could adversely affect our business operations and profitability.

Because of our participation in the Capital Purchase Program, we are subject to restrictions on our ability to declare or pay dividends and repurchase our shares as well as restrictions on compensation paid to our executive officers.

Pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement between our company and the U.S. Treasury, our ability to declare or pay dividends on any of our shares is limited. Specifically, we are unable to declare dividend payments on common stock if we are in arrears on the payment of dividends on the Series A preferred stock issued to the U.S. Treasury. Further, until January 9, 2012, we are not permitted to increase dividends on our common stock above the amount of the last quarterly cash dividend per share declared prior to October 14, 2008 ($0.19 per share) without the U.S. Treasury’s approval unless all of the shares of Series A preferred stock have been redeemed or transferred by the U.S. Treasury to unaffiliated third parties.

Table of Contents

In addition, our ability to repurchase our shares is restricted. The consent of the U.S. Treasury generally is required for us to make any stock repurchase (other than in connection with the administration of any employee benefit plan in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice) until January 9, 2012, unless all of the shares of Series A preferred stock have been redeemed or transferred by the U.S. Treasury to unaffiliated third parties. Further, we may not repurchase any shares of our common stock if we are in arrears on the payment of Series A preferred stock dividends.

In addition, pursuant to the terms of the securities purchase agreement between our company and the U.S. Treasury, we agreed to adhere to the U.S. Treasury’s standards for executive compensation and corporate governance for the period during which the U.S. Treasury holds the equity securities issued pursuant to the agreement, including the shares of common stock which may be issued upon exercise of the warrant. The EESA that was signed into law on February 17, 2009 contains additional restrictions on executive compensation and standards of corporate governance that go beyond those in the securities purchase agreement. See the section above entitled “U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program” for additional discussion of this matter.

We are subject to interest rate risk, which could negatively impact earnings.

Net interest income is the most significant component of our earnings. Our net interest income results from the difference between the yields we earn on our interest-earning assets, primarily loans and investments, and the rates that we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, primarily deposits and borrowings. When interest rates change, the yields we earn on our interest-earning assets and the rates we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities do not necessarily move in tandem with each other because of the difference between their maturities and repricing characteristics. This mismatch can negatively impact net interest income if the margin between yields earned and rates paid narrows. Interest rate environment changes can occur at any time and are affected by many factors that are outside our control, including inflation, recession, unemployment trends, the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, domestic and international disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets.

Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses.

Like all financial institutions, we maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for probable losses caused by customer loan defaults. The allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, and in this case additional and larger provisions for loan losses would be required to replenish the allowance. Provisions for loan losses are a direct charge against income.

We establish the amount of the allowance for loan losses based on historical loss rates, as well as estimates and assumptions about future events. Because of the extensive use of estimates and assumptions, our actual loan losses could differ, possibly significantly, from our estimate. We believe that our allowance for loan losses is adequate to provide for probable losses, but it is possible that the allowance for loan losses will need to be increased for credit reasons or that regulators will require us to increase this allowance. Either of these occurrences could materially and adversely affect our earnings and profitability.

The value of our investment securities portfolio may be negatively affected by continued disruptions in the securities markets.

The market for some of the investment securities held in our portfolio has become volatile over the past two years. The continuing volatility of securities markets could detrimentally affect the value of our investment securities, including reduced valuations due to the perception of heightened credit and liquidity risks. We can make no assurance that declines in market value related to disruptions in the securities markets will not result in other than temporary impairment of these assets, which would lead to accounting charges that could have a material adverse effect on our net income and capital levels.

Table of Contents

In the normal course of business, we process large volumes of transactions involving millions of dollars. If our internal controls fail to work as expected, if our systems are used in an unauthorized manner, or if our employees subvert our internal controls, we could experience significant losses.

We process large volumes of transactions on a daily basis and are exposed to numerous types of operational risk. Operational risk includes the risk of fraud by persons inside or outside the Company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and systems and breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements. This risk also includes potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards.

We establish and maintain systems of internal operational controls that provide us with timely and accurate information about our level of operational risk. Although not foolproof, these systems have been designed to manage operational risk at appropriate, cost-effective levels. Procedures exist that are designed to ensure that policies relating to conduct, ethics, and business practices are followed. From time to time, losses from operational risk may occur, including the effects of operational errors. We continually monitor and improve our internal controls, data processing systems, and corporate-wide processes and procedures, but there can be no assurance that future losses will not occur.

Our reported financial results are impacted by management’s selection of accounting methods and certain assumptions and estimates.

Our accounting policies and methods are fundamental to the way we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Our management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting policies and methods so they comply with generally accepted accounting principles and reflect management’s judgment of the most appropriate manner to report our financial condition and results. In some cases, management must select the accounting policy or method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which may be reasonable under the circumstances, yet may result in reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative.

Certain accounting policies are critical to presenting our financial condition and results. They require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are uncertain. Materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates. These critical accounting policies include: the allowance for loan losses; the valuation of goodwill and other intangible assets; and the accounting for FDIC loss share transactions.

There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay cash dividends.

Although we have historically paid cash dividends, there is no assurance that we will continue to pay cash dividends. Future payment of cash dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, economic conditions, and such other factors as the board may deem relevant. As a result of the board of directors’ consideration of these factors, beginning in the first quarter of 2009, our board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share, which was a decrease from the previous rate of $0.19 per share. The board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share for each quarter in 2009 and 2010.

As a result of our participation in the Capital Purchase Program, the Treasury’s consent will be required for any dividends paid to common stockholders above a quarterly dividend rate of $0.19 per common share until January 9, 2012, unless prior to then the Series A preferred shares are redeemed in whole or the Treasury has transferred all of these shares to third parties. Also, in the event that we do not pay dividends due on the Series A preferred stock, we are prohibited from paying dividends on our common stock.

Table of Contents

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None

Item 2. Properties

The main offices of the Company and the Bank are owned by the Bank and are located in a three-story building in the central business district of Troy, North Carolina. The building houses administrative and bank teller facilities. The Bank’s Operations Division, including customer accounting functions, offices for information technology operations, and offices for loan operations, are housed in two one-story steel frame buildings approximately one-half mile west of the main office. Both of these buildings are owned by the Bank. The Company operates 92 bank branches. The Company owns all of its bank branch premises except eight branch offices for which the land and buildings are leased and seven branch offices for which the land is leased but the building is owned. The Company also leases one loan production office. There are no options to purchase or lease additional properties. The Company considers its facilities adequate to meet current needs and believes that lease renewals or replacement properties can be acquired as necessary to meet future needs.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Various legal proceedings may arise in the ordinary course of business and may be pending or threatened against the Company and its subsidiaries. However, neither the Company nor any of its subsidiaries is involved in any pending legal proceedings that management believes could have a material effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company.

There were no tax shelter penalties assessed by the Internal Revenue Service against the Company during the year ended December 31, 2010.

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Shareholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock trades on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol FBNC. Table 22, included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” below, sets forth the high and low market prices of our common stock as traded by the brokerage firms that maintain a market in our common stock and the dividends declared for the periods indicated. We paid a cash dividend of $0.08 per share for each quarter of 2010. For the foreseeable future, it is our current intention to continue to pay cash dividends of $0.08 per share on a quarterly basis. Under the terms of the Company’s participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, until January 9, 2012, the Company cannot declare a quarterly cash dividend exceeding $0.19 per share without the prior approval of the Treasury. See “Business - Supervision and Regulation” above and Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of other regulatory restrictions on the Company’s payment of dividends. As of December 31, 2010, there were approximately 2,700 shareholders of record and another 3,600 shareholders whose stock is held in “street name.” There were no sales of unregistered securities during the year ended December 31, 2010.

Additional Information Regarding the Registrant’s Equity Compensation Plans

At December 31, 2010, the Company had four equity-based compensation plans, one of which was assumed in a corporate acquisition. The Company’s 2007 Equity Plan is the only one of the four plans under which new grants of equity-based awards are possible.

Table of Contents

The following table presents information as of December 31, 2010 regarding shares of the Company’s stock that may be issued pursuant to the Company’s equity based compensation plans. The table does not include information with respect to shares subject to outstanding options granted under a stock incentive plan assumed by the Company in connection with the acquisition of the company that originally granted those options. Footnote (2) to the table indicates the total number of shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of options under the assumed plan as of December 31, 2010, and the weighted average exercise price of those options. No additional options may be granted under the assumed plan. At December 31, 2010, the Company had no warrants or stock appreciation rights outstanding under any compensation plans.

As of December 31, 2010

(a)

(b)

(c)

Plan category

Number of securities to

be issued upon exercise

of outstanding options, warrants and rights

Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights

Number of securities available for

future issuance under equity

compensation plans (excluding

securities reflected in column (a))

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)

636,625

18.16

964,004

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

─

Total (2)

636,625

18.16

964,004

(1) Consists of (A) the Company’s 2007 Equity Plan, which is currently in effect; (B) the Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan; and (C) the Company’s 1994 Stock Option Plan, each of which was approved by our shareholders.

(2) The table does not include information for stock incentive plans that the Company assumed in connection with mergers and acquisitions of the companies that originally established those plans. As of December 31, 2010, a total of 5,788 shares of common stock were issuable upon exercise under an assumed plan. The weighted average exercise price of those outstanding options is $12.52 per share. No additional options may be granted under the assumed plan.

Table of Contents

Performance Graph

The performance graph shown below compares the Company’s cumulative total return to shareholders for the five-year period commencing December 31, 2005 and ending December 31, 2010, with the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index (reflecting overall stock market performance of small-capitalization companies), and an index of banks with between $1 billion and $5 billion in assets, as constructed by SNL Securities, LP (reflecting changes in banking industry stocks). The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on December 31, 2005 in each of the Company’s common stock, the Russell 2000 Index, and the SNL Bank Index, and that all dividends were reinvested.

First Bancorp

Comparison of Five-Year Total Return Performances (1)

Five Years Ending December 31, 2010

	Total Return Index Values (1) December 31,
	2005		2006		2007		2008		2009		2010
First Bancorp	$	100.00		112.10		100.64		102.24		79.56		89.16
Russell 2000		100.00		118.37		116.51		77.15		98.11		124.46
SNL Index-Banks between $1 billion and $5 billion		100.00		115.72		84.29		69.91		50.11		56.81

Notes:

(1)

Total return indices were provided from an independent source, SNL Securities LP, Charlottesville, Virginia, and assume initial investment of $100 on December 31, 2005, reinvestment of dividends, and changes in market values. Total return index numerical values used in this example are for illustrative purposes only.

Table of Contents

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Pursuant to authorizations by the Company’s board of directors, the Company has from time to time repurchased shares of common stock in private transactions and in open-market purchases. The most recent board authorization was announced on July 30, 2004 and authorized the repurchase of 375,000 shares of the Company’s stock. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2010. Under the terms of the Company’s participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, the Treasury’s consent is required for any stock repurchases prior to January 9, 2012, unless the Company has redeemed the Series A preferred stock in whole, or the Treasury has transferred all of these shares to third parties.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period

Total Number of Shares Purchased (2)

Average Price Paid Per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)

Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)

Month #1 (October 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010)

─

234,667

Month #2 (November 1, 2010 to November 30, 2010)

─

234,667

Month #3 (December 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010)

─

234,667

Total

─

234,667

Footnotes to the Above Table

(1)

All shares available for repurchase are pursuant to publicly announced share repurchase authorizations. On July 30, 2004, the Company announced that its board of directors had approved the repurchase of 375,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The repurchase authorization does not have an expiration date. Subject to the restrictions discussed above related to the Company’s participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, there are no plans or programs the Company has determined to terminate prior to expiration, or under which the Company does not intend to make further purchases.

(2)

The table above does not include shares that were used by option holders to satisfy the exercise price of the call options issued by the Company to its employees and directors pursuant to the Company’s stock option plans. There were no such exercises during the three months ended December 31, 2010.

Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data

Table 1 on page 69 of this report sets forth the selected consolidated financial data for the Company.

Table of Contents

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Management’s Discussion and Analysis is intended to assist readers in understanding our results of operations and changes in financial position for the past three years. This review should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes beginning on page 87 of this report and the supplemental financial data contained in Tables 1 through 22 included with this discussion and analysis.

Overview - 2010 Compared to 2009

Net income was significantly lower in 2010 than in 2009 primarily due to a gain that resulted from the Cooperative Bank acquisition in June 2009. Most items of income and expense were higher in 2010 than in 2009 as a result of the Cooperative acquisition, which impacted the Company for twelve months in 2010 compared to six months in 2009 beginning with the June acquisition date. In 2010, our provision for loan losses increased significantly due to deterioration of asset quality, which we believe was primarily caused by the recessionary economic environment, including its unfavorable effect on real estate values.

Financial Highlights
($ in thousands except per share data)	2010			2009			Change

Earnings
Net interest income	$	127,354			107,096			18.9	%
Provision for loan losses		54,562			20,186			170.3	%
Noninterest income		29,106			89,518			-67.5	%
Noninterest expenses		86,956			78,551			10.7	%
Income before income taxes		14,942			97,877			-84.7	%
Income tax expense		4,960			37,618			-86.8	%
Net income		9,982			60,259			-83.4	%
Preferred stock dividends and accretion		(4,107	)		(3,972	)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	5,875			56,287			-89.6	%

Net income per common share
Basic	$	0.35			3.38			-89.6	%
Diluted		0.35			3.37			-89.6	%

At Year End
Assets	$	3,278,932			3,545,356			-7.5	%
Loans		2,454,132			2,652,865			-7.5	%
Deposits		2,652,513			2,933,108			-9.6	%

Ratios
Return on average assets		0.18	%		1.82	%
Return on average common equity		2.05	%		22.55	%
Net interest margin (taxable-equivalent)		4.39	%		3.81	%

The following is a more detailed discussion of our results for 2010 compared to 2009:

For the year ended December 31, 2010, we reported net income available to common shareholders of $5.9 million compared to $56.3 million reported for 2009. Earnings per diluted common share were $0.35 for the year ended December 31, 2010 compared to $3.37 for 2009. In the second quarter of 2009, we realized a $67.9 million gain related to the acquisition of a failed bank. The after-tax impact of this gain was $41.1 million, or $2.46 per diluted common share.

Earnings reported for 2010 were impacted by write-downs of foreclosed properties that were assumed in our failed bank acquisition and also by higher provisions for loan losses related both to loans acquired in the 2009 failed bank acquisition and to our legacy loans (loans not obtained in the failed bank acquisition).

Table of Contents

We note that the comparability of certain income statement line items between 2010 and 2009 is affected by the post-acquisition accounting for the FDIC-assisted transaction. In the discussion below, the term “covered” is used to describe assets included as part of FDIC loss share agreements, which generally result in the FDIC reimbursing the Company for 80% of losses incurred.

For covered loans that deteriorate in terms of repayment expectations, we record immediate allowances through the provision of loan losses. For covered loans that experience favorable changes in credit quality compared to what was expected at the acquisition date, we record positive adjustments to interest income over the life of the respective loan. For foreclosed properties that are sold at gains or losses or that are written down to lower values, we record gains/losses within noninterest income.

The adjustments discussed above are recorded within the income statement line items noted without consideration of the FDIC loss share agreements. Because favorable changes in covered assets result in lower expected FDIC claims, and unfavorable changes in covered assets result in higher expected FDIC claims, the FDIC indemnification asset is adjusted to reflect those expectations. The net increase or decrease in the indemnification asset is reflected within noninterest income.

The adjustments noted above can result in volatility within individual income statement line items. Because of the FDIC loss share agreements and the associated indemnification asset, pretax income resulting from amounts recorded on covered assets as provisions for loan losses, interest income, and losses from foreclosed properties is generally only impacted by 20% due to the corresponding adjustments made to the indemnification asset.

Total assets at December 31, 2010 amounted to $3.3 billion, a 7.5% decrease from a year earlier. Total loans at December 31, 2010 amounted to $2.5 billion, a 7.5% decrease from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.7 billion at December 31, 2010, a 9.6% decrease from a year earlier. The contraction of our balance sheet has been primarily a result of weak loan demand, which has allowed us to lessen our reliance on higher cost sources of funding.

We experienced a general decline in loans during 2010. Loans declined approximately $199 million, or 7.5%, in 2010. We continue to originate and renew a significant amount of loans each month, but normal paydowns of loans and loan foreclosures exceeded new loan growth.

Our deposits declined $281 million, or 9.6%, in 2010. The decrease was primarily associated with time deposits, which are generally our highest cost source of funds. We also experienced a $70 million decrease in our NOW accounts during 2010, primarily as a result of the expiration of certain provisions of the FDIC transaction account guarantee program. Brokered deposits remained at a low level at December 31, 2010, comprising just 5.4% of total deposits, with internet deposits comprising an additional 1.8%.

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to $127.4 million, an 18.9% increase from 2009. The increases in net interest income were primarily due to 1) a higher net interest margin, and 2) the higher average balances of loans and deposits realized from the June 2009 failed bank acquisition.

Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earnings assets) for 2010 was 4.39% compared to 3.81% for 2009. During 2010, there were no changes in the interest rates set by the Federal Reserve, and we were able to continue to lower rates on our deposits, especially on maturing time deposits that were originated in periods of higher interest rates. Also positively impacting net interest income were purchase accounting adjustments, primarily related to our failed bank acquisition in 2009, including adjustments to loan interest income previously discussed. See “Net Interest Income” below for additional discussion.

The current economic environment, including its unfavorable effect on real estate values, has resulted in an increase in our loan losses and nonperforming assets, which has led to significantly higher provisions for loan

Table of Contents

losses. Our provision for loan losses amounted to $54.6 million for 2010 compared to $20.2 million recorded in 2009. In 2010, our provision for loan losses was comprised of $33.6 million in provisions related to non-covered loans and $20.9 million related to covered loans, whereas in prior years the provision only related to non-covered loans.

We recorded $33.6 million and $20.2 million in provision for loan losses during 2010 and 2009, respectively, for non-covered loans. The higher provisions for loan losses were necessary primarily as a result of higher levels of classified and nonperforming assets and the impact of declining real estate values on our collateral dependent real estate loans.

We recorded $20.9 million in provision for loan losses during 2010 related to covered loans that experienced credit quality deterioration. The credit quality deterioration primarily related to collateral dependent loans for which we received updated appraisals during the fourth quarter of 2010 that reflected lower valuations.

Net loan charge-offs for 2010 were $42.5 million compared to $12.1 million in 2009. Net charge-offs increased primarily as a result of declines in real estate values. In 2010, net charge-offs were also impacted by charge-offs of covered loans and the recording of partial charge-offs of non-covered loans, neither of which occurred during 2009. We recorded approximately $9.8 million in charge-offs of covered loans in 2010 compared to none in 2009. Also, we recorded partial charge-offs of non-covered loans amounting to $8.6 million during the fourth quarter of 2010. Previously, we recorded specific reserves on collateral-deficient nonaccrual loans within the allowance for loan losses, but did not record the charge-offs until the loans were foreclosed upon.

Our non-covered nonperforming assets at December 31, 2010 amounted to $117 million compared to $92 million at December 31, 2009. At December 31, 2010, the ratio of non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets was 4.16% compared to 3.10% at December 31, 2009.

Our covered nonperforming assets at December 31, 2010 amounted to $168 million compared to $165 million at December 31, 2009.

Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to $29.1 million compared to $89.5 million for 2009. In 2009, we recorded a $67.9 million bargain purchase gain in connection with the acquisition of a failed bank. In 2010, we recorded $35.5 million in write-downs and losses on foreclosed property, the majority of which related to the market deterioration of foreclosed properties associated with the failed bank acquisition. We recorded $41.8 million in indemnification asset income related to higher than anticipated claims that we will be able to make with the FDIC under the loss share agreements, primarily relating to loan losses and foreclosed property losses and write-downs.

Noninterest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010 amounted to $87.0 million, a 10.7% increase from the $78.6 million recorded in 2009. Incremental operating expenses associated with the failed bank acquisition were the primary reason for the increases in 2010. Included in other operating expenses for 2010 are approximately $2.6 million in costs (net of FDIC reimbursements) associated with collection activities on loans and foreclosed properties covered by FDIC loss share agreements, compared to $0.8 million in 2009.

Our effective tax rate was 33.2% and 38.4% for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The lower effective tax rate in 2010 was primarily due to increased investment holdings of tax-exempt municipal securities.

Table of Contents

Overview - 2009 Compared to 2008

Net income was significantly higher in 2009 than in 2008 due to a gain that resulted from the acquisition of a failed bank in June 2009. Most items of income and expense were higher in 2009 than in 2008 as a result of the failed bank acquisition, as discussed below. Our provision for loan losses was not impacted by the acquisition, but increased significantly due to deterioration of asset quality, which we believe was primarily caused by the recessionary economic environment, including its unfavorable effect on real estate values.

Financial Highlights
($ in thousands except per share data)	2009			2008			Change

Earnings
Net interest income	$	107,096			86,559			23.7	%
Provision for loan losses		20,186			9,880			104.3	%
Noninterest income		89,518			20,657			333.4	%
Noninterest expenses		78,551			62,211			26.3	%
Income before income taxes		97,877			35,125			178.7	%
Income tax expense		37,618			13,120			186.7	%
Net income		60,259			22,005			173.8	%
Preferred stock dividends and accretion		(3,972	)		—
Net income available to common shareholders	$	56,287			22,005			155.8	%

Net income per common share
Basic	$	3.38			1.38			144.9	%
Diluted		3.37			1.37			146.0	%

At Year End
Assets	$	3,545,356			2,750,567			28.9	%
Loans		2,652,865			2,211,315			20.0	%
Deposits		2,933,108			2,074,791			41.4	%

Ratios
Return on average assets		1.82	%		0.89	%
Return on average common equity		22.55	%		10.44	%
Net interest margin (taxable-equivalent)		3.81	%		3.74	%

The following is a more detailed discussion of our results for 2009 compared to 2008:

For the year ended December 31, 2009, we reported net income available to common shareholders of $56.3 million compared to $22.0 million reported for 2008. Earnings per diluted common share were $3.37 for the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to $1.37 for 2008.

In the second quarter of 2009, we realized a $67.9 million gain related to the acquisition of Cooperative Bank in Wilmington, North Carolina. This gain resulted from the difference between the purchase price and the acquisition-date fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities. The after-tax impact of this gain was $41.1 million, or $2.46 per diluted common share.

We also recorded preferred stock dividends and accretion related to our issuance of preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury, which reduced net income available to common shareholders and earnings per diluted common share. For the year ended December 31, 2009, total preferred stock dividends of $4 million reduced our net income available to common shareholders.

Total assets at December 31, 2009, including the impact of the Cooperative acquisition, amounted to $3.5 billion, 28.9% higher than a year earlier. Total loans at December 31, 2009 amounted to $2.7 billion, a 20.0% increase from a year earlier, and total deposits amounted to $2.9 billion at December 31, 2009, a 41.4% increase

Table of Contents

from a year earlier.

Excluding the effects of the Cooperative acquisition, we experienced a general decline in loans and an increase in deposits during 2009. Excluding the impact of Cooperative, loans declined approximately 4% in 2009. We continued to originate and renew a significant amount of loans each month, but normal paydowns of loans exceeded new loan growth. Excluding the impact of Cooperative, we experienced deposit growth of approximately 7% in 2009. Additionally, we steadily lowered our levels of brokered deposits and internet deposits subsequent to the Cooperative acquisition. Brokered deposits comprised just 2.6% of total deposits at December 31, 2009, with internet deposits comprising an additional 4.4%.

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2009 amounted to $107.1 million, a 23.7% increase from 2008. The increases in net interest income were primarily due to 1) the higher average balances of loans and deposits previously discussed, and 2) a higher net interest margin.

Our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earnings assets) for 2009 was 3.81% compared to 3.74% for 2008. During 2009, there were no changes in the interest rates set by the Federal Reserve, and we were able to lower rates on most of our deposits, especially maturing time deposits that had been originated in periods of higher interest rates.

The depressed economic environment, including its unfavorable effect on real estate values, resulted in an increase in our loan losses and nonperforming assets, which led to significantly higher provisions for loan losses. Our provision for loan losses amounted to $20.2 million for 2009 compared to $9.9 million recorded in 2008. The increase in the provision for loan losses was solely attributable to our non-covered loan portfolio, which excludes loans assumed from Cooperative that are subject to loss share agreements with the FDIC.

Our non-covered nonperforming assets at December 31, 2009 amounted to $92 million compared to $35 million at December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2009, the ratio of non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets was 3.10% compared to 1.29% at December 31, 2008.

Our ratio of annualized net charge-offs to average non-covered loans was 0.56% for 2009 compared to 0.24% for 2008.

Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2009 amounted to $89.5 million compared to $20.7 million for 2008. The primary reason for the increase was the $67.9 million gain realized from the Cooperative acquisition that occurred in June 2009, as discussed above.

Noninterest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2009 amounted to $78.6 million, a 26.3% increase from the $62.2 million recorded in 2008. Incremental operating expenses associated with the Cooperative acquisition were the primary reason for the increase in 2009. Additionally, FDIC insurance expense amounted to $5.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to $1.2 million for 2008. Included in the $5.5 million in FDIC insurance expense for 2009 was $1.6 million related to a special assessment that was levied by the FDIC on all banks in the second quarter of 2009. Also, during 2009, we recorded $1.3 million in acquisition related expenses.

Our effective tax rate was 36%-38% for each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Table of Contents

Outlook for 2011

We expect the banking industry, particularly in our region, to continue to face significant challenges in 2011. While there has been some favorable national economic data reported in recent months, we continue to be negatively impacted by very unfavorable economic statistics in our region. These include unemployment rates, housing starts, home prices, and the number of personal and business bankruptcies. We believe that the Carolinas and Virginia may have been relatively late to experience the downturn in the national economy and that this region is lagging the rest of the country in recovery. Thus we believe that our loan losses will continue to remain at elevated levels compared to historical norms for the foreseeable future. We also expect that the weak economy will continue to result in low loan demand.

We believe that regulatory reform will negatively impact our earnings. The regulatory climate is not favorable for banks. Rules limiting fees that can be charged by banks began to take effect in the second half of 2010 and more are expected in 2011. While some of these rules exempt banks like us that are less than $10 billion in size, we do not believe that a two-tiered fee system will be practical and that the fees will migrate to those permitted for the banks in excess of $10 billion due to competitive pressures. Also we expect additional overhead costs will be necessary to comply with all of the new regulations expected to arise directly or indirectly from the Dodd-Frank Act.

We also do not expect to experience expansion in our net interest margin like we did in 2010, which was driven primarily by a drop in our funding costs. In 2010, our average cost of deposits declined from 1.79% to 1.07% primarily as a result of maturities of time deposits that had been originated during periods of higher interest rates that were either renewed at lower interest rates or were withdrawn from our bank. With most of our existing time deposits now having been renewed in the current low interest rate environment, there is little opportunity to meaningfully lower our funding costs.

In 2009 we acquired a failed bank with approximately $959 million in assets (Cooperative Bank). This acquisition resulted in significant volatility to our earnings in both 2009 and 2010 primarily as a result of a bargain purchase gain recorded in 2009 that increased earnings and write-downs of foreclosed properties in 2010 that negatively impacted earnings. While we expect the Cooperative Bank acquisition to eventually be accretive to earnings on a consistent basis, we believe that it may continue to add volatility to our reported earnings in 2011. The volatility may be positive to earnings, which would most likely occur if the credit quality of the acquired loans improves, or negative to earnings, which would most likely occur if the credit quality of the acquired loans deteriorates or if the properties we have foreclosed on decline in value.

In January 2011, we acquired another failed bank with approximately $193 million in total assets (Bank of Asheville). While this transaction was smaller than the one in 2009, it could also result in earnings volatility in 2011, especially if the results of our valuation of its assets and liabilities indicate that a bargain purchase gain should be recorded.

Table of Contents

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting principles we follow and our methods of applying these principles conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and with general practices followed by the banking industry. Certain of these principles involve a significant amount of judgment and may involve the use of estimates based on our best assumptions at the time of the estimation. The allowance for loan losses, intangible assets, and the valuation of acquired assets are three policies we have identified as being more sensitive in terms of judgments and estimates, taking into account their overall potential impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Due to the estimation process and the potential materiality of the amounts involved, we have identified the accounting for the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses as an accounting policy critical to our consolidated financial statements. The provision for loan losses charged to operations is an amount sufficient to bring the allowance for loan losses to an estimated balance considered adequate to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio.

Our determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based primarily on a mathematical model that estimates the appropriate allowance for loan losses. This model has two components. The first component involves the estimation of losses on non-single family home loans greater than $250,000 that are defined as “impaired loans.” A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. The estimated valuation allowance is the difference, if any, between the loan balance outstanding and the value of the impaired loan as determined by either 1) an estimate of the cash flows that we expect to receive from the borrower discounted at the loan’s effective rate, or 2) in the case of a collateral-dependent loan, the fair value of the collateral.

The second component of the allowance model is an estimate of losses for impaired single family home loans, impaired loans less than $250,000, and all loans not considered to be impaired loans. Impaired single family home loans, impaired loans less than $250,000, and loans that we have classified as having normal credit risk are segregated by loan type, and estimated loss percentages are assigned to each loan type, based on the historical losses, current economic conditions, and operational conditions specific to each loan type. Loans that we have risk graded as having more than “standard” risk but not considered to be impaired are segregated between those relationships with outstanding balances exceeding $500,000 and those that are less than that amount. For those loan relationships with outstanding balances exceeding $500,000, we review the attributes of each individual loan and assign any necessary loss reserve based on various factors including payment history, borrower strength, collateral value, and guarantor strength. For loan relationships less than $500,000 with more than standard risk but not considered to be impaired, loss percentages are based on a multiple of the estimated loss rate for loans of a similar loan type with normal risk. The multiples assigned vary by type of loan, depending on risk, and we have consulted with an external credit review firm in assigning those multiples.

The reserve estimated for impaired loans is then added to the reserve estimated for all other loans. This becomes our “allocated allowance.” In addition to the allocated allowance derived from the model, we also evaluate other data such as the ratio of the allowance for loan losses to total loans, net loan growth information, nonperforming asset levels and trends in such data. Based on this additional analysis, we may determine that an additional amount of allowance for loan losses is necessary to reserve for probable losses. This additional amount, if any, is our “unallocated allowance.” The sum of the allocated allowance and the unallocated allowance is compared to the actual allowance for loan losses recorded on our books and any adjustment necessary for the recorded allowance to equal the computed allowance is recorded as a provision for loan losses. The provision for loan losses is a direct charge to earnings in the period recorded.

Table of Contents

Loans covered under loss share agreements are recorded at fair value at acquisition date. Therefore, amounts deemed uncollectible at acquisition date become a part of the fair value calculation and are excluded from the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent decreases in the amount expected to be collected result in a provision for loan losses with a corresponding increase in the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent increases in the amount expected to be collected are accreted into income over the life of the loan. Proportional adjustments are also recorded to the FDIC indemnification asset.

Although we use the best information available to make evaluations, future material adjustments may be necessary if economic, operational, or other conditions change. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on the examiners’ judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

For further discussion, see “Nonperforming Assets” and “Summary of Loan Loss Experience” below.

Intangible Assets

Due to the estimation process and the potential materiality of the amounts involved, we have also identified the accounting for intangible assets as an accounting policy critical to our consolidated financial statements.

When we complete an acquisition transaction, the excess of the purchase price over the amount by which the fair market value of assets acquired exceeds the fair market value of liabilities assumed represents an intangible asset. We must then determine the identifiable portions of the intangible asset, with any remaining amount classified as goodwill. Identifiable intangible assets associated with these acquisitions are generally amortized over the estimated life of the related asset, whereas goodwill is tested annually for impairment, but not systematically amortized. Assuming no goodwill impairment, it is beneficial to our future earnings to have a lower amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets and higher amount of goodwill as opposed to having a higher amount considered to be identifiable intangible assets and a lower amount classified as goodwill.

The primary identifiable intangible asset we typically record in connection with a whole bank or bank branch acquisition is the value of the core deposit intangible, whereas when we acquire an insurance agency, the primary identifiable intangible asset is the value of the acquired customer list. Determining the amount of identifiable intangible assets and their average lives involves multiple assumptions and estimates and is typically determined by performing a discounted cash flow analysis, which involves a combination of any or all of the following assumptions: customer attrition/runoff, alternative funding costs, deposit servicing costs, and discount rates. We typically engage a third party consultant to assist in each analysis. For the whole bank and bank branch transactions recorded to date, the core deposit intangibles have generally been estimated to have a life ranging from seven to ten years, with an accelerated rate of amortization. For insurance agency acquisitions, the identifiable intangible assets related to the customer lists were determined to have a life of ten to fifteen years, with amortization occurring on a straight-line basis.

Subsequent to the initial recording of the identifiable intangible assets and goodwill, we amortize the identifiable intangible assets over their estimated average lives, as discussed above. In addition, on at least an annual basis, goodwill is evaluated for impairment by comparing the fair value of our reporting units to their related carrying value, including goodwill (our community banking operation is our only material reporting unit). If the carrying value of a reporting unit were ever to exceed its fair value, we would determine whether the implied fair value of the goodwill, using a discounted cash flow analysis, exceeded the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeded the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss would be recorded in an amount equal to that excess. Performing such a discounted cash flow analysis would involve the significant use of estimates and assumptions.

At our last goodwill impairment evaluation as of October 31, 2010, we determined the fair value of our

Table of Contents

community banking operation was approximately $18.25 per common share, or 6% higher, than the $17.28 stated book value of our common stock at the date of valuation. To assist us in computing the fair value of our community banking operation, we engaged a consulting firm who used eight valuation techniques as part of their analysis, which resulted in the conclusion of the $18.25 value.

We review identifiable intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Our policy is that an impairment loss is recognized, equal to the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and its fair value, if the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Estimating future cash flows involves the use of multiple estimates and assumptions, such as those listed above.

Fair Value and Discount Accretion of Loans Acquired in FDIC-Assisted Transactions

We consider that the determination of the initial fair value of loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions, the initial fair value of the related FDIC indemnification asset, and the subsequent discount accretion of the purchased loans to involve a high degree of judgment and complexity. We determine fair value accounting estimates of newly assumed assets and liabilities in accordance with relevant accounting guidance. However, the amount that we realize on these assets could differ materially from the carrying value reflected in our financial statements, based upon the timing of collections on the acquired loans in future periods. To the extent the actual values realized for the acquired loans are different from the estimates, the FDIC indemnification asset will generally be impacted in an offsetting manner due to the loss-sharing support from the FDIC.

Because of the inherent credit losses associated with the acquired loans in a failed bank acquisition, the amount that we record as the fair values for the loans is generally less than the contractual unpaid principal balance due from the borrowers, with the difference being referred to as the “discount” on the acquired loans. We have applied the cost recovery method of accounting to all purchased impaired loans due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows. This will result in the recognition of interest income on these impaired loans only when the cash payments received from the borrower exceed the recorded net book value of the related loans.

For nonimpaired purchased loans, we accrete the discount over the lives of the loans in a manner consistent with the guidance for accounting for loan origination fees and costs.

Merger and Acquisition Activity

We completed the following acquisitions during 2008 and 2009 – there were no significant acquisitions in 2010. The results of each acquired company/branch are included in our financial statements beginning on their respective acquisition dates.

(a) On April 1, 2008, we completed the acquisition of Great Pee Dee Bancorp, Inc. (Great Pee Dee). Great Pee Dee was the parent company of Sentry Bank and Trust (Sentry), a South Carolina community bank with one branch in Florence, South Carolina and two branches in Cheraw, South Carolina. Great Pee Dee had $211 million in total assets as of the date of acquisition. This acquisition represented a natural extension of our market area, with Sentry’s Cheraw offices being in close proximity to our Rockingham, North Carolina branch and Sentry’s Florence office being in close proximity to our existing branches in Dillon and Latta, South Carolina. Our primary reason for the acquisition was to expand into a contiguous market with facilities, operations and experienced staff in place. The terms of the agreement called for shareholders of Great Pee Dee to receive 1.15 shares of First Bancorp stock for each share of Great Pee Dee stock they owned. The transaction resulted in the issuance of 2,059,091 shares of our common stock that were valued at approximately $37.0 million and the assumption of employee stock options with a fair market value of approximately $0.6 million. The value of the stock issued was determined using a Company stock price of $17.98, which was the average of the daily closing price of our stock for the five trading days closest to the July 12, 2007 announcement of the execution of the

Table of Contents

definitive merger agreement. The value of the employee stock options assumed was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The operating results of Great Pee Dee are included in our financial statements beginning on the April 1, 2008 acquisition date.

As a result of this acquisition, we recorded approximately $847,000 in an intangible asset related to the core deposit base that is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the weighted average life of the core deposit base, which was estimated to be 7.4 years. Additionally, we recorded approximately $16.3 million in goodwill that is not being systematically amortized, but rather is subject to an annual impairment test. We agreed to a purchase price that resulted in recognition of goodwill primarily due to the reasons noted above, as well as the generally positive earnings of Great Pee Dee.

(b) On June 19, 2009, we announced that First Bank, our banking subsidiary, had entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), as receiver for Cooperative Bank, Wilmington, North Carolina. According to the terms of the agreement, First Bank acquired all deposits (except certain brokered deposits) and borrowings, and substantially all of the assets of Cooperative Bank and its subsidiary, Lumina Mortgage. The loans and foreclosed real estate purchased are covered by two loss share agreements between the FDIC and First Bank, which afford First Bank significant loss protection. Under the loss share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of covered loan and foreclosed real estate losses up to $303 million and 95% of losses in excess of that amount. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is five years in respect to losses and eight years in respect to loss recoveries. The reimbursable losses from the FDIC are based on the book value of the relevant loan as determined by the FDIC at the date of the transaction.

Cooperative Bank operated through twenty-one branches in North Carolina and three branches in South Carolina, with assets totaling approximately $959 million and approximately 200 employees. This acquisition represented a natural extension of our market area with most of Cooperative‘s offices being in close proximity to our existing branches in the coastal regions of North and South Carolina.

We received a $123 million discount on the assets acquired and paid no deposit premium, which, after applying estimates of purchase accounting fair market value adjustments to the acquired assets and assumed deposits, resulted in a gain of $67.9 million.

As a result of this acquisition, we recorded approximately $3.8 million in an intangible asset related to the core deposit base that is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the weighted average life of the core deposit base, which was estimated to be 8 years.

See Note 2 and Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding intangible assets.

On January 21, 2011, we entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC to purchase substantially all the assets and liabilities of The Bank of Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina in a FDIC-assisted transaction. Since this acquisition occurred after December 31, 2010, no financial results from this acquisition are included in our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010. See Note 19 to the financial statements for additional information.

FDIC Indemnification Asset

As previously discussed, on June 19, 2009, we acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Cooperative Bank in a FDIC-assisted transaction. The loans and foreclosed real estate purchased are covered by two loss share agreements with the FDIC, which afford First Bank significant loss protection. Under the loss share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of covered loan and foreclosed real estate losses up to $303 million and 95% of losses in excess of that amount. The carrying value of this receivable at each period end is the sum

Table of Contents

of: 1) actual claims that have been submitted to the FDIC for reimbursement that have not yet been received and 2) our estimated amount of loan and other real estate losses covered by the agreements multiplied by the FDIC reimbursement percentage.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the FDIC indemnification asset was comprised of the following components:

($ in thousands)	December 31, 2010		December 31, 2009
Receivable related to claims submitted, not yet received	$	30,201		20,646
Receivable related to future claims on loans		86,966		121,823
Receivable related to future claims on other real estate owned		6,552		752
FDIC indemnification asset	$	123,719		143,221

As of the acquisition date, based on the losses inherent in the covered assets, we estimated that we would receive payments from the FDIC totaling $185.1 million, which was recorded as “FDIC Indemnification Asset.” For the one year period beginning after the acquisition date, as required by relevant accounting standards, we adjusted changes in our fair value estimates retroactively to the acquisition date. Since that time, we have recorded adjustments to the indemnification asset as discussed below.

The FDIC indemnification asset has been adjusted upwards in the following circumstances:

1) Deterioration of credit quality of covered loans – As of the acquisition date, we recorded the acquired loans on our books at a fair value that was $227.9 million less than the contractual amounts due from the borrowers, which was our estimate of the loan losses inherent in the portfolio. As the credit quality of this portfolio changes and better information is obtained about likely losses, some loans have better repayment expectations than we originally projected and some loans have worse repayment expectations than originally projected. For loans with worse repayment expectations, we record provisions for loan losses with corresponding increases to the FDIC indemnification asset by recording noninterest income in proportion to the reimbursement percentage. In 2010, we recorded provisions for loan losses on covered loans amounting to $20.9 million, which resulted in an adjustment to the FDIC indemnification asset of $16.7 million. There were no such adjustments in 2009.

2) Write-downs and losses on foreclosed properties – When we foreclose on delinquent borrowers, we initially record the foreclosed property at the lower of book or fair value (based on appraisals), with any deficiency recorded as a charge-off. Subsequent to the foreclosure, we periodically order updated appraisals and if the appraisal indicates a fair value lower than our carrying value, we must write the property down. Also, we sell foreclosed properties that frequently result in losses. Each of these situations results in the company recording losses on other real estate owned with a corresponding increase to the FDIC indemnification asset by recording noninterest income in proportion to the reimbursement percentage. In 2010, we recorded losses and write downs on covered foreclosed properties amounting to $34.5 million, which resulted in an adjustment to the FDIC indemnification asset of $27.6 million. There were no such adjustments in 2009.

3) Expenses incurred related to collection activities on covered assets – As a result of our collection efforts, we incur expenses such as legal fees, property taxes and appraisal costs. Many of these expenses are reimbursable by the FDIC. These expenses are recorded as “other” noninterest expenses and a corresponding increase is made to increase the FDIC indemnification asset by reducing the gross collection expenses by the amount expected to be reimbursed by the FDIC for eligible expenses. In 2010, we incurred $5.5 million in gross collection expenses related to covered assets and reduced that amount by $2.9 million in FDIC reimbursements. In 2009, we incurred $2.1 million in gross collection expenses related to covered assets and reduced that amount by $1.3 million in FDIC reimbursements.

Table of Contents

The FDIC indemnification asset has been adjusted downwards in the following circumstances:

1) Receipt of cash from the FDIC related to claims submitted – On at least a quarterly basis, we submit eligible loss share claims to the FDIC. After reviewing and approving the claims, the FDIC wires us cash, which reduces the amount of the FDIC indemnification asset. In 2010 and 2009, we received $25.8 million and $40.5 million in FDIC reimbursements, respectively.

2) Accretion of discount on acquired loans – As noted above, we recorded the acquired loans on our books at a fair value that was $227.9 million less than the contractual amounts due from the borrowers (the “discount”), which was our estimate of the loan losses inherent in the portfolio. As the credit quality of this portfolio changes and better information is obtained about likely losses, some loans have better repayment expectations than we originally projected and some loans have worse repayment expectations than originally projected. For loans with improved repayment expectations, we are systematically reducing the discount over the life of the loan as it repays. For some loans, we have received complete payoffs at the contractual balance and the discount must be reduced to zero. When we reduce/accrete the discount, we do so by recognizing interest income in that same amount. Because the expected losses on loans with improved repayment expectations becomes less than the original estimate, so does our expected reimbursement from the FDIC. Accordingly, we reduce the FDIC indemnification asset by the corresponding reimbursement percentage. In 2010 and 2009, we recorded discount accretion of $7.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively, which resulted in a reduction of FDIC indemnification asset of $6.1 million and $1.2 million respectively.

In summary, circumstances that result in adjustments to the FDIC indemnification asset are recorded within the income statement line items noted without consideration of the FDIC loss share agreements. Because favorable changes in covered assets result in lower expected FDIC claims, and unfavorable changes in covered assets result in higher expected FDIC claims, the FDIC indemnification asset is adjusted to reflect those expectations. The net increase or decrease in the indemnification asset is reflected within noninterest income.

The adjustments can result in volatility within individual income statement line items. Because of the FDIC loss share agreements and the associated indemnification asset, pretax income resulting from amounts recorded as provisions for loan losses, interest income, and losses from foreclosed properties is generally only impacted by 20% due to the corresponding adjustments made to the indemnification asset.

The following presents a rollforward of the FDIC indemnification asset since the date of the Cooperative Bank acquisition.

($ in thousands)

Balance at June 19, 2009	$	185,112
Decrease related to favorable change in loss estimates		(1,516	)
Increase related to reimbursable expenses		1,300
Cash received		(40,500	)
Accretion of loan discount		(1,175	)
Balance at December 31, 2009		143,221
Increase related to unfavorable change in loss estimates		30,419
Increase related to reimbursable expenses		2,900
Cash received		(46,721	)
Accretion of loan discount		(6,100	)
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	123,719

Table of Contents

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net interest income, the “spread” between earnings on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, constitutes the largest source of our earnings. Other factors that significantly affect operating results are the provision for loan losses, noninterest income such as service fees and noninterest expenses such as salaries, occupancy expense, equipment expense and other overhead costs, as well as the effects of income taxes.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income on a reported basis amounted to $127,354,000 in 2010, $107,096,000 in 2009, and $86,559,000 in 2008. For internal purposes and in the discussion that follows, we evaluate our net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis by adding the tax benefit realized from tax-exempt securities to reported interest income. Net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis amounted to $128,670,000 in 2010, $107,914,000 in 2009, and $87,217,000 in 2008. Management believes that analysis of net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis is useful and appropriate because it allows a comparison of net interest amounts in different periods without taking into account the different mix of taxable versus non-taxable investments that may have existed during those periods. The following is a reconciliation of reported net interest income to tax-equivalent net interest income.

	Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010		2009		2008
Net interest income, as reported	$	127,354		107,096		86,559
Tax-equivalent adjustment		1,316		818		658
Net interest income, tax-equivalent	$	128,670		107,914		87,217

Table 2 analyzes net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis. Our net interest income on a tax-equivalent basis increased by 19.2% in 2010 and 23.7% in 2009. There are two primary factors that cause changes in the amount of net interest income we record - 1) growth in loans and deposits, and 2) our net interest margin (tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets). In 2009 and 2010, higher average loan and deposit balances increased net interest income. Also, the positive effects of the increased balances were enhanced by a higher net interest margin realized in 2009 and 2010.

Although loans and deposits outstanding decreased during calendar year 2010, the average balances of loans and deposits were both higher in 2010 than they were in 2009. Also, 2009 had higher average balances of loans and deposits than 2008. The higher average loan and deposit balances for both annual comparisons were a result of the Cooperative Bank acquisition that occurred in mid-2009. The loans and deposits acquired in this acquisition impacted loan and deposit balances outstanding for all twelve months of 2010 and for the six month period subsequent to the June 2009 acquisition.

As illustrated in Table 3, the higher average loan and deposit balances positively impacted net interest income in both 2010 and 2009. In both years, the positive impact on net interest income of growth in interest-earning assets, primarily loans, more than offset the higher interest expense associated with the higher average balances of interest-bearing liabilities. In 2010, growth in interest-earning assets resulted in an increase in interest income of $6.1 million, while higher amounts of interest-bearing liabilities only resulted in $0.5 million in increased interest expense. In 2009, growth in interest-earning assets resulted in an increase in interest income of $25.3 million, while growth in interest-bearing liabilities only resulted in $12.6 million in higher interest expense. As a result, higher average balances of loans and deposits resulted in an increase in tax-equivalent net interest income of $5.6 million in 2010 and $12.7 million in 2009.

Table 3 also illustrates the impact that changes in the rates that we earned/paid had on our net interest income in 2009 and 2010. Beginning in late 2007 and throughout 2008, the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates

Table of Contents

significantly as a result of recessionary conditions. While there have been no changes in interest rates set by the Federal Reserve since 2008, we were able to lower our deposit pricing throughout 2009 and 2010 (see discussion below). In 2009, the impact of lower interest rates resulted in a reduction of interest expense of $25.0 million, due mostly to the ability to reprice time deposits at lower levels, while our interest income only declined by $17.0 million. Thus, the impact of overall lower rates resulted in an $8.0 million increase in net interest income. In 2010, we continued to reduce the interest rates we paid on deposits, particularly for maturing time deposits that were originated in periods of higher interest rates, which resulted in a reduction of interest expense of $17.5 million. Lower interest rates reduced our interest income by only $2.3 million, thus resulting in a $15.2 million increase in net interest income. The overall impact of the higher average loan/deposit balances and the change in rates was an increase in tax-equivalent net interest income of approximately $20.7 million in both 2009 and 2010.

We measure the spread between the yield on our earning assets and the cost of our funding primarily in terms of the ratio entitled “net interest margin” which is defined as tax-equivalent net interest income divided by average earning assets. Our net interest margin increased 58 basis points in 2010 to 4.39% from 3.81% in 2009 and 3.74% in 2008.

From September 2007 to December 2008, the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates by a total of 500 basis points. When interest rates are lowered, our net interest margin generally declines, at least temporarily, because generally our assets that reprice when interest rates change reprice downward immediately by the full amount of the interest rate change, while most of our liabilities that are subject to adjustment reprice at a lag to the rate change and typically not to the full extent of the rate change. Our net interest margin declined from 4.18% in 2006 to 4.00% in 2007 to 3.74% in 2008.

In 2009 and 2010, our net interest margin increased, primarily as a result of the Federal Reserve making no changes to interest rates. With interest rates at stabilized lower levels, we were able to reprice many of our maturing time deposits, which had been originated in periods of higher interest rates, at lower rates. We were also able to generally decrease the rates we paid on other types of deposits as a result of declining short-term interest rates in the marketplace and an increase in liquidity that lessened our need to offer premium interest rates.

For the reasons discussed above, in 2010 and 2009 the yields we realized on our interest-earning assets decreased by a smaller amount than did the rates we paid on our interest-bearing liabilities. As derived from Table 2, in 2010, the yield realized on average earning assets decreased by only five basis points from 2009 (from 5.53% to 5.48%) while the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 76 basis points (from 1.96% to 1.20%). In 2009, the yield realized on average earning assets decreased by only 85 basis points from 2008 (from 6.38% to 5.53%) while the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 108 basis points (from 3.04% to 1.96%). The difference in these changes in 2010 and 2009 positively impacted our net interest margin.

In addition to the factors noted above, in 2008, 2009, and 2010, our net interest income was impacted by certain purchase accounting adjustments related to our acquisitions of Cooperative Bank and Great Pee Dee. In our Cooperative Bank acquisition, we assumed a loan portfolio that had interest rates that were generally consistent with interest rates in our loan portfolio. However, as a result of the efforts to attract deposits and maintain sufficient liquidity in the period prior to the bank’s closing, Cooperative Bank’s time deposits had interest rates that were significantly higher than the existing market rate for time deposits. Accounting regulations required us to record a premium on those deposits and amortize the premium as a reduction to interest expense over the life of the deposit portfolio in order to reduce the yield on those deposits to a market rate of interest. In addition, as discussed in “Critical Accounting Policies” above, we are accreting the initial discount recorded on nonimpaired Cooperative loans over the lives of the loans. Less significant interest income and expense purchase accounting adjustments were also recorded in 2008, 2009, and 2010 related to our 2008 acquisition of Great Pee Dee. The following tables present the purchase accounting adjustments made in 2008, 2009, and 2010 that impacted net interest income.

Table of Contents

($ in thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2010
	Cooperative			Great Pee Dee			Total

Interest income – reduced by premium amortization on loans	$	−			(196	)		(196	)
Interest income – increased by accretion of loan discount		7,607			−			7,607
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of deposits		(2,211	)		−			(2,211	)
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of borrowings		−			(341	)		(341	)
Impact on net interest income	$	9,818			145			9,963

($ in thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Cooperative			Great Pee Dee			Total

Interest income – reduced by premium amortization on loans	$	−			(196	)		(196	)
Interest income – increased by accretion of loan discount		1,469			−			1,469
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of deposits		(3,711	)		(200	)		(3,911	)
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of borrowings		−			(464	)		(464	)
Impact on net interest income	$	5,180			468			5,648

($ in thousands)	Year Ended December 31, 2008
	Cooperative		Great Pee Dee			Total

Interest income – reduced by premium amortization on loans	$	−		(147	)		(147	)
Interest income – increased by accretion of loan discount		−		−			−
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of deposits		−		(898	)		(898	)
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of borrowings		−		(347	)		(347	)
Impact on net interest income	$	−		1,098			1,098

The following table presents the purchase accounting entries that we expect to record in 2011.

	Cooperative		Great Pee Dee			Total

Interest income – reduced by premium amortization on loans	$	−		(192	)		(192	)
Interest income – increased by accretion of loan discount	See note below			−			−
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of deposits		−		−			−
Interest expense – reduced by premium amortization of borrowings		−		(144	)		(144	)
Impact on net interest income	See note below			(48	)		(48	)

We cannot determine the amount of interest income, if any, to be recognized from the accretion of the loan discount on Cooperative loans because it is reliant on our ongoing assessment of the repayment period of the loans, which is impacted by any changes in expected credit losses related to the loans.

See additional information regarding net interest income in the section entitled “Interest Rate Risk.”

Provision for Loan Losses

The provision for loan losses charged to operations is an amount sufficient to bring the allowance for loan losses to an estimated balance considered appropriate to absorb probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on the level of loan growth, an evaluation of the portfolio, current economic conditions, historical loan loss experience and other risk factors.

The current economic environment which began in late 2007 has resulted in declines in real estate values and increases in loan delinquencies, loan losses and nonperforming assets, which has led to significantly higher provisions for loan losses. Our provision for loan losses was $54,562,000 in 2010, compared to $20,186,000 in

Table of Contents

2009 and $9,880,000 in 2008. In 2010, our provision for loan losses was comprised of $33.6 million in provisions related to non-covered loans and $20.9 million related to covered loans, whereas in prior years the provision only related to non-covered loans.

We recorded $33.6 million and $20.2 million in provision for loan losses related to non-covered loans for the year-ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The higher provisions were necessary primarily as a result of higher levels of classified and nonperforming assets and the impact of declining real estate value on our collateral dependent real estate loans.

In 2010, we recorded $20.9 million in provision for loan losses related to covered loans that experienced credit quality deterioration. The credit quality deterioration primarily related to collateral dependent loans for which we received updated appraisals during the fourth quarter of 2010 that reflected lower valuations. Because this provision for loan losses related to covered loans, the FDIC indemnification asset was adjusted upwards by recording noninterest income of $16.7 million, or 80% of the amount of the provision.

Net charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, were $42.5 million, $12.1 million, and $5.1 million, respectively. Net charge-offs were impacted in 2010 by $9.8 million in charge-offs of covered loans and $8.6 million in partial charge-offs of non-covered loans, with no corresponding charge-offs of those types recorded in prior periods. The charge-offs of covered loans were primarily a result of declining collateral values on collateral dependent loans. As it relates to partial charge-offs, previously we recorded specific reserves on collateral-deficient nonaccrual loans within the allowance for loan losses, but did not record charge-offs until the loans had been foreclosed upon.

In 2010, for both our covered and non-covered loans, our provision for loan losses and net charge-offs were concentrated in loans classified as “real estate – construction, land development & other land loans.” This category of loans is primarily comprised of land acquisition and development loans and other types of lot loans. These types of loans have been particularly hard hit by the decline in real estate development and property values. As can be seen in Table 10, although we have reduced our exposure to this category of loans, we continue to have exposure to this sector and future significant losses could result.

Non-covered nonperforming assets at December 31, 2010 amounted to $117 million compared to $92 million and $35 million at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2010, the ratio of non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets was 4.16% compared to 3.10% and 1.29% at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

See the section entitled “Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Loss Experience” below for a more detailed discussion of the allowance for loan losses. The allowance is monitored and analyzed regularly in conjunction with our loan analysis and grading program, and adjustments are made to maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses.

Noninterest Income

Our noninterest income amounted to $29,106,000 in 2010, $89,518,000 in 2009, and $20,657,000 in 2008.

As shown in Table 4, core noninterest income excludes gains from acquisitions, foreclosed property write-downs and losses, indemnification asset income, and other miscellaneous gains and losses. Core noninterest income amounted to $22,131,000 in 2010, a 1.2% increase from $21,870,000 in 2009. The 2009 core noninterest income of $21,870,000 was 6.6% higher than the $20,515,000 recorded in 2008.

See Table 4 and the following discussion for an understanding of the components of noninterest income.

Service charges on deposit accounts in 2010 amounted to $13,422,000, a 3.1% decrease compared to $13,854,000 recorded in 2009. The $13,854,000 recorded in 2009 was 2.4% more than the 2008 amount of

Table of Contents

$13,535,000. Legislation that became effective on July 1, 2010 reduced our fees earned on overdrafts in 2010. The legislation prohibits us from charging an overdraft fee for paying automated teller machine (ATM) and one-time debit card transactions that overdraw a consumer’s account, unless the consumer affirmatively consents, or opts in, to the institution’s payment of overdrafts for these transactions. The increase in service charges in 2009 was due to a larger customer base as a result of the Cooperative acquisition.

Other service charges, commissions and fees amounted to $5,388,000 in 2010, an 11.1% increase from the $4,848,000 earned in 2009. The 2009 amount of $4,848,000 was a 10.4% increase from the $4,392,000 recorded in 2008. This category of noninterest income includes items such as electronic payment processing revenue (which includes fees related to credit card transactions by merchants and customers and fees earned from debit card transactions), ATM charges, safety deposit box rentals, fees from sales of personalized checks, and check cashing fees. The growth in this category for both years was primarily due to the increased acceptance and popularity of debit cards (for which we earn income for each use by our customers) and the overall growth in our total customer base, including growth achieved from corporate acquisitions.

In 2011, we expect our service charges on deposit accounts and our other service charge category to be negatively impacted by new rules governing overdraft fees and debit card interchange income. However, we plan to introduce new fees to mitigate the impact of those declines. The net overall effect of these changes on the other service charges, commissions and fees line item is difficult to predict, but our current expectation is for a decline in this category of income.

Fees from presold mortgages amounted to $1,813,000 in 2010, $1,505,000 in 2009, and $869,000 in 2008. The increase in fees since 2008 has been a result of high mortgage refinance activity due to lower interest rates.

Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products amounted to $1,476,000 in 2010, $1,524,000 in 2009, and $1,552,000 in 2008. This line item includes commissions we receive from three sources - 1) sales of credit life insurance associated with new loans, 2) commissions from the sales of investment, annuity, and long-term care insurance products, and 3) commissions from the sale of property and casualty insurance.

The following table presents the contribution of each of the three sources to the total amount recognized in this line item:

($ in thousands)	2010		2009		2008
Commissions earned from:
Sales of credit life insurance	$	107		281		294
Sales of investments, annuities, and long term care insurance		531		503		474
Sales of property and casualty insurance		838		740		784
Total	$	1,476		1,524		1,552

Data processing fees amounted to $32,000 in 2010, $139,000 in 2009, and $167,000 in 2008. As noted earlier, Montgomery Data was merged into the Bank in April 2010. Montgomery Data had historically made its excess data processing capabilities available to area financial institutions for a fee. In January 2010, the last remaining customer terminated its service agreement with Montgomery Data. We do not expect any third party data processing fee income for the foreseeable future.

Noninterest income not considered to be “core” amounted to a net gain of $6,975,000 in 2010, a net gain of $67,648,000 in 2009, and a net gain of $142,000 in 2008. The components of non-core noninterest income are shown in Table 4.

In 2010, we recorded $35.5 million in write-downs and losses on foreclosed properties, of which $34.5

Table of Contents

million related to write-downs on covered foreclosed properties. Subsequent to the Cooperative acquisition in June 2009, we ordered appraisals on a majority of the acquired loans and foreclosed real estate. The appraisal values indicated that our initial fair value estimates of the failed bank’s assets were too low. Accordingly, as required by applicable accounting standards, during the second half of 2009, we retroactively wrote these assets up to the higher appraised values and the bargain purchase gain was increased from the originally stated $54 million to $68 million. During 2010, most significantly during the fourth quarter of 2010, we obtained appraisals on a majority of our covered foreclosed properties, which included many of the same properties appraised in the prior year. The appraised values were significantly lower than the values from a year earlier. Accordingly, we wrote the assets down in 2010. Consistent with the other failed bank accounting adjustments discussed earlier, the bottom line impact to pretax income of these write-downs was 20% of the gross write-downs. As of December 31, 2010, approximately 91% of the amount of covered foreclosed properties had supporting appraisal valuations that were less than 6 months old.

Indemnification asset income for 2010 amounted to $41.8 million (with no corresponding amounts in prior periods), which primarily relates to upward adjustments to the amount expected to be received from the FDIC under loss share agreements as a result of higher than anticipated loan losses and foreclosed property losses and write-downs, as follows ($ in millions):

Higher expected FDIC claims for covered loans experiencing a deterioration in quality	$	20.9
Lower expected FDIC claims for covered loans experiencing principal paydowns/payoffs		(3.2	)
Foreclosed property losses and write-downs - covered		34.5
Total adjustment to expected FDIC loss-share claims		52.2
Expected reimbursement rate		80	%
Indemnification asset income	$	41.8

The line item “Other gains (losses)” was positively impacted in 2010 by the sale of our merchant credit card processing portfolio, which resulted in a gain of $850,000.

In 2009, as previously discussed, we realized a gain of $67,894,000 from the acquisition of Cooperative Bank in June 2009.

Noninterest Expenses

Noninterest expenses for 2010 were $86,956,000, compared to $78,551,000 in 2009 and $62,211,000 in 2008. Table 5 presents the components of our noninterest expense during the past three years.

As reflected in the amounts noted above, noninterest expenses increased 10.7% in 2010 and 26.3% in 2009. The increases in noninterest expenses over the past three years have occurred in almost every line item of expense and have been primarily a result of our significant growth. Due to acquisition and internal growth, over the past three years our number of bank branches has increased from 70 to 92, and the number of full time equivalent employees has increased from 614 at December 31, 2007 to 774 at December 31, 2010. Additionally, from December 31, 2007 to December 31, 2010, the amount of loans outstanding increased 29.6% and deposits increased 44.3%.

Total personnel expense increased by approximately $3.7 million, or 8.9%, in 2010. Salaries expense increased $4.3 million during 2010, due primarily to a full year of salaries relating to employees assumed in the June 2009 Cooperative acquisition. The increase in salary expense was partially offset by lower health care expenses of $0.4 million and lower pension expense in 2010 of $0.6 million. We self-insure our employees’ health care expense; therefore, incurred health care costs directly impact the expense we record. After a very unfavorable year in health care costs in 2009, our expense declined modestly in 2010. Pension expense decreased during 2010 primarily due to investment gains experienced by the pension plan’s assets in 2009.

Table of Contents

In 2009, employee benefits expense increased by approximately $3.5 million, or 48.1%. The primary reasons for the increase in this line item relate to higher health care expense and higher pension expense. In 2009 employee health care expense increased to $3.7 million compared to $2.1 million in 2008 as a result higher claims. Pension expense also increased during 2009, amounting to $3.7 million in 2009 compared to $2.3 million in 2008. This increase was primarily a result of investment losses experienced by the pension plan’s assets in 2008. In order to manage this expense, effective June 2009, we stopped adding new participants to our pension plan.

In 2009, as a result of the acquisition of Cooperative Bank we incurred approximately $1.3 million in acquisition expenses, primarily consisting of professional fees.

FDIC deposit insurance expense has generally increased over the past few years. In 2008, 2009, and 2010, we incurred approximately $1.2 million, $5.5 million, and $4.4 million, respectively, in FDIC deposit insurance premium expense. The $5.5 million in FDIC insurance expense for 2009 included a special assessment, which applied to all banks, of $1.6 million and was recorded in the second quarter of 2009. As noted above, excluding the impact of any special assessments, we expect our FDIC insurance expense to decline by approximately $1.6 million on an annual basis beginning April 1, 2011 as a result of a change in the FDIC’s assessment methodology.

Due to higher levels of delinquencies and foreclosures, including covered assets, we recorded $4.8 million in repossession and collection expenses in 2010, compared to $1.7 million in 2009. See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional detail.

Our ratio of noninterest expense to average assets was 2.61% in 2010 compared to 2.54% in 2009 and 2.50% in 2008. Our efficiency ratio (noninterest expense divided by the sum of tax-equivalent net interest income plus noninterest income) was 55.11% in 2010 compared to 39.79% in 2009 and 57.67% in 2008. For both of the ratios described in this paragraph, a lower ratio is more favorable than a higher ratio, as they generally indicate the amount of expenditures required to produce additional amounts of income. The significantly lower efficiency ratio in 2009 was a result of the acquisition gain related to Cooperative that amounted to $67.9 million.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $4,960,000 in 2010, $37,618,000 in 2009, and $13,120,000 in 2008.

Table 6 presents the components of tax expense and the related effective tax rates. The effective tax rate for 2010 was 33.2% compared to 38.4% in 2009 and 37.4% in 2008. The lower effective tax rate in 2010 was primarily due to increased investment holdings of tax-exempt municipal securities. In 2009, due to the acquisition of Cooperative Bank we recorded a gain of $67.9 million, which resulted in a $26.8 million increase in the provision for income taxes. We expect our effective tax rate to be approximately 35% in 2011.

Stock-Based Compensation

We recorded stock-based compensation expense of $640,000, $449,000 and $143,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

On June 1, 2010, we granted 1,039 shares of common stock to each of our non-employee directors. On June 1 of 2008 and 2009, we made stock-based grants of 2,250 options to each of our non-employee directors. In 2008, in addition to the annual director grant, our board of directors approved a grant of incentive-based stock awards to 19 senior officers under the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan. In 2009, our board of directors approved a grant of long-term restricted stock to certain senior executives under the 2007 Equity Plan. Both grants are discussed in the following paragraphs.

Table of Contents

On June 17, 2008, 262,599 stock options and 81,337 performance units were awarded to 19 senior officers under the 2007 Equity Plan. Each performance unit represents the right to receive one share of First Bancorp common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions. This grant has both performance conditions (earnings per share targets) and service conditions that must be met in order to vest. The 262,599 stock options and 81,337 performance units represented the maximum amount of options and performance units that could have vested if the Company were to achieve specified maximum goals for earnings per share during the three annual performance periods ending on December 31, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Up to one-third of the total number of options and performance units granted will vest annually as of December 31 of each year beginning in 2010, if (1) the Company achieves specific EPS goals during the corresponding performance period and (2) the award recipient continues employment for a period of two years beyond the corresponding performance period. Compensation expense for this grant will be recorded over the various service periods based on the estimated number of options and performance units that are probable to vest. If the awards do not vest, no compensation cost will be recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed. We did not achieve the minimum earnings per share performance goal for 2008 or 2010, and thus two-thirds of the above grant has been permanently forfeited. As a result of the significant gain realized in June 2009 related to the Cooperative Bank acquisition, the EPS goal for 2009 was met. Accordingly, we recorded compensation expense of $298,000 in 2009 and 2010. We expect to record compensation expense of approximately $75,000 on a quarterly basis through the vesting period of December 31, 2011.

On December 11, 2009, the board of directors granted 29,267 long-term restricted shares of common stock to certain senior executives. This restricted stock vests in accordance with the minimum rules for long-term equity grants for companies participating in the United States Treasury’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). These rules require that the vesting of the stock be tied to repayment of the financial assistance. For each 25% of total financial assistance repaid, 25% of the total long-term restricted stock may become transferrable. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $398,000 and is being initially amortized over a four year period. The amount of compensation expense recorded in 2009 in connection with this grant was insignificant. We recorded total compensation expense of $99,000 in 2010.

Excluding the incentive grants noted above, our stock-based compensation expense related to options currently outstanding is insignificant. We expect to continue an annual equity grant to each of our non-employee directors in 2011. The 2010 annual equity grant resulted in us recording an expense of $242,000 ($148,000 after-tax).

Table of Contents

ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION

Overview

Over the past two years, our total assets have increased from $2.8 billion at December 31, 2008 to $3.3 billion at December 31, 2010. Changes in our loans and deposit balances occur as a result of organic growth or decline, as well as acquisitions. During the second quarter of 2009, we acquired Cooperative Bank under a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC. The following table presents detailed information regarding the nature of changes in our loans and deposits in 2009 and 2010:

($ in thousands)	Balance at beginning of period		Internal growth (1)			Growth from Acquisitions		Balance at end of period		Total percentage growth			Internal percentage growth (1)
2010
Loans	$	2,652,865		(198,733	)		−		2,454,132		-7.5	%		-7.5	%

Deposits – Noninterest bearing	$	272,422		20,337			−		292,759		7.5	%		7.5	%
Deposits – NOW		362,366		(69,743	)		−		292,623		-19.2	%		-19.2	%
Deposits – Money market		496,940		1,372			−		498,312		0.3	%		0.3	%
Deposits – Savings		149,338		3,987			−		153,325		2.7	%		2.7	%
Deposits – Brokered time		76,332		67,222			−		143,554		88.1	%		88.1	%
Deposits – Internet time		128,024		(81,223	)		−		46,801		-63.4	%		-63.4	%
Deposits – Time >$100,000 - retail		704,128		(101,757	)		−		602,371		-14.5	%		-14.5	%
Deposits – Time <$100,000 - retail		743,558		(120,790	)		−		622,768		-16.2	%		-16.2	%
Total deposits	$	2,933,108		(280,595	)		−		2,652,513		-9.6	%		-9.6	%

2009
Loans	$	2,211,315		(159,554	)		601,104		2,652,865		20.0	%		-7.2	%

Deposits – Noninterest bearing	$	229,478		7,720			35,224		272,422		18.7	%		3.4	%
Deposits – NOW		198,775		131,576			32,015		362,366		82.3	%		66.2	%
Deposits – Money market		340,739		110,444			45,757		496,940		45.8	%		32.4	%
Deposits – Savings		125,240		2,855			21,243		149,338		19.2	%		2.3	%
Deposits – Brokered time		78,569		(45,180	)		42,943		76,332		-2.8	%		-57.5	%
Deposits – Internet time		5,206		(38,854	)		161,672		128,024		n/a			n/a
Deposits – Time >$100,000 - retail		520,198		35,826			148,104		704,128		35.4	%		6.9	%
Deposits – Time <$100,000 - retail		576,586		(58,131	)		225,103		743,558		29.0	%		-10.1	%
Total deposits	$	2,074,791		146,256			712,061		2,933,108		41.4	%		7.0	%

(1) Excludes the impact of acquisitions in the year of the acquisition.

As derived from the table above, in 2009 our loans increased by $442 million, or 20.0%, which was due to our acquisition of Cooperative Bank on June 19, 2009, which resulted in an increase in loans of $601 million. Excluding the impact of the acquisition, loans declined $160 million, or 7.2%, in 2009 – see discussion below.

During 2009, deposits increased $858 million, or 41.4%, of which $146 million was internal growth and $712 million was from the Cooperative Bank acquisition. We primarily attribute the 2009 internal growth to customers shifting money to banks from other non-FDIC insured sources. Deposit growth in NOW accounts for 2009 was impacted by a $65 million deposit received during the last week of the year.

The deposit portfolio assumed from Cooperative Bank had a high concentration of time deposits, comprising approximately 81% of total deposits compared to our recent historical average of 55%-57%. Time deposits are generally our bank’s most expensive funding source. Additionally, Cooperative Bank’s time deposits were more heavily concentrated in brokered time deposits and time deposits gathered by placing interest rates on internet

Table of Contents

websites. Prior to the Cooperative acquisition, we had $66 million in brokered deposits and $7 million in internet deposits. The acquisition brought us an additional $43 million in brokered deposits and $162 million in internet deposits.

After experiencing a 7.2% decline in loans in 2009 (excluding acquired loans), we experienced a decline in loans of 7.5% in 2010. Although we originated and renewed a significant amount of loans each month, normal paydowns of loans and loan foreclosures exceeded new loan growth during the year. We believe internally generated loans declined due to lower loan demand in the recessionary economy, as well as an initiative that we began in 2008 to require generally higher loan interest rates to better compensate us for our risk. Also, we have de-emphasized certain types of lending, most notably acquisition and development land loans and non-owner occupied commercial real estate. Overall, loan demand remains weak in most of our market areas.

In 2010, we experienced a decline in deposits of 9.6%, with most of the decline occurring in retail time deposits. Retail time deposits are generally a high cost source of funds for us and during 2009 and 2010, we decided not to match promotional time deposit interest rates being offered by several of our local competitors, which we felt were too high compared to alternative funding sources, and consequently we experienced a loss of internally generated time deposits.

In 2010, our level of time deposits gathered from internet posting services declined from $128 million to $47 million. Substantially all of our internet deposits were assumed in the Cooperative acquisition in 2009. Prior to its closing, Cooperative was prohibited from originating or renewing brokered deposits and accordingly, they enhanced liquidity by offering relatively high interest rates on internet posting services. As these time deposits have matured, the internet depositors, mostly credit unions, have elected not to renew the time deposits at the interest rates we have proposed. In 2010, we replaced most of the lost internet deposits with brokered deposits, which had more favorable interest rates. As a result, our brokered deposits increased from $76 million at December 31, 2009 to $144 million at December 31, 2010. We expect this trend to continue in 2011. Despite our increased usage of brokered deposits, brokered deposits comprised just 5.4% of total deposits at December 31, 2010, with internet deposits comprising an additional 1.8%.

We also experienced a $70 million decrease in our NOW accounts during 2010, primarily as a result of two depositors who withdrew their funds in the last week of the year in anticipation of the expiration of certain provisions of the FDIC transaction account guarantee program. This program previously provided unlimited FDIC insurance for interest bearing transaction accounts earning interest rates up to 0.25%.

Our overall liquidity declined slightly during 2010 compared to 2009. We experienced a $281 million decline in deposits, while loans decreased just $199 million. To help offset these declines, we increased our borrowings by approximately $20 million during 2010. Our liquid assets (cash and securities) as a percentage of our total deposits and borrowings decreased from 17.8% at December 31, 2009 to 15.4% at December 31, 2010.

Our capital ratios improved in 2010. All of our capital ratios have continually exceeded the regulatory thresholds for “well-capitalized” status for all periods covered by this report.

Due to the recessionary economic environment that began in 2007, our asset quality ratios have worsened. Our non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets ratio was 4.16% at December 31, 2010 compared to 3.10% at December 31, 2009, and 1.29% at December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our ratio of net charge-offs to average non-covered loans was 1.55% compared to 0.56% for 2009, and 0.24% for 2008.

Distribution of Assets and Liabilities

Table 7 sets forth the percentage relationships of significant components of our balance sheet at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

Table of Contents

In 2008, loans comprised 80% of total assets while deposits comprised 76% of total assets. In 2009, primarily as a result of the general decline in loan balances (excluding acquired loans) and the increases in deposits, the percentage of loans to total assets decreased to 74%, while the percentage of deposits to total assets increased to 82%. In 2010, our balance sheet distribution remained relatively stable in comparison to 2009. The decline in retail time deposits less than $100,000 (“other time deposits”) discussed earlier resulted in other time deposits declining from 23% to 20% of total liabilities and shareholders’ equity and also contributed to the decline in short term investments from 8% of total assets to 5%.

Securities

Information regarding our securities portfolio as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 is presented in Tables 8 and 9.

The composition of the investment securities portfolio reflects our investment strategy of maintaining an appropriate level of liquidity while providing a relatively stable source of income. The investment portfolio also provides a balance to interest rate risk and credit risk in other categories of the balance sheet while providing a vehicle for the investment of available funds, furnishing liquidity, and supplying securities to pledge as required collateral for certain deposits.

Total securities amounted to $235.2 million, $214.2 million, and $187.2 million at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. In 2009, we experienced higher cash balances as a result of deposit growth that exceeded loan growth. We invested a portion of this cash in investment securities, which resulted in higher securities balances in 2009 compared to 2008. In 2010, we decided to invest a portion of our excess cash balances into securities. In 2009, the majority of our purchases were mortgage-backed securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), which are 100% guaranteed by the United States government and carry a zero percent weighting for risk-based capital purposes. In 2010, we primarily purchased 1) Small Business Administration (SBA) loan pools that are 100% guaranteed by the United States government and carry a zero percent weighting for risk-based capital purposes and 2) general obligation municipal bonds of select municipalities located within our general market areas. In general, we prefer to invest in short-to-medium term investments in order to provide liquidity and manage interest rate risk.

The majority of our “government-sponsored enterprise” securities are issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank and carry one maturity date, often with an issuer call feature. At December 31, 2010, of the $43 million in carrying value of government-sponsored enterprise securities, $32 million were issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank system and the other $11 million were issued by the Federal Farm Credit Bank system.

Our $107 million of mortgage-backed securities have all been issued by either Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae, or the SBA, each of which are government-sponsored corporations. We have no “private label” mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities vary in their repayment in correlation with the underlying pools of home mortgage loans.

Included in mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2010 were collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) with an amortized cost of $2.6 million and a fair value of $2.7 million. The CMOs that we have invested in are substantially all “early tranche” portions of the CMOs, which minimizes our long-term interest rate risk.

At December 31, 2010, our $15.3 million investment in corporate bonds was comprised of the following:

Table of Contents

($ in thousands)

S&P Issuer

Maturity

Amortized

Issuer

Ratings (1)

Date

Cost

Market Value

First Citizens Bancorp (South Carolina) Bond

Not Rated

4/1/15

2,996

2,978

Bank of America Trust Preferred Security

12/11/26

2,046

2,017

Wells Fargo Trust Preferred Security

A-

1/15/27

2,559

2,553

Bank of America Trust Preferred Security

4/15/27

5,053

5,044

First Citizens Bancorp (North Carolina) Trust Preferred Security

3/1/28

2,100

2,088

First Citizens Bancorp (South Carolina) Trust Preferred Security

Not Rated

6/15/34

1,000

650

Total investment in corporate bonds

15,754

15,330

(1) The ratings are as of January 24, 2011.

Substantially all of our investment in equity securities at each year end was comprised of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB). The FHLB requires us to purchase their stock in order to borrow from them. The amount they require us to invest is based on our level of borrowings from them. At December 31, 2010, our investment in capital stock of the FHLB amounted to $14.8 million of our total investment in equity securities of $15.1 million. Until February 27, 2009, the FHLB redeemed their stock at par as borrowings were repaid. On February 27, 2009, the FHLB announced that they would no longer automatically redeem their stock when loans are repaid. Instead, they stated that they would evaluate whether they would repurchase stock on a quarterly basis. During the second half of 2010, the FHLB repurchased $1.8 million of their stock from the Company.

The fair value of securities held to maturity, which we carry at amortized cost, was $706,000 less than the carrying value at December 31, 2010 and $534,000 more than the carrying value at December 31, 2009. Our $54.0 million in securities held to maturity are comprised almost entirely of municipal bonds issued by state and local governments throughout our market area. The denominations of the bonds do not exceed $2,000,000 and we have no significant concentration of bond holdings from one government entity, with the single largest exposure to any one entity being $3,500,000. Management evaluated any unrealized losses on individual securities at each year end and determined them to be of a temporary nature and caused by fluctuations in market interest rates, not by concerns about the ability of the issuers to meet their obligations.

At December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, a net unrealized gain of $2,478,000, $1,832,000, and $273,000, respectively, was included in the carrying value of securities classified as available for sale. During those three years, interest rates have generally declined, which typically increases the value of our investment securities. Management evaluated any unrealized losses on individual securities at each year end and determined them to be of a temporary nature and caused by fluctuations in market interest rates and the overall economic environment, not by concerns about the ability of the issuers to meet their obligations. Net unrealized gains, net of applicable deferred income taxes, of $1,512,000, $1,117,000, and $167,000 have been reported as part of a separate component of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income) as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

The weighted average taxable-equivalent yield for the securities available for sale portfolio was 3.14% at December 31, 2010. The expected weighted average life of the available for sale portfolio using the call date for above-market callable bonds, the maturity date for all other non-mortgage-backed securities, and the expected life for mortgage-backed securities, was 4.3 years.

The weighted average taxable-equivalent yield for the securities held to maturity portfolio was 5.73% at December 31, 2010. The expected weighted average life of the held to maturity portfolio using the call date for above-market callable bonds and the maturity date for all other securities, was 9.0 years.

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we own no investment securities of any one issuer, other than Ginnie Mae, which is a government-sponsored corporation, in which aggregate book values and market values exceeded 10% of shareholders’ equity.

Table of Contents

Loans

Table 10 provides a summary of the loan portfolio composition of our total loans at each of the past five year ends.

As previously discussed, in our acquisition of Cooperative Bank, we entered into loss share agreements with the FDIC, which afford us significant protection from losses on all loans and other real estate acquired in the acquisition. Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, the financial risk of the Cooperative Bank loans is significantly different from those assets not covered under the loss share agreements. Accordingly, we present separately loans subject to the FDIC loss share agreements as “covered loans” and loans that are not subject to the loss share agreements as “non-covered loans.” Table 10a presents a breakout of covered and non-covered loans as of December 31, 2010.

The loan portfolio is the largest category of our earning assets and is comprised of commercial loans, real estate mortgage loans, real estate construction loans, and consumer loans. We restrict virtually all of our lending to our 36 county market area, which is located in central and eastern North Carolina, four counties in southern Virginia and five counties in northeastern South Carolina. The diversity of the region’s economic base has historically provided a stable lending environment.

In 2010, loans outstanding decreased $198.7 million, or 7.5% to $2.45 billion. The decline was mainly due to loan payoffs and loan foreclosures exceeding new loan growth as demand in most of our market areas remains weak.

In 2009, net loans outstanding increased $441.6 million, or 20.0% to $2.65 billion. All of the loan growth in 2009 was assumed in the acquisition of Cooperative Bank in June 2009, as non-covered loans declined by $159.6 million in 2009.

The great majority of our loan growth over the years has been real estate mortgage loans, with loans secured by real estate consistently comprising 86% to 90% of our outstanding loan balances. Except for real estate construction, land development and other land loans, the majority of our “real estate” loans are personal and commercial loans where cash flow from the borrower’s occupation or business is the primary repayment source, with the real estate pledged providing a secondary repayment source.

Table 10 indicates that the two types of loans that have had the largest variances in the amount outstanding as a percent of total loans have been construction/land development loans and residential mortgage loans. In 2005 we expanded our branch network to what was then the fast-growing southeast coast of North Carolina, which had a high demand for construction and land development loans. In 2008, due to recessionary conditions, particularly in the new housing market, loan demand for these types of loans weakened and we tightened our loan underwriting criteria for these types of loans, which reduced growth. Due to economic conditions, for the past two years we have made very few new acquisition and land development loans, and we expect this trend to continue.

From 2006 to 2008, our level of residential mortgage loans generally declined as we experienced higher growth in other loan categories. Due to the Cooperative transaction in 2009, our percentage of residential loans increased significantly because Cooperative’s loan portfolio was heavily concentrated in residential mortgages.

Table 11 provides a summary of scheduled loan maturities over certain time periods, with fixed rate loans and adjustable rate loans shown separately. Approximately 27% of our accruing loans outstanding at December 31, 2010 mature within one year and 70% of total loans mature within five years. As of December 31, 2010, the percentages of variable rate loans and fixed rate loans as compared to total performing loans were 46% and 54%, respectively. We intentionally make a blend of fixed and variable rate loans so as to reduce interest rate risk.

Table of Contents

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings, loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest, and other real estate. As a matter of policy we place all loans that are past due 90 or more days on nonaccrual basis, and thus there were no loans at any of the past five year ends that were 90 days past due and still accruing interest.

Nonaccrual loans are loans on which interest income is no longer being recognized or accrued because management has determined that the collection of interest is doubtful. Placing loans on nonaccrual status negatively impacts earnings because (i) interest accrued but unpaid as of the date a loan is placed on nonaccrual status is reversed and deducted from interest income, (ii) future accruals of interest income are not recognized until it becomes probable that both principal and interest will be paid and (iii) principal charged-off, if appropriate, may necessitate additional provisions for loan losses that are charged against earnings. In some cases, where borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties, loans may be restructured to provide terms significantly different from the originally contracted terms.

Table 12 summarizes our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated. Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, we present separately nonperforming assets subject to the loss share agreements as “covered” and nonperforming assets that are not subject to the loss share agreements as “non-covered.”

Table 12a presents our nonperforming assets at December 31, 2010 by general geographic region and further segregated into “covered” nonperforming assets and “non-covered” nonperforming assets. The majority of our nonperforming assets are located in the Eastern North Carolina region, which has experienced the most negative effects of the recession of any of our regions.

Due largely to the recessionary economic conditions that began in late 2007 and continued to worsen throughout 2010, we have experienced increases in our nonperforming assets. Our total nonperforming assets were also significantly impacted by the Cooperative acquisition.

Non-covered nonperforming loans totaled $96.0 million, $83.5 million, and $30.6 million, as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Total non-covered nonperforming loans as a percentage of total non-covered loans amounted to 4.61%, 3.91%, and 1.38%, at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

At December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, non-covered troubled debt restructurings amounted to $33.7 million, $21.3 million, and $4.0 million, respectively. The increases in 2010 and 2009 were the result of our working with borrowers experiencing financial difficulties by modifying certain loan terms. The 2009 increase was also impacted by our analysis of the Federal Reserve’s October 2009 guidance related to real estate loan workouts, which provided clarification of situations involving borrowers that should be reported as troubled debt restructurings.

We also had $14.4 million of covered troubled debt restructurings at December 31, 2010 compared to none in the prior year. The increase in 2010 was the result of our continued efforts to help borrowers experiencing financial difficulties by modifying certain loan terms.

Table of Contents

The following is the composition, by loan type, of all of our nonaccrual loans at each period end, as classified for regulatory purposes:

	At December 31, 2010 (1)		At December 31, 2009 (1)
Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	2,595		4,033
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans		54,781		80,669
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		36,715		48,424
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit		8,584		16,951
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		17,578		28,476
Installment loans to individuals		539		1,569
Total nonaccrual loans	$	120,792		180,122

(1)

Includes both covered and non-covered loans.

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2010 into covered and non-covered loans, as classified for regulatory purposes:

	Covered Nonaccrual Loans		Non-covered Nonaccrual Loans		Total Nonaccrual Loans
Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	163		2,432		2,595
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans		30,846		23,935		54,781
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		16,343		20,372		36,715
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit		4,059		4,525		8,584
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		7,039		10,539		17,578
Installment loans to individuals		16		523		539
Total nonaccrual loans	$	58,466		62,326		120,792

The following segregates our nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2009 into covered and non-covered loans, as classified for regulatory purposes:

	Covered Nonaccrual Loans		Non-covered Nonaccrual Loans		Total Nonaccrual Loans
Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	263		3,770		4,033
Real estate – construction, land development, and other land loans		54,023		26,646		80,669
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		31,315		17,109		48,424
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans/lines of credit		13,451		3,500		16,951
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		18,595		9,881		28,476
Installment loans to individuals		269		1,300		1,569
Total nonaccrual loans	$	117,916		62,206		180,122

The tables above indicate that covered nonaccrual loans declined from $117.9 million at December 31, 2009 to $58.5 million at December 31, 2010. This decrease was primarily a result of many of the nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2009 being foreclosed upon in 2010 and their balances being transferred to other real estate. As discussed below, covered other real estate increased from $47.4 million at December 31, 2009 to $94.9 million at December 31, 2010.

If the nonaccrual and restructured loans as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period (or since origination if held for part of the period), gross interest income in the amounts of approximately $8,136,000, $9,800,000 and $1,930,000 for nonaccrual loans and $1,943,000, $1,200,000 and $310,000 for restructured loans would have been recorded for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Interest income on such loans that was actually collected and included in net income in 2010, 2009, and 2008 amounted to approximately $3,195,000, $2,147,000 and $826,000 for nonaccrual loans (prior to their being placed on nonaccrual status), and $1,342,000, $866,000, and $155,000 for restructured loans, respectively. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had no commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose loans were nonperforming.

Table of Contents

Management routinely monitors the status of certain large loans that, in management’s opinion, have credit weaknesses that could cause them to become nonperforming loans. In addition to the nonperforming loan amounts discussed above, management believes that an estimated $5 million of non-covered loans and $18 million of covered loans that were performing in accordance with their contractual terms at December 31, 2010 have the potential to develop problems depending upon the particular financial situations of the borrowers and economic conditions in general. Management has taken these potential problem loans into consideration when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2010 (see discussion below).

Loans classified for regulatory purposes as loss, doubtful, substandard, or special mention that have not been disclosed in the problem loan amounts and the potential problem loan amounts discussed above do not represent or result from trends or uncertainties that management reasonably expects will materially impact future operating results, liquidity, or capital resources, or represent material credits about which management is aware of any information that causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the loan repayment terms.

Other real estate includes foreclosed, repossessed, and idled properties. Non-covered other real estate has increased over the past three years, amounting to $21.1 million at December 31, 2010, $8.8 million at December 31, 2009, and $4.8 million at December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we also held $94.9 million and $47.4 million, respectively, in other real estate that is subject to the loss share agreement with the FDIC. We believe that the fair values of the items of other real estate, less estimated costs to sell, equal or exceed their respective carrying values at the dates presented. As noted earlier, as of December 31, 2010, approximately 91% of the amount of covered foreclosed properties had supporting appraisal valuations that were less than 6 months old.

The following table presents the detail of our other real estate at each of the past two year ends:

	At December 31, 2010 (1)		At December 31, 2009 (1)
Vacant land	$	81,185		44,078
1-4 family residential properties		28,146		10,004
Commercial real estate		6,641		2,141
Other		–		–
Total other real estate	$	115,972		56,223

(1)

Includes both covered and non-covered real estate.

The following segregates our other real estate at December 31, 2010 into covered and non-covered:

	Covered Other Real Estate		Non-covered Other Real Estate		Total Other Real Estate
Vacant land	$	72,878		8,307		81,185
1-4 family residential properties		18,691		9,455		28,146
Commercial real estate		3,322		3,319		6,641
Other		–		–		–
Total other real estate	$	94,891		21,081		115,972

Table of Contents

The following segregates our other real estate at December 31, 2009 into covered and non-covered:

	Covered Other Real Estate		Non-covered Other Real Estate		Total Other Real Estate
Vacant land	$	40,836		3,242		44,078
1-4 family residential properties		6,171		3,833		10,004
Commercial real estate		423		1,718		2,141
Other		–		–		–
Total other real estate	$	47,430		8,793		56,223

Allowance for Loan Losses and Loan Loss Experience

The allowance for loan losses is created by direct charges to operations (known as a “provision for loan losses” for the period in which the charge is taken). Losses on loans are charged against the allowance in the period in which such loans, in management’s opinion, become uncollectible. The recoveries realized during the period are credited to this allowance. We consider our procedures for recording the amount of the allowance for loan losses and the related provision for loan losses to be a critical accounting policy. See the heading “Critical Accounting Policies” above for further discussion.

The factors that influence management’s judgment in determining the amount charged to operating expense include past loan loss experience, composition of the loan portfolio, evaluation of probable inherent losses and current economic conditions.

We use a loan analysis and grading program to facilitate our evaluation of probable inherent loan losses and the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. In this program, risk grades are assigned by management and tested by an independent third party consulting firm. The testing program includes an evaluation of a sample of new loans, loans we identify as having potential credit weaknesses, loans past due 90 days or more, loans originated by new loan officers, nonaccrual loans and any other loans identified during previous regulatory and other examinations.

We strive to maintain our loan portfolio in accordance with what management believes are conservative loan underwriting policies that result in loans specifically tailored to the needs of our market areas. Every effort is made to identify and minimize the credit risks associated with such lending strategies. We have no foreign loans, few agricultural loans and do not engage in significant lease financing or highly leveraged transactions. Commercial loans are diversified among a variety of industries. The majority of loans captioned in the tables discussed below as “real estate” loans are personal and commercial loans where real estate provides additional security for the loan. Collateral for virtually all of these loans is located within our principal market area.

The allowance for loan losses amounted to $49.4 million at December 31, 2010 compared to $37.3 million at December 31, 2009 and $29.3 million at December 31, 2008. At December 31, 2010, $11.2 million of the allowance for loan losses is attributable to covered loans that have exhibited credit quality deterioration due to lower collateral valuations, while the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans amounted to $38.3 million. For all prior periods, the entire allowance for loan losses is attributable to non-covered loans.

The ratio of the allowance for non-covered loan losses to non-covered loans was 1.84%, 1.75%, and 1.32% as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The increasing allowance percentage has been necessary due to the higher level of delinquencies and classified and nonperforming loans.

Table 13 sets forth the allocation of the allowance for loan losses at the dates indicated. The amount of the unallocated portion of the allowance for loan losses did not vary materially at any of the past three year ends. The allowance for loan losses is available to absorb losses in all categories. Table 13a segregates the allocation of the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2010 into covered and non-covered categories.

Table of Contents

Management considers the allowance for loan losses adequate to cover probable loan losses on the loans outstanding as of each reporting date. It must be emphasized, however, that the determination of the allowance using our procedures and methods rests upon various judgments and assumptions about economic conditions and other factors affecting loans. No assurance can be given that we will not in any particular period sustain loan losses that are sizable in relation to the amount reserved or that subsequent evaluations of the loan portfolio, in light of conditions and factors then prevailing, will not require significant changes in the allowance for loan losses or future charges to earnings.

In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for loan losses and losses on foreclosed real estate. Such agencies may require us to recognize additions to the allowance based on the examiners’ judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

For the years indicated, Table 14 summarizes our balances of loans outstanding, average loans outstanding, and a detailed rollforward of the allowance for loan losses. In addition to the increases to the allowance for loan losses related to normal provisions, the increase in the dollar amount of the allowance for loan losses in 2008 was also affected by amounts recorded to provide for loans assumed in corporate acquisitions. In 2008, we added $3,158,000 to the allowance for loan losses related to approximately $184 million in loans assumed in the acquisition of Great Pee Dee in April 2008.

Table 14a presents a detailed rollforward of the 2010 activity for the allowance for loan losses segregated into covered and non-covered activity.

Net loan charge-offs of non-covered loans amounted to $32.7 million in 2010, $12.1 million in 2009, and $5.1 million in 2008. The higher amounts in 2010 and 2009 reflect the impact of deteriorating loan quality that has been impacted by the recessionary economic conditions. Also in 2010, we recorded $8.6 million in partial charge-offs of non-covered loans. Previously, we recorded specific reserves on collateral-deficient nonaccrual loans within the allowance for loans losses, but did not record charge-offs until the loans had been foreclosed upon. Net non-covered charge-offs as a percentage of average non-covered loans represented 1.55%, 0.56%, and 0.24%, during 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

We recorded $9.8 million in charge-offs of covered loans during 2010, primarily related to collateral dependent loans for which we received updated appraisals that reflected lower valuations.

Deposits and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

At December 31, 2010, deposits outstanding amounted to $2.653 billion, a decrease of $281 million, or 9.6%, from December 31, 2009. Approximately $237 million, or 84%, of the decline in deposits is attributable to decreases in time deposits. We also experienced a $70 million decrease in our NOW accounts during 2010, primarily as a result of two depositors who withdrew their funds during the last week of the year in anticipation of the expiration of certain provisions of the FDIC transaction account guarantee program.

In 2009, deposits grew from $2.075 billion to $2.933 billion, an increase of $858 million, or 41.4%, from December 31, 2008. Approximately $146 million, or 17%, of the deposit growth in 2009 was internally generated, while the remaining $712 million, or 83%, resulted from the acquisition of Cooperative Bank in June 2009.

Table of Contents

The nature of our deposit growth is illustrated in the table on page 51. The following table reflects the mix of our deposits at each of the past three year ends:

	2010			2009			2008
Noninterest-bearing deposits		11	%		9	%		11	%
NOW deposits		11	%		12	%		10	%
Money market deposits		19	%		17	%		16	%
Savings deposits		6	%		5	%		6	%
Brokered deposits		5	%		3	%		4	%
Internet deposits		2	%		4	%		0	%
Time deposits > $100,000 - retail		23	%		24	%		25	%
Time deposits < $100,000 - retail		23	%		26	%		28	%
Total deposits		100	%		100	%		100	%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase as a percent of total deposits		2	%		2	%		3	%

The deposit mix remained relatively consistent from 2008 to 2010. The percentages for retail time deposits have declined because we have chosen not to match certain promotional time deposit interest rates being offered by several of our local competitors, which we felt were too high compared to alternative funding sources. Instead of matching the high interest rates, in 2008, we began utilizing brokered time deposits because they had interest rates meaningfully lower than rates in the local marketplace at that time. We increased our holding of brokered deposits in 2010 as our level of internet time deposits declined due to our offering lower interest rates upon renewal. We ended 2010 with a total of $144 million in brokered time deposits compared to $76 million in 2009. We ended 2010 with a total of $47 million in internet time deposits compared to $128 million in 2009.

We routinely engage in activities designed to grow and retain deposits, such as (1) emphasizing relationship banking to new and existing customers, where borrowers are encouraged and normally expected to maintain deposit accounts with us, (2) pricing deposits at rate levels that will attract and/or retain deposits, and (3) continually working to identify and introduce new products that will attract customers or enhance our appeal as a primary provider of financial services.

Table 15 presents the average amounts of our deposits and the average yield paid for those deposits for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008.

As of December 31, 2010, we held approximately $763.0 million in time deposits of $100,000 or more. Table 16 is a maturity schedule of time deposits of $100,000 or more as of December 31, 2010. This table shows that 85% of our time deposits greater than $100,000 mature within one year.

At each of the past three year ends, we have no deposits issued through foreign offices, nor do we believe that we held any deposits by foreign depositors.

Borrowings

We had borrowings outstanding of $196.9 million at December 31, 2010 compared to $176.8 million at December 31, 2009 and $367.3 million at December 31, 2008. Borrowings declined from 2008 to 2009 primarily as a result of low loan growth and strong deposit growth that provided funds to progressively pay down our borrowings during 2009. Our lower level of borrowings continued for most of 2010 until late in the year when we obtained borrowings to offset a portion of the liquidity decline we experienced as a result of a decrease in deposits. Table 2 shows that average borrowings were $79.8 million in 2010 compared to $151.2 million in 2009 and $226.5 million in 2008.

Table of Contents

credit with a correspondent bank, of which $33 million was outstanding at December 31, 2010 and none was outstanding at December 31, 2009, 3) an approximately $88 million line of credit through the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s (FRB) discount window, of which $55 million was outstanding at December 31, 2010 and none was outstanding at December 31, 2009, and 4) a $10 million holding company line of credit with a commercial bank (none of which was outstanding at December 31, 2010 or 2009).

Our line of credit with the FHLB can be structured as either short-term or long-term borrowings, depending on the particular funding or liquidity need, and is secured by our FHLB stock and a blanket lien on most of our real estate loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2010, $20 million of the $62 million outstanding with the FHLB were overnight borrowings (daily renewable) with a weighted-average interest rate of 0.47%, with the remaining $42 million outstanding having a weighted average interest rate of 1.67% and maturity dates ranging from August 2011 to December 2013. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the average amount of FHLB borrowings outstanding was approximately $32 million and had a weighted average interest rate for the year of 2.99%. The maximum amount of short-term FHLB borrowings outstanding at any month-end during 2010 was $80 million.

In addition to the outstanding borrowings from the FHLB that reduce the available borrowing capacity of the line of credit, the borrowing capacity was further reduced by $203 million and $170 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as a result of the pledging letters of credit backed by the FHLB for public deposits at each of those dates.

In January 2010, we received the results of a collateral audit from the FHLB. Based primarily on a finding that we were not keeping certain original loan documents, but were instead imaging them and shredding the original documents, a significant portion of our collateral pledged to the FHLB was deemed to be ineligible for pledging purposes. As a result, our borrowing availability with the FHLB was reduced from $687 million at December 31, 2009 to approximately $335 million immediately after the audit. We have changed our document retention procedures and expect our borrowing availability to gradually increase as we make new loans and renew existing ones. As discussed above, our FHLB borrowing availability was $399 million at December 31, 2010.

Our correspondent bank relationship allows us to purchase up to $50 million in federal funds on an overnight, unsecured basis (federal funds purchased). We had $33 million outstanding under this line at December 31, 2010 with a weighted average interest rate of 0.65%. We had no borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2009 and $35 million borrowings outstanding under this line at December 31, 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the average amount of federal funds purchased outstanding was approximately $0.4 million and had a weighted average interest rate for the year of 0.72%. The maximum amount of federal funds purchased outstanding at any month-end during 2010 was $33 million.

We also have a line of credit with the FRB discount window. This line is secured by a blanket lien on a portion of our commercial and consumer loan portfolio (excluding real estate loans). Based on the collateral that we owned as of December 31, 2010, the available line of credit was approximately $88 million. At December 31, 2010, we had $55 million in borrowings outstanding under this line. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had no borrowings outstanding under this line. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the average amount outstanding under this line was approximately $0.7 million and had a weighted average interest rate for the year of 0.63%. The maximum amount of FRB borrowings outstanding at any month-end during 2010 was $55 million.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had a $10 million and $20 million, respectively, holding company line of credit with a correspondent bank that was secured by 100% of the common stock of our bank subsidiary. This line of credit expires and is subject to renewal in February of each year. The line of credit was not drawn at December 31, 2010 or 2009. At the February 2010 renewal, the limit on the line of credit was reduced from $20 million to $10 million due to the correspondent bank’s desire to reduce its exposure in this line of business.

In addition to the lines of credit described above, in which we had $150 million and $130 million outstanding

Table of Contents

as of December 31, 2010, and 2009, respectively, we also had a total of $46.4 million in trust preferred security debt outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2009. We have initiated three trust preferred security issuances since 2002 totaling $67.0 million, with one of those issuances for $20.6 million being redeemed in 2007. These borrowings each have 30 year final maturities and were structured in a manner that allows them to qualify as capital for regulatory capital adequacy requirements. We may call these debt securities at par on any quarterly interest payment date five years after their issue date. We issued $20.6 million of this debt on October 29, 2002 (which we called in 2007), an additional $20.6 million on December 19, 2003, and $25.8 million on April 13, 2006. The interest rate on these debt securities adjusts on a quarterly basis at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.70% for the securities issued in 2003, and three-month LIBOR plus 1.39% for the securities issued in 2006.

Liquidity, Commitments, and Contingencies

Our liquidity is determined by our ability to convert assets to cash or to acquire alternative sources of funds to meet the needs of our customers who are withdrawing or borrowing funds, and our ability to maintain required reserve levels, pay expenses and operate the Company on an ongoing basis. Our primary liquidity sources are net income from operations, cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and other short-term investments. Our securities portfolio is comprised almost entirely of readily marketable securities which could also be sold to provide cash.

As noted above, in addition to internally generated liquidity sources, we currently (March 2011) have the ability to obtain borrowings from the following four sources – 1) an approximately $399 million line of credit with the FHLB, 2) a $50 million overnight federal funds line of credit with a correspondent bank, 3) an approximately $88 million line of credit through the FRB’s discount window and 4) a holding company line of credit with a limit of $10 million.

Our overall liquidity decreased during 2010 compared to 2009. Our loans decreased by $199 million, while our deposits decreased by over $280 million. As a result, our liquid assets (cash and securities) as a percentage of our total deposits and borrowings decreased from 17.8% at December 31, 2009 to 15.4% at December 31, 2010.

We continue to believe our liquidity sources, including unused lines of credit, are at an acceptable level and remain adequate to meet our operating needs in the foreseeable future. We will continue to monitor our liquidity position carefully and will explore and implement strategies to increase liquidity if deemed appropriate.

In the normal course of business we have various outstanding contractual obligations that will require future cash outflows. In addition, there are commitments and contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit, that may or may not require future cash outflows.

Table 18 reflects our contractual obligations and other commercial commitments outstanding as of December 31, 2010. Any of our $62 million in outstanding borrowings with the FHLB may be accelerated immediately by the FHLB in certain circumstances, including material adverse changes in our condition or if our qualifying collateral is less than the amount required under the terms of the borrowing agreement.

In the normal course of business there are various outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities such as commitments to extend credit, which are not reflected in the financial statements. As of December 31, 2010, we have outstanding unfunded loan and credit card commitments of $300.9 million, of which $262.9 million were at variable rates and $38.0 million were at fixed rates. Included in outstanding loan commitments were unfunded commitments of $208.3 million on revolving credit plans, of which $178.3 million were at variable rates and $30.1 million were at fixed rates.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $7.5 million and $7.6 million, respectively, in standby letters of credit outstanding. We had no carrying amount for these standby letters of credit at either of those dates. The

Table of Contents

nature of the standby letters of credit is that of a guarantee made on behalf of our customers to suppliers of the customers to guarantee payments owed to the supplier by the customer. The standby letters of credit are generally for terms of one year, at which time they may be renewed for another year if both parties agree. The payment of the guarantees would generally be triggered by a continued nonpayment of an obligation owed by the customer to the supplier. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) we could be required to make under the guarantees in the event of nonperformance by the parties to whom credit or financial guarantees have been extended is represented by the contractual amount of the financial instruments discussed above. In the event that we are required to honor a standby letter of credit, a note, already executed by the customer, becomes effective providing repayment terms and any collateral. Over the past ten years, we have had to honor one standby letter of credit, which was repaid by the borrower without any loss to us. We expect any draws under existing commitments to be funded through normal operations.

It has been our experience that deposit withdrawals are generally replaced with new deposits, thus not requiring any net cash outflow. Based on that assumption, management believes that it can meet its contractual cash obligations and existing commitments from normal operations.

We are not involved in any legal proceedings that, in management’s opinion, could have a material effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company.

Capital Resources and Shareholders’ Equity

Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2010 amounted to $344.6 million compared to $342.4 million at December 31, 2009. The two basic components that typically have the largest impact on our shareholders’ equity are net income, which increases shareholders’ equity, and dividends declared, which decreases shareholders’ equity. Additionally, any stock issuances can significantly increase shareholders’ equity.

In 2010, the most significant factors that impacted our equity were net income of $10.0 million, which increased equity, while common stock dividends declared of $5.4 million and preferred stock dividends declared of $3.3 million reduced equity. See the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity within the consolidated financial statements for disclosure of other less significant items affecting shareholders’ equity.

In 2009, the most significant item that impacted our equity was our issuance of $65 million in preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury in connection with our participation in the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program (see below). In addition, other significant factors were net income of $60.3 million, which increased equity, while common stock dividends declared of $5.3 million and preferred stock dividends declared of $3.2 million reduced equity. See the consolidated financial statements for other less significant factors that impacted equity in 2009.

In connection with our participation in the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program, in January 2009 we issued $65 million in preferred stock and $4.6 million in common stock warrants. We recorded a discount on the issuance of the preferred stock of $4.6 million, of which we amortized $0.8 million and $0.9 million in 2009 and 2010, respectively, as a reduction of retained earnings. Our issuance of the preferred stock to the U.S. Treasury has several restrictions and is generally assumed to be only a temporary source of capital, as it is expected that banks will redeem the preferred stock when they are able to do so.

We participated in the Capital Purchase Program for several reasons – 1) the capital markets were effectively closed, 2) without access to capital, our growth potential was limited, and 3) to provide an extra capital cushion in light of the worsening economy. In addition, the capital was offered by the government on attractive financial terms, with the 5% dividend being the most significant. By contrast, the market dividend rate for similar types of bank preferred stock was over 12%. In hindsight, we believe our participation turned out to be the correct decision, as it provided the capital we needed to bid on failed banks through FDIC assisted transactions and it also continues to serve as insurance against an economy that continues to struggle. In light of continued economic concerns, we have no immediate plans to redeem this stock. As we gain confidence in the economic

Table of Contents

recovery, we may elect to redeem this stock in installments. The favorable dividend rate of 5% is in effect for another three years before it increases to 9%. In addition to earnings, a common stock offering is a way that many banks have increased shareholders’ equity. While we do not rule out the possibility of a common stock offering to provide proceeds for redemption of the preferred stock, we do not have any current plans for an offering.

As previously noted, common stock dividends for 2009 amounted to $5.3 million, or $0.32 per share. This was a reduction from the 2008 amount of $12.2 million, or $0.76 per share. In February 2009, after careful deliberation, we reluctantly decided that it was necessary to reduce the Company’s quarterly dividend from $0.19 per share to $0.08 per share. This decision was made in order to conserve capital amid worsening economic conditions. We made no changes to the dividend rate in 2010 due to the economic uncertainty that continues in our markets.

In 2008, net income of $22.0 million increased equity, while dividends declared of $12.2 million reduced equity. We also issued $37.6 million in common stock in our acquisition of Great Pee Dee. See the consolidated financial statements for other less significant factors that impacted equity in 2008.

We are not aware of any recommendations of regulatory authorities or otherwise which, if they were to be implemented, would have a material effect on our liquidity, capital resources, or operations.

The Company and the Bank must comply with regulatory capital requirements established by the FRB and the FDIC. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. These capital standards require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum ratios of “Tier 1” capital to total risk-weighted assets (“Tier I Capital Ratio”) and total capital to risk-weighted assets (“Total Capital Ratio”) of 4.00% and 8.00%, respectively. Tier 1 capital is comprised of total shareholders’ equity, excluding unrealized gains or losses from the securities available for sale, less intangible assets, and total capital is comprised of Tier 1 capital plus certain adjustments, the largest of which for the Company and the Bank is the allowance for loan losses. Risk-weighted assets refer to the on- and off-balance sheet exposures of the Company and the Bank, adjusted for their related risk levels using formulas set forth in FRB and FDIC regulations.

In addition to the risk-based capital requirements described above, the Company and the Bank are subject to a leverage capital requirement, which calls for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital (as defined above) to quarterly average total assets (“Leverage Ratio) of 3.00% to 5.00%, depending upon the institution’s composite ratings as determined by its regulators. The FRB has not advised us of any requirement specifically applicable to the Company.

Table 21 presents our regulatory capital ratios as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008. Our capital ratios increased significantly in 2009, primarily as a result of the preferred stock issuance discussed above. All of our capital ratios have significantly exceeded the minimum regulatory thresholds for all periods covered by this report.

In addition to the minimum capital requirements described above, the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action also contains specific capital guidelines for a bank’s classification as “well capitalized.” The specific guidelines are as follows – Tier I Capital Ratio of at least 6.00%, Total Capital Ratio of at least 10.00%, and a Leverage Ratio of at least 5.00%. If a bank falls below “well capitalized” status in any of these three ratios, it must ask for FDIC permission to originate or renew brokered deposits. The Bank’s regulatory ratios exceeded the threshold for “well-capitalized” status at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 – see Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for a table that presents the Bank’s regulatory ratios.

In addition to shareholders’ equity, we have supplemented our capital in past years with trust preferred security

Table of Contents

debt issuances, which because of their structure qualify as regulatory capital. This was necessary in past years because our balance sheet growth outpaced the growth rate of our capital. Additionally, we have frequently purchased bank branches over the years that resulted in our recording intangible assets, which negatively impacted regulatory capital ratios. As discussed in “Borrowings” above, we have issued a total of $67.0 million in trust preferred securities since 2002, with the most recent issuance being a $25.8 million issuance that occurred in April 2006. We currently have $46.4 million in trust preferred securities outstanding.

Our goal is to maintain our capital ratios at levels no less than the “well-capitalized” thresholds set for banks. At December 31, 2010, our total risk-based capital ratio was 16.57% compared to the 10.00% “well-capitalized” threshold.

In addition to regulatory capital ratios, we also closely monitor our ratio of tangible common equity to tangible assets (“TCE Ratio”). Our TCE ratio was 6.52% at December 31, 2010 compared to 5.94% at December 31, 2009.

See “Supervision and Regulation” under “Business” above and Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of other matters that may affect our capital resources.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Derivative Financial Instruments

Off-balance sheet arrangements include transactions, agreements, or other contractual arrangements pursuant to which we have obligations or provide guarantees on behalf of an unconsolidated entity. We have no off-balance sheet arrangements of this kind other than repayment guarantees associated with our trust preferred securities.

Derivative financial instruments include futures, forwards, interest rate swaps, options contracts, and other financial instruments with similar characteristics. We have not engaged in derivatives activities through December 31, 2010 and have no current plans to do so.

Return on Assets and Equity

Table 20 shows return on assets (net income available to common shareholders divided by average total assets), return on common equity (net income available to common shareholders divided by average common shareholders’ equity), dividend payout ratio (dividends per share divided by net income per common share) and shareholders’ equity to assets ratio (average total shareholders’ equity divided by average total assets) for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010.

Interest Rate Risk (Including Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk – Item 7A.)

Net interest income is our most significant component of earnings. Notwithstanding changes in volumes of loans and deposits, our level of net interest income is continually at risk due to the effect that changes in general market interest rate trends have on interest yields earned and paid with respect to our various categories of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. It is our policy to maintain portfolios of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities with maturities and repricing opportunities that will afford protection, to the extent practical, against wide interest rate fluctuations. Our exposure to interest rate risk is analyzed on a regular basis by management using standard GAP reports, maturity reports, and an asset/liability software model that simulates future levels of interest income and expense based on current interest rates, expected future interest rates, and various intervals of “shock” interest rates. Over the years, we have been able to maintain a fairly consistent yield on average earning assets (net interest margin). Over the past five calendar years, our net interest margin has ranged from a low of 3.74% (realized in 2008) to a high of 4.39% (realized in 2010). During that five year period, the prime rate of interest has ranged from a low of 3.25% (which was the rate as of December 31, 2010) to a high of 8.25%. The consistency of the net interest margin is aided by the relatively low level of long-term

Table of Contents

interest rate exposure that we maintain. At December 31, 2010, approximately 84% of our interest-earning assets are subject to repricing within five years (because they are either adjustable rate assets or they are fixed rate assets that mature) and substantially all of our interest-bearing liabilities reprice within five years.

Table 17 sets forth our interest rate sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2010, using stated maturities for all fixed rate instruments except mortgage-backed securities (which are allocated in the periods of their expected payback) and securities and borrowings with call features that are expected to be called (which are shown in the period of their expected call). As illustrated by this table, at December 31, 2010, we had $923 million more in interest-bearing liabilities that are subject to interest rate changes within one year than earning assets. This generally would indicate that net interest income would experience downward pressure in a rising interest rate environment and would benefit from a declining interest rate environment. However, this method of analyzing interest sensitivity only measures the magnitude of the timing differences and does not address earnings, market value, or management actions. Also, interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. In addition to the effects of “when” various rate-sensitive products reprice, market rate changes may not result in uniform changes in rates among all products. For example, included in interest-bearing liabilities subject to interest rate changes within one year at December 31, 2010 are deposits totaling $946 million comprised of NOW, savings, and certain types of money market deposits with interest rates set by management. These types of deposits historically have not repriced with, or in the same proportion, as general market indicators.

Overall we believe that in the near term (twelve months), net interest income will not likely experience significant downward pressure from rising interest rates. Similarly, we would not expect a significant increase in near term net interest income from falling interest rates. Generally, when rates change, our interest-sensitive assets that are subject to adjustment reprice immediately at the full amount of the change, while our interest-sensitive liabilities that are subject to adjustment reprice at a lag to the rate change and typically not to the full extent of the rate change. In the short-term (less than six months), this results in us being asset-sensitive, meaning that our net interest income benefits from an increase in interest rates and is negatively impacted by a decrease in interest rates. However, in the twelve-month horizon, the impact of having a higher level of interest-sensitive liabilities lessens the short-term effects of changes in interest rates.

From September 2007 to December 2008, in response to the declining economy, the Federal Reserve announced a series of interest rate reductions with rate cuts totaling 500 basis points and rates reaching historic lows. As noted above, our net interest margin is negatively impacted, at least in the short-term, by reductions in interest rates. In addition to the initial normal decline in net interest margin that we experience when interest rates are reduced (as discussed above), the cumulative impact of the magnitude of 500 basis points in interest rate cuts has continued to negatively impact our net interest margin, primarily due to our inability to cut a large portion of our interest-bearing deposits by any significant amount due to their already near-zero interest rate. Also, for many of our deposit products, including time deposits that have recently matured, we have been unable to lower the interest rates we pay our customers by the full 500 basis point interest rate decrease due to competitive pressures. The impact of the declining rate environment was mitigated by an initiative we began in late 2007 to add interest rate floors to our adjustable rate loans. At December 31, 2010, adjustable rate loans totaling $793 million (73% of all adjustable rate loans) had reached their contractual floors and no longer subjected us to risk in the event of further rate cuts. In 2009 and 2010, our net interest margin improved as the Federal Reserve made no changes to interest rates. As a result, we were able to reprice many of our maturing time deposits, which had been originated in periods of higher interest rates, at lower rates. We were also able to generally decrease the rates we paid on other types of deposits as a result of declining short-term interest rates in the marketplace and an increase in liquidity that lessened our need to offer premium interest rates. Our net interest margin increased throughout 2009 and 2010. Our net interest margin was 4.39% for 2010, a 58 basis point increase from the 3.81% margin realized in 2009.

As previously discussed in the section “Net Interest Income,” our net interest income was impacted by certain purchase accounting adjustments related to our acquisitions of Cooperative Bank and Great Pee Dee. The purchase

Table of Contents

accounting adjustments related to the Great Pee Dee premium amortization on loans and the premium amortizations on deposits and borrowings for both Cooperative and Great Pee Dee were based on amortization schedules and were thus systematic and predictable. The accretion of the loan discount on Cooperative, which amounted to $7.6 million in 2010, is less predictable and could be materially different among periods. This is because of the magnitude of the discount that was initially recorded ($228 million) and the fact that the accretion being recorded is dependent on both the credit quality of the acquired loans and the impact of any accelerated loan repayments, including payoffs. If the credit quality of the loans declines, some, or all, of the remaining discount will cease to be accreted into income. If the underlying loans experience accelerated paydowns or are paid off, the remaining discount will be accreted into income on an accelerated basis, which in the event of total payoff will result in the remaining discount being entirely accreted into income in the period of the payoff. Each of these factors is difficult to predict and susceptible to volatility. Our net interest margin on a core basis, excluding the interest accretion, was 4.13% for the year 2010 and 4.33% for the fourth quarter of 2010.

Based on our most recent interest rate modeling, which assumes no changes in interest rates for 2011 (federal funds rate = 0.25%, prime = 3.25%), we project that our 2011 net interest margin, on a core basis, will remain relatively stable in 2011. With interest rates having been stable for a relatively long period of time, most of our interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities have been repriced at today’s interest rates. We expect a decline in loans in 2011 (although not to the magnitude experienced in 2010) that will reduce interest income slightly.

We have no market risk sensitive instruments held for trading purposes, nor do we maintain any foreign currency positions. Table 19 presents the expected maturities of our other than trading market risk sensitive financial instruments. Table 19 also presents the estimated fair values of market risk sensitive instruments as estimated in accordance with relevant accounting guidance. Our assets and liabilities have estimated fair values that do not materially differ from their carrying amounts.

See additional discussion regarding net interest income, as well as discussion of the changes in the annual net interest margin, in the section entitled “Net Interest Income” above.

Inflation

Because the assets and liabilities of a bank are primarily monetary in nature (payable in fixed determinable amounts), the performance of a bank is affected more by changes in interest rates than by inflation. Interest rates generally increase as the rate of inflation increases, but the magnitude of the change in rates may not be the same. The effect of inflation on banks is normally not as significant as its influence on those businesses that have large investments in plant and inventories. During periods of high inflation, there are normally corresponding increases in the money supply, and banks will normally experience above average growth in assets, loans and deposits. Also, general increases in the price of goods and services will result in increased operating expenses.

Current Accounting Matters

We prepare our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with standards established by, among others, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”). Because the information needed by users of financial reports is dynamic, the FASB frequently issues new rules and proposes new rules for companies to apply in reporting their activities. See Note 1(t) to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recent rule proposals and changes.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The information responsive to this Item is found in Item 7 under the caption “Interest Rate Risk.”

Table of Contents

Table 1 Selected Consolidated Financial Data

($ in thousands, except per share	Year Ended December 31,
and nonfinancial data)	2010			2009			2008			2007			2006
Income Statement Data
Interest income	$	159,261			155,991			147,862			148,942			129,207
Interest expense		31,907			48,895			61,303			69,658			54,671
Net interest income		127,354			107,096			86,559			79,284			74,536
Provision for loan losses		54,562			20,186			9,880			5,217			4,923
Net interest income after provision		72,792			86,910			76,679			74,067			69,613
Noninterest income		29,106			89,518			20,657			17,217			14,310
Noninterest expense		86,956			78,551			62,211			56,324			53,198
Income before income taxes		14,942			97,877			35,125			34,960			30,725
Income taxes		4,960			37,618			13,120			13,150			11,423
Net income		9,982			60,259			22,005			21,810			19,302
Preferred stock dividends and accretion		(4,107	)		(3,972	)		—			—			—
Net income available to common shareholders		5,875			56,287			22,005			21,810			19,302

Earnings per common share – basic		0.35			3.38			1.38			1.52			1.35
Earnings per common share – diluted		0.35			3.37			1.37			1.51			1.34


Per Share Data (Common)
Cash dividends declared - common	$	0.32			0.32			0.76			0.76			0.74
Market Price
High		16.90			19.00			20.86			26.72			23.90
Low		12.00			6.87			11.25			16.40			19.47
Close		15.31			13.97			18.35			18.89			21.84
Stated book value – common		16.64			16.59			13.27			12.11			11.34
Tangible book value – common		12.45			12.35			9.18			8.56			7.76


Selected Balance Sheet Data (at year end)
Total assets	$	3,278,932			3,545,356			2,750,567			2,317,249			2,136,624
Loans – non-covered		2,083,004			2,132,843			2,211,315			1,894,295			1,740,396
Loans – covered		371,128			520,022			−			−			−
Total loans		2,454,132			2,652,865			2,211,315			1,894,295			1,740,396
Allowance for loan losses		49,430			37,343			29,256			21,324			18,947
Intangible assets		70,358			70,948			67,780			51,020			51,394
Deposits		2,652,513			2,933,108			2,074,791			1,838,277			1,695,679
Borrowings		196,870			176,811			367,275			242,394			210,013
Total shareholders’ equity		344,603			342,383			219,868			174,070			162,705


Selected Average Balances
Assets	$	3,326,977			3,097,137			2,484,296			2,139,576			1,922,510
Loans – non-covered		2,104,677			2,176,153			2,117,028			1,808,219			1,623,188
Loans – covered		449,724			298,892			—			—			—
Total loans		2,554,401			2,475,045			2,117,028			1,808,219			1,623,188
Earning assets		2,927,815			2,833,167			2,329,025			1,998,428			1,793,811
Deposits		2,807,161			2,549,709			1,985,332			1,780,265			1,599,575
Interest-bearing liabilities		2,655,195			2,497,304			2,019,256			1,726,002			1,537,385
Shareholders’ equity		350,908			313,173			210,810			170,857			163,193


Ratios
Return on average assets		0.18	%		1.82	%		0.89	%		1.02	%		1.00	%
Return on average common equity		2.05	%		22.55	%		10.44	%		12.77	%		11.83	%
Net interest margin (taxable-equivalent basis)		4.39	%		3.81	%		3.74	%		4.00	%		4.18	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets		6.52	%		5.94	%		5.67	%		5.43	%		5.34	%
Loans to deposits at year end		92.52	%		90.45	%		106.58	%		103.05	%		102.64	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans		2.01	%		1.41	%		1.32	%		1.13	%		1.09	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans - non-covered		1.84	%		1.75	%		1.32	%		1.13	%		1.09	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets at year end		8.69	%		7.27	%		1.29	%		0.47	%		0.39	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets - non-covered		4.16	%		3.10	%		1.29	%		0.47	%		0.39	%
Net charge-offs to average total loans		1.66	%		0.49	%		0.24	%		0.16	%		0.11	%
Net charge-offs to average total loans - non-covered		1.55	%		0.56	%		0.24	%		0.16	%		0.11	%
Efficiency ratio		55.11	%		39.79	%		57.67	%		58.03	%		59.54	%


Nonfinancial Data
Number of branches		92			91			74			70			68
Number of employees – Full time equivalents		774			764			650			614			620

Table of Contents

Table 2 Average Balances and Net Interest Income Analysis

	Year Ended December 31,
	2010							2009							2008
($ in thousands)	Average Volume		Avg. Rate			Interest Earned or Paid		Average Volume		Avg. Rate			Interest Earned or Paid		Average Volume		Avg. Rate			Interest Earned or Paid
Assets
Loans (1) (2)	$	2,554,401		5.92	%	$	151,292	$	2,475,045		5.98	%	$	148,007	$	2,117,028		6.56	%	$	138,878
Taxable securities		160,711		3.58	%		5,750		167,041		3.94	%		6,580		152,246		4.82	%		7,333
Non-taxable securities (3)		46,807		6.30	%		2,949		23,018		7.29	%		1,677		16,258		7.98	%		1,298
Short-term investments, primarily overnight funds		165,896		0.35	%		586		168,063		0.32	%		545		43,493		2.32	%		1,011
Total interest-earning assets		2,927,815		5.48	%		160,577		2,833,167		5.53	%		156,809		2,329,025		6.38	%		148,520
Cash and due from banks		59,236							42,350							39,627
Bank premises and equipment, net		56,534							52,789							49,815
Other assets		283,392							168,831							65,829
Total assets	$	3,326,977						$	3,097,137						$	2,484,296

Liabilities and Equity
NOW accounts	$	349,501		0.24	%	$	834	$	244,863		0.29	%	$	720	$	197,459		0.19	%	$	377
Money market accounts		508,250		0.84	%		4,267		429,068		1.52	%		6,537		309,917		2.36	%		7,311
Savings accounts		156,483		0.81	%		1,262		137,142		1.08	%		1,487		124,460		1.65	%		2,048
Time deposits >$100,000		786,257		1.57	%		12,374		745,159		2.54	%		18,908		532,566		4.00	%		21,308
Other time deposits		717,416		1.56	%		11,193		736,358		2.43	%		17,866		586,235		3.79	%		22,197
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,517,907		1.19	%		29,930		2,292,590		1.99	%		45,518		1,750,637		3.04	%		53,241
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		57,443		0.52	%		298		53,537		1.37	%		736		42,097		2.15	%		903
Borrowings		79,845		2.10	%		1,679		151,177		1.75	%		2,641		226,522		3.16	%		7,159
Total interest-bearing liabilities		2,655,195		1.20	%		31,907		2,497,304		1.96	%		48,895		2,019,256		3.04	%		61,303
Non-interest-bearing deposits		289,254							257,119							234,695
Other liabilities		31,620							29,541							19,535
Shareholders’ equity		350,908							313,173							210,810
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,326,977						$	3,097,137						$	2,484,296
Net yield on interest-earning assets and net interest income				4.39	%	$	128,670				3.81	%	$	107,914				3.74	%	$	87,217
Interest rate spread				4.28	%						3.57	%						3.34	%

Average prime rate				3.25	%						3.25	%						5.09	%

(1)

Average loans include nonaccruing loans, the effect of which is to lower the average rate shown. Interest earned includes recognized loan fees in the amounts of $35,000, $144,000, and $405,000 for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

(2)

Includes accretion of discount on covered loans of $7,607,000, $1,469,000, and $0 in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

(3)

Includes tax-equivalent adjustments of $1,316,000, $818,000, and $658,000 in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, to reflect the federal and state tax benefit of the tax-exempt securities (using a 39% combined tax rate), reduced by the related nondeductible portion of interest expense.

Table of Contents

Table 3 Volume and Rate Variance Analysis

	Year Ended December 31, 2010									Year Ended December 31, 2009
	Change Attributable to									Change Attributable to
($ in thousands)	Changes in Volumes			Changes in Rates			Total Increase (Decrease)			Changes in Volumes			Changes in Rates			Total Increase (Decrease)
Interest income (tax-equivalent):
Loans	$	4,723			(1,438	)		3,285			22,448			(13,319	)		9,129
Taxable securities		(238	)		(592	)		(830	)		648			(1,401	)		(753	)
Non-taxable securities		1,616			(344	)		1,272			516			(137	)		379
Short-term investments, primarily overnight funds		(7	)		48			41			1,650			(2,116	)		(466	)
Total interest income		6,094			(2,326	)		3,768			25,262			(16,973	)		8,289

Interest expense:
NOW accounts		279			(165	)		114			115			228			343
Money Market accounts		936			(3,206	)		(2,270	)		2,313			(3,087	)		(774	)
Savings accounts		183			(408	)		(225	)		173			(734	)		(561	)
Time deposits>$100,000		845			(7,379	)		(6,534	)		6,950			(9,350	)		(2,400	)
Other time deposits		(378	)		(6,295	)		(6,673	)		4,663			(8,994	)		(4,331	)
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,865			(17,453	)		(15,588	)		14,214			(21,937	)		(7,723	)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		37			(475	)		(438	)		201			(368	)		(167	)
Borrowings		(1,373	)		411			(962	)		(1,849	)		(2,669	)		(4,518	)
Total interest expense		529			(17,517	)		(16,988	)		12,566			(24,974	)		(12,408	)

Net interest income (tax-equivalent)	$	5,565			15,191			20,756			12,696			8,001			20,697

Changes attributable to both volume and rate are allocated equally between rate and volume variances.

Table 4 Noninterest Income

	Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Service charges on deposit accounts	$	13,422			13,854			13,535
Other service charges, commissions, and fees		5,388			4,848			4,392
Fees from presold mortgages		1,813			1,505			869
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products		1,476			1,524			1,552
Data processing fees		32			139			167
Total core noninterest income		22,131			21,870			20,515
Gain from acquisition		—			67,894			—
Foreclosed property losses and write-downs - covered		(34,527	)		—			—
Foreclosed property losses and write-downs – non-covered		(984	)		—			—
FDIC Indemnification asset income, net		41,808			—			—
Securities gains (losses), net		26			(104	)		(14	)
Other gains (losses), net		652			(142	)		156
Total	$	29,106			89,518			20,657

Table of Contents

Table 5 Noninterest Expenses

	Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010		2009		2008

Salaries	$	35,076		30,745		28,127
Employee benefits		10,214		10,843		7,319
Total personnel expense		45,290		41,588		35,446
Occupancy expense		6,799		6,071		4,175
Equipment related expenses		4,327		4,334		4,105
Amortization of intangible assets		874		630		416
Acquisition expenses		—		1,343		—
FDIC insurance expense		4,387		5,500		1,157
Stationery and supplies		2,563		2,181		1,903
Telephone		2,053		1,847		1,349
Repossession and collection expenses – non-covered		2,138		871		536
Repossession and collection expenses – covered, net of FDIC reimbursement		2,617		795		—
Non-credit losses		407		255		200
Other operating expenses		15,501		13,136		12,924
Total	$	86,956		78,551		62,211

Table 6 Income Taxes

($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Current - Federal	$	25,353			11,190			11,978
- State		3,807			1,830			1,962
Deferred - Federal		(21,092	)		20,545			(703	)
- State		(3,108	)		4,053			(117	)
Total	$	4,960			37,618			13,120

Effective tax rate		33.2	%		38.4	%		37.4	%

Table of Contents

Table 7 Distribution of Assets and Liabilities

	As of December 31,
	2010			2009			2008
Assets
Interest-earning assets
Net loans		73	%		74	%		80	%
Securities available for sale		6			5			6
Securities held to maturity		2			1			1
Short term investments		5			8			5
Total interest-earning assets		86			88			92

Noninterest-earning assets
Cash and due from banks		2			2			3
Premises and equipment		2			2			2
FDIC indemnification asset		4			4			—
Other real estate owned		4			2			—
Other assets		2			2			3
Total assets		100	%		100	%		100	%

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Demand deposits – noninterest bearing		9	%		8	%		8	%
NOW deposits		9			10			7
Money market deposits		15			14			12
Savings deposits		5			4			5
Time deposits of $100,000 or more		23			23			22
Other time deposits		20			23			22
Total deposits		81			82			76
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		2			2			2
Borrowings		6			5			13
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		1			1			1
Total liabilities		90			90			92

Shareholders’ equity		10			10			8
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		100	%		100	%		100	%

Table 8 Securities Portfolio Composition

	As of December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010		2009		2008
Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored enterprise securities	$	43,273		36,518		90,424
Mortgage-backed securities		107,460		111,797		46,962
Corporate bonds		15,330		14,436		16,848
Equity securities		15,119		17,004		16,959
Total securities available for sale		181,182		179,755		171,193

Securities held to maturity:
State and local governments		54,011		34,394		15,967
Other		7		19		23
Total securities held to maturity		54,018		34,413		15,990

Total securities	$	235,200		214,168		187,183

Average total securities during year	$	207,518		190,059		168,504

Table of Contents

Table 9 Securities Portfolio Maturity Schedule

	As of December 31,
	2010
($ in thousands)	Book Value		Fair Value		Book Yield (1)
Securities available for sale:

Government-sponsored enterprise securities
Due after one but within five years	$	38,004		37,817		2.06	%
Due after five but within ten years		5,428		5,456		2.18	%
Total		43,432		43,273		2.07	%

Mortgage-backed securities (2)
Due within one year		2,305		2,418		4.16	%
Due after one but within five years		70,745		73,635		3.69	%
Due after five but within ten years		27,593		27,201		1.97	%
Due after ten years		4,017		4,206		5.14	%
Total		104,660		107,460		3.30	%

Corporate debt securities
Due after five but within ten years		2,995		2,978		6.84	%
Due after ten years		12,759		12,352		7.69	%
Total		15,754		15,330		7.53	%

Equity securities		14,858		15,119		0.45	%

Total securities available for sale
Due within one year		2,305		2,418		4.16	%
Due after one but within five years		108,749		111,452		3.12	%
Due after five but within ten years		36,016		35,635		2.41	%
Due after ten years		16,776		16,558		7.08	%
Equity securities		14,858		15,119		0.45	%
Total	$	178,704		181,182		3.14	%

Securities held to maturity:

State and local governments
Due within one year	$	155		156		7.07	%
Due after one but within five years		1,630		1,676		5.96	%
Due after five but within ten years		13,871		14,217		5.86	%
Due after ten years		38,355		37,256		5.67	%
Total		54,011		53,305		5.73	%

Other
Due after one but within five years		7		7		6.36	%
Total		7		7		6.36	%

Total securities held to maturity
Due within one year		155		156		7.07	%
Due after one but within five years		1,637		1,683		5.96	%
Due after five but within ten years		13,871		14,217		5.86	%
Due after ten years		38,355		37,256		5.67	%
Total	$	54,018		53,312		5.73	%

(1)	Yields on tax-exempt investments have been adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using a 39% tax rate.

(2)	Mortgage-backed securities are shown maturing in the periods consistent with their estimated lives based on expected prepayment speeds.

Table of Contents

Table 10 Loan Portfolio Composition

	As of December 31,
	2010					2009					2008					2007					2006
($ in thousands)	Amount		% of Total Loans			Amount		% of Total Loans			Amount		% of Total Loans			Amount		% of Total Loans			Amount		% of Total Loans
Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	155,016		6	%	$	173,611		7	%	$	190,428		9	%	$	166,925		9	%	$	159,458		9	%
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		437,700		18	%		551,714		21	%		481,849		22	%		446,437		23	%		274,030		16	%
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		802,658		33	%		849,875		32	%		576,884		26	%		456,102		24	%		507,975		29	%
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		263,529		11	%		270,054		10	%		249,764		11	%		209,852		11	%		205,284		12	%
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		710,337		29	%		718,723		27	%		620,444		28	%		523,008		28	%		511,039		29	%
Installment loans to individuals		83,919		3	%		88,514		3	%		91,711		4	%		91,825		5	%		82,583		5	%
Loans, gross		2,453,159		100	%		2,652,491		100	%		2,211,080		100	%		1,894,149		100	%		1,740,369		100	%
Unamortized net deferred loan costs		973					374					235					146					27
Total loans	$	2,454,132				$	2,652,865				$	2,211,315				$	1,894,295				$	1,740,396

Table 10a Loan Portfolio Composition – Covered versus Non-covered

	As of December 31, 2010
	Covered Loans (Carrying Value)					Non-covered Loans					Total Loans					Unpaid Principal Balance of Covered Loans		Carrying Value of Covered Loans as a Percent of the Unpaid Balance
($ in thousands)	Amount		% of Covered Loans			Amount		% of Non-covered Loans			Amount		% of Total Loans			Amount		Percentage
Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	4,471		1	%	$	150,545		7	%	$	155,016		6	%	$	5,272		85	%
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		92,761		25	%		344,939		17	%		437,700		18	%		150,943		61	%
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		180,305		49	%		622,353		30	%		802,658		33	%		212,826		85	%
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		17,111		4	%		246,418		12	%		263,529		11	%		20,332		84	%
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		74,140		20	%		636,197		30	%		710,337		29	%		97,084		76	%
Installment loans to individuals		2,340		1	%		81,579		4	%		83,919		3	%		2,595		90	%
Loans, gross		371,128		100	%		2,082,031		100	%		2,453,159		100	%	$	489,052		76	%
Unamortized net deferred loan costs		–					973					973
Total loans	$	371,128				$	2,083,004				$	2,454,132

See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for tables showing breakout of covered loans versus non-covered loans at December 31, 2009.

Table of Contents

Table 11 Loan Maturities

	As of December 31, 2010
	Due within one year					Due after one year but within five years					Due after five years					Total
($ in thousands)	Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield			Amount		Yield
Variable Rate Loans:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	57,027		5.34	%	$	21,870		5.01	%	$	836		5.35	%	$	79,733		5.25	%
Real estate – construction only		86,134		5.30	%		1,918		5.30	%		340		5.30	%		88,392		5.30	%
Real estate – all other mortgage		211,964		4.98	%		254,970		5.17	%		421,427		4.60	%		888,361		4.85	%
Installment loans to individuals		931		5.56	%		9,095		9.32	%		16,387		5.33	%		26,413		6.71	%
Total at variable rates		356,056		5.12	%		287,853		5.29	%		438,990		4.63	%		1,082,899		4.96	%

Fixed Rate Loans:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		26,950		6.35	%		46,710		6.85	%		5,942		5.66	%		79,602		6.59	%
Real estate – construction only		6,868		5.00	%		2,370		6.05	%		667		6.02	%		9,905		5.32	%
Real estate – all other mortgage		226,283		6.29	%		641,955		6.48	%		242,977		5.92	%		1,111,215		6.32	%
Installment loans to individuals		12,225		6.91	%		36,066		9.40	%		1,427		7.25	%		49,718		8.72	%
Total at fixed rates		272,326		6.29	%		727,101		6.65	%		251,013		5.92	%		1,250,440		6.42	%

Subtotal		628,382		5.63	%		1,014,954		6.26	%		690,003		5.10	%		2,333,339		5.74	%
Nonaccrual loans		120,793					─					─					120,793
Total loans	$	749,175				$	1,014,954				$	690,003				$	2,454,132

The above table is based on contractual scheduled maturities. Early repayment of loans or renewals at maturity are not considered in this table.

Table of Contents

Table 12 Nonperforming Assets

	As of December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008			2007			2006

Non-covered nonperforming assets
Nonaccrual loans	$	62,326			62,206			26,600			7,807			6,852
Restructured loans		33,677			21,283			3,995			6			10
Accruing loans >90 days past due		-			-			-			-			-
Total non-covered nonperforming loans		96,003			83,489			30,595			7,813			6,862
Other real estate		21,081			8,793			4,832			3,042			1,539
Total non-covered nonperforming assets	$	117,084			92,282			35,427			10,855			8,401

Covered nonperforming assets (1)
Nonaccrual loans (2)	$	58,466			117,916			-			-			-
Restructured loans		14,359			-			-			-			-
Accruing loans >90 days past due		-			-			-			-			-
Total covered nonperforming loans		72,825			117,916			−			−			−
Other real estate		94,891			47,430			-			-			-
Total covered nonperforming assets	$	167,716			165,346			−			−			−

Total nonperforming assets	$	284,800			257,628			35,427			10,855			8,401

Asset Quality Ratios – All Assets
Nonperforming loans to total loans		6.88	%		7.59	%		1.38	%		0.41	%		0.39	%
Nonperforming assets to total loans and other real estate		11.08	%		9.51	%		1.60	%		0.57	%		0.48	%
Nonperforming assets to total assets		8.69	%		7.27	%		1.29	%		0.47	%		0.39	%

Asset Quality Ratios – Based on Non-covered Assets only
Non-covered nonperforming loans to non-covered loans		4.61	%		3.91	%		1.38	%		0.41	%		0.39	%
Non-covered nonperforming assets to non-covered loans and non-covered other real estate		5.56	%		4.31	%		1.60	%		0.57	%		0.48	%
Non-covered nonperforming assets to total non-covered assets		4.16	%		3.10	%		1.29	%		0.47	%		0.39	%

(1) Covered nonperforming assets consist of assets that are included in loss-share agreements with the FDIC.

(2) At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the contractual balance of the nonaccrual loans covered by the FDIC loss share agreement was $86.2 million and $192.1 million, respectively.

Table of Contents

Table 12a Nonperforming Assets by Geographical Region

	As of December 31, 2010
($ in thousands)	Covered		Non-covered		Total		Total Loans		Nonperforming Loans to Total Loans

Nonaccrual loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings (1)
Eastern Region (NC)	$	72,110		26,340		98,450	$	627,000		15.7	%
Triangle Region (NC)		–		25,945		25,945		766,000		3.4	%
Triad Region (NC)		–		17,500		17,500		400,000		4.4	%
Charlotte Region (NC)		–		5,845		5,845		103,000		5.7	%
Southern Piedmont Region (NC)		–		1,290		1,290		217,000		0.6	%
South Carolina Region		715		12,037		12,752		155,000		8.2	%
Virginia Region		–		5,588		5,588		175,000		3.2	%
Other		–		1,458		1,458		11,000		13.3	%
Total nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings	$	72,825		96,003		168,828	$	2,454,000		6.9	%

Other Real Estate (1)
Eastern Region (NC)	$	94,836		4,612		99,448
Triangle Region (NC)		–		6,080		6,080
Triad Region (NC)		–		5,488		5,488
Charlotte Region (NC)		–		2,268		2,268
Southern Piedmont Region (NC)		–		965		965
South Carolina Region		55		1,668		1,723
Virginia Region		–		–		–
Other		–		–		–
Total other real estate	$	94,891		21,081		115,972

(1) See the counties that comprise each region in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.

Table 13 Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses

	As of December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010		2009		2008		2007		2006

Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	5,154		4,995		4,913		3,516		3,548
Real estate – construction		20,065		9,286		1,977		1,827		1,182
Real estate – mortgage		22,077		20,845		19,543		13,477		12,186
Installment loans to individuals		1,960		1,606		2,815		2,486		2,026
Total allocated		49,256		36,732		29,248		21,306		18,942
Unallocated		174		611		8		18		5
Total	$	49,430		37,343		29,256		21,324		18,947

Table 13a Allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses – Covered versus Non-covered

	As of December 31, 2010
($ in thousands)	Covered		Non-covered		Total

Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	423		4,731		5,154
Real estate – construction		7,545		12,520		20,065
Real estate – mortgage		3,187		18,890		22,077
Installment loans to individuals		−		1,960		1,960
Total allocated		11,155		38,101		49,256
Unallocated		−		174		174
Total	$	11,155		38,275		49,430

Table of Contents

Table 14 Loan Loss and Recovery Experience

	As of December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008			2007			2006

Loans outstanding at end of year	$	2,454,132			2,652,865			2,211,315			1,894,295			1,740,396
Average amount of loans outstanding	$	2,554,401			2,475,045			2,117,028			1,808,219			1,623,188

Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year	$	37,343			29,256			21,324			18,947			15,716
Provision for loan losses		54,562			20,186			9,880			5,217			4,923
Additions related to loans assumed in corporate acquisitions		—			—			3,158			—			52
		91,905			49,442			34,362			24,164			20,691
Loans charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		(4,481	)		(2,143	)		(992	)		(982	)		(486	)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		(22,665	)		(1,716	)		(309	)		(180	)		(104	)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		(6,032	)		(4,617	)		(1,333	)		(305	)		(382	)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		(4,973	)		(1,824	)		(613	)		–			(24	)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		(2,916	)		(516	)		(677	)		(497	)		–
Installment loans to individuals		(2,499	)		(1,973	)		(1,714	)		(1,213	)		(1,021	)
Total charge-offs		(43,566	)		(12,789	)		(5,638	)		(3,177	)		(2,017	)

Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		61			18			31			49			36
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		113			9			–			–			–
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		357			184			86			–			44
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		131			66			42			43			13
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		33			129			136			23			4
Installment loans to individuals		396			284			237			222			176
Total recoveries		1,091			690			532			337			273
Net charge-offs		(42,475	)		(12,099	)		(5,106	)		(2,840	)		(1,744	)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of year	$	49,430			37,343			29,256			21,324			18,947

Ratios:
Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans		1.66	%		0.49	%		0.24	%		0.16	%		0.11	%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of loans at end of year		2.01	%		1.41	%		1.32	%		1.13	%		1.09	%
Allowance for loan losses as a multiple of net charge-offs		1.16	x		3.09	x		5.73	x		7.51	x		10.86	x
Provision for loan losses as a percent of net charge-offs		128.46	%		166.84	%		193.50	%		183.70	%		282.28	%
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off as a percent of loans charged-off		2.50	%		5.40	%		9.44	%		10.61	%		13.53	%

Table of Contents

Table 14a - Loan Loss and Recovery Experience – Covered versus Non-covered

	As of December 31, 2010
($ in thousands)	Covered			Non-covered			Total

Loans outstanding at end of year	$	371,128			2,083,004			2,454,132
Average amount of loans outstanding	$	449,724			2,104,677			2,554,401

Allowance for loan losses, at beginning of year	$	−			37,343			37,343
Provision for loan losses		20,916			33,646			54,562
		20,916			70,989			91,905
Loans charged off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		−			(4,481	)		(4,481	)
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		(7,208	)		(15,457	)		(22,665	)
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		(1,482	)		(4,550	)		(6,032	)
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		(332	)		(4,641	)		(4,973	)
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		(739	)		(2,177	)		(2,916	)
Installment loans to individuals		−			(2,499	)		(2,499	)
Total charge-offs		(9,761	)		(33,805	)		(43,566	)

Recoveries of loans previously charged-off:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural		−			61			61
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		−			113			113
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		−			357			357
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		−			131			131
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		−			33			33
Installment loans to individuals		−			396			396
Total recoveries		−			1,091			1,091
Net charge-offs		(9,761	)		(32,714	)		(42,475	)
Allowance for loan losses, at end of year	$	11,155			38,275			49,430

Ratios:
Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans		2.17	%		1.55	%		1.66	%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of loans at end of year		3.01	%		1.84	%		2.01	%
Allowance for loan losses as a multiple of net charge-offs		1.14	x		1.17	x		1.16	x
Provision for loan losses as a percent of net charge-offs		214.28	%		102.85	%		128.46	%
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off as a percent of loans charged-off		0	%		3.23	%		2.50	%

Note: There were no covered loan charge-offs or recoveries prior to 2010.

Table of Contents

Table 15 Average Deposits

	Year Ended December 31,
	2010					2009					2008
($ in thousands)	Average Amount		Average Rate			Average Amount		Average Rate			Average Amount		Average Rate

NOW accounts	$	349,501		0.24	%	$	244,863		0.29	%	$	197,459		0.19	%
Money market accounts		508,250		0.84	%		429,068		1.52	%		309,917		2.36	%
Savings accounts		156,483		0.81	%		137,142		1.08	%		124,460		1.65	%
Time deposits >$100,000		786,257		1.57	%		745,159		2.54	%		532,566		4.00	%
Other time deposits		717,416		1.56	%		736,358		2.43	%		586,235		3.79	%
Total interest-bearing deposits		2,517,907		1.19	%		2,292,590		1.99	%		1,750,637		3.04	%
Noninterest-bearing deposits		289,254		-			257,119		-			234,695		-
Total deposits	$	2,807,161		1.07	%	$	2,549,709		1.79	%	$	1,985,332		2.68	%

Table 16 Maturities of Time Deposits of $100,000 or More

	As of December 31, 2010
($ in thousands)	3 Months or Less		Over 3 to 6 Months		Over 6 to 12 Months		Over 12 Months		Total

Time deposits of $100,000 or more	$	214,854		197,899		234,097		116,140		762,990

Table of Contents

Table 17 Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

	Repricing schedule for interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities held as of December 31, 2010
($ in thousands)	3 Months or Less			Over 3 to 12 Months			Total Within 12 Months			Over 12 Months			Total

Earning assets:
Loans (1)	$	1,035,720			225,809			1,261,529			1,192,603			2,454,132
Securities available for sale		32,874			25,338			58,212			122,970			181,182
Securities held to maturity		230			690			920			53,098			54,018
Short-term investments		159,143			─			159,143			─			159,143
Total earning assets	$	1,227,967			251,837			1,479,804			1,368,671			2,848,475

Percent of total earning assets		43.11	%		8.84	%		51.95	%		48.05	%		100.00	%
Cumulative percent of total earning assets		43.11	%		51.95	%		51.95	%		100.00	%		100.00	%

Interest-bearing liabilities:
NOW deposits	$	292,623			─			292,623			─			292,623
Money market deposits		500,360			─			500,360			─			500,360
Savings deposits		153,325			─			153,325			─			153,325
Time deposits of $100,000 or more		214,854			431,996			646,850			116,140			762,990
Other time deposits		189,871			406,549			596,420			54,036			650,456
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		54,460			─			54,460			─			54,460
Borrowings		157,394			1,800			159,194			37,676			196,870
Total interest-bearing liabilities	$	1,562,887			840,345			2,403,232			207,852			2,611,084

Percent of total interest-bearing liabilities		59.86	%		32.18	%		92.04	%		7.96	%		100.00	%
Cumulative percent of total interest-bearing liabilities		59.86	%		92.04	%		92.04	%		100.00	%		100.00	%

Interest sensitivity gap	$	(334,920	)		(588,508	)		(923,428	)		1,160,819			237,391
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap		(334,920	)		(923,428	)		(923,428	)		237,391			237,391
Cumulative interest sensitivity gap as a percent of total earning assets		(11.56	%)		(32.42	%)		(32.42	%)		8.33	%		8.33	%
Cumulative ratio of interest-sensitive assets to interest-sensitive liabilities		78.57	%		61.58	%		61.58	%		109.09	%		109.09	%

(1) The three months or less category for loans includes $793,101 in adjustable rate loans that have reached their contractual rate floors.

Table of Contents

Table 18 Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments

	Payments Due by Period ($ in thousands)
Contractual Obligations As of December 31, 2010	Total		On Demand or Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		After 5 Years
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	54,460		54,460		─		─		─
Borrowings		196,870		112,800		37,676		─		46,394
Operating leases		4,784		670		1,155		932		2,027
Total contractual cash obligations, excluding deposits		256,114		167,930		38,831		932		48,421

Deposits		2,652,513		2,482,242		137,640		32,126		505
Total contractual cash obligations, including deposits	$	2,908,627		2,650,172		176,471		33,058		48,926

	Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period ($ in thousands)
Other Commercial Commitments As of December 31, 2010	Total Amounts Committed		Less than 1 Year		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		After 5 Years
Credit cards	$	27,469		13,734		13,735		─		─
Lines of credit and loan commitments		273,442		98,203		10,732		9,590		154,917
Standby letters of credit		7,537		6,633		733		171		─
Total commercial commitments	$	308,448		118,570		25,200		9,761		154,917

Table of Contents

Table 19 Market Risk Sensitive Instruments

	Expected Maturities of Market Sensitive Instruments Held at December 31, 2010 Occurring in Indicated Year
($ in thousands)	2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		Beyond		Total		Average Interest Rate			Estimated Fair Value

Due from banks, interest-bearing	$	154,320		-		-		-		-		-		154,320		0.22	%	$	154,320
Federal funds sold		861		-		-		-		-		-		861		0.22	%		861
Presold mortgages in process of settlement		3,962		-		-		-		-		-		3,962		5.00	%		3,962
Debt Securities- at amortized cost (1) (2)		39,351		37,663		27,182		26,552		18,168		68,948		217,864		3.96	%		219,375
Loans – fixed (3) (4)		269,608		234,238		310,874		99,180		87,166		251,886		1,252,952		6.42	%		1,263,847
Loans – adjustable (3) (4)		360,029		68,497		107,497		42,976		82,497		418,892		1,080,388		4.96	%		1,044,873
Total	$	828,131		340,398		445,553		168,708		187,831		739,726		2,710,347		5.29	%	$	2,687,238

NOW deposits	$	292,623		-		-		-		-		-		292,623		0.17	%	$	292,623
Money market deposits		500,360		-		-		-		-		-		500,360		0.62	%		500,360
Savings deposits		153,325		-		-		-		-		-		153,325		0.75	%		153,325
Time deposits		1,243,175		84,078		53,562		17,652		14,474		505		1,413,446		1.35	%		1,418,047
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		54,460		-		-		-		-		-		54,460		0.36	%		54,460
Borrowings – fixed (2)		1,800		30,000		7,500		-		-		-		39,300		1.78	%		39,793
Borrowings – adjustable		111,000		–		–		–		–		46,570		157,570		1.13	%		128,715
Total	$	2,356,743		114,078		61,062		17,652		14,474		47,075		2,611,084		0.94	%	$	2,587,323

(1)	Tax-exempt securities are reflected at a tax-equivalent basis using a 39% tax rate.

(2)

Securities and borrowings with call dates within 12 months of December 31, 2010 that have above market interest rates are assumed to mature at their call date for purposes of this table. Mortgage securities are assumed to mature in the period of their expected repayment based on estimated prepayment speeds.

(3)	Excludes nonaccrual loans.

(4)	Loans are shown in the period of their contractual maturity, except for home equity lines of credit loans which are assumed to repay on a straight-line basis over five years.

Table 20 Return on Assets and Common Equity

	For the Year Ended December 31,
	2010			2009			2008

Return on assets		0.18	%		1.82	%		0.89	%
Return on common equity		2.05	%		22.55	%		10.44	%
Dividend payout ratio		91.43	%		9.47	%		55.07	%
Average shareholders’ equity to average assets		10.55	%		10.11	%		8.49	%

Table of Contents

Table 21 Risk-Based and Leverage Capital Ratios

	As of December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Risk-Based and Leverage Capital
Tier I capital:
Shareholders’ equity	$	344,603			342,383			219,868
Trust preferred securities eligible for Tier I capital treatment		45,000			45,000			45,000
Intangible assets		(70,358	)		(70,948	)		(67,780	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income adjustments		5,085			4,427			8,156
Total Tier I leverage capital		324,330			320,862			205,244

Tier II capital:
Allowable allowance for loan losses		26,767			28,996			27,285
Tier II capital additions		26,767			28,996			27,285
Total risk-based capital	$	351,097			349,858			232,529

Total risk weighted assets	$	2,118,661			2,311,297			2,182,831

Adjusted fourth quarter average assets		3,225,655			3,449,684			2,534,425

Risk-based capital ratios:
Tier I capital to Tier I risk adjusted assets		15.31	%		13.88	%		9.40	%
Minimum required Tier I capital		4.00	%		4.00	%		4.00	%

Total risk-based capital to Tier II risk-adjusted assets		16.57	%		15.14	%		10.65	%
Minimum required total risk-based capital		8.00	%		8.00	%		8.00	%

Leverage capital ratios:
Tier I leverage capital to adjusted fourth quarter average assets		10.28	%		9.30	%		8.10	%
Minimum required Tier I leverage capital		4.00	%		4.00	%		4.00	%

Table of Contents

Table 22 Quarterly Financial Summary (Unaudited)

	2010												2009
($ in thousands except per share data)	Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter			Second Quarter			First Quarter			Fourth Quarter			Third Quarter			Second Quarter			First Quarter
Income Statement Data
Interest income, taxable equivalent	$	40,785			39,140			40,049			40,604			42,661			43,695			35,767			34,686
Interest expense		6,854			7,739			8,182			9,132			11,381			12,964			12,137			12,413
Net interest income, taxable equivalent		33,931			31,401			31,867			31,472			31,280			30,731			23,630			22,273
Taxable equivalent, adjustment		361			330			331			295			247			221			187			163
Net interest income		33,570			31,071			31,536			31,177			31,033			30,510			23,443			22,110
Provision for loan losses		30,545			8,391			8,003			7,623			6,575			5,200			3,926			4,485
Net interest income after provision for losses		3,025			22,680			23,533			23,554			24,458			25,310			19,517			17,625
Noninterest income		14,918			3,957			4,537			5,694			6,255			5,741			72,776			4,746
Noninterest expense		22,008			20,711			21,957			22,280			22,458			20,953			19,203			15,937
Income (loss) before income taxes		(4,065	)		5,926			6,113			6,968			8,255			10,098			73,090			6,434
Income taxes (benefit)		(1,820	)		2,078			2,172			2,530			2,987			3,716			28,562			2,353
Net income (loss)		(2,245	)		3,848			3,941			4,438			5,268			6,382			44,528			4,081
Preferred stock dividends and accretion		(1,027	)		(1,027	)		(1,026	)		(1,027	)		(1,014	)		(995	)		(1,022	)		(941	)
Net income (loss) available to common shareholders		(3,272	)		2,821			2,915			3,411			4,254			5,387			43,506			3,140

Per Common Share Data
Earnings (loss) per common share - basic	$	(0.19	)		0.17			0.17			0.20			0.25			0.32			2.62			0.19
Earnings (loss) per common share - diluted		(0.19	)		0.17			0.17			0.20			0.25			0.32			2.61			0.19
Cash dividends declared		0.08			0.08			0.08			0.08			0.08			0.08			0.08			0.08
Market Price
High		15.83			16.90			16.80			16.00			18.33			19.00			15.99			18.16
Low		12.73			12.00			13.27			12.97			11.94			15.21			10.81			6.87
Close		15.31			13.62			14.49			13.52			13.97			18.05			15.68			11.97
Stated book value - common		16.64			17.04			16.92			16.76			16.59			16.28			15.92			13.53
Tangible book value - common		12.45			12.83			12.70			12.52			12.35			12.01			11.63			9.46

Selected Average Balances
Assets	$	3,225,655			3,272,161			3,316,971			3,440,537			3,520,632			3,525,812			2,725,214			2,616,890
Loans		2,484,684			2,529,356			2,575,926			2,627,638			2,685,090			2,763,178			2,249,130			2,202,782
Earning assets		2,811,988			2,894,660			2,939,478			3,065,134			3,162,966			3,180,200			2,537,023			2,452,479
Deposits		2,722,162			2,777,358			2,818,581			2,910,543			2,913,738			2,923,300			2,255,374			2,106,424
Interest-bearing liabilities		2,543,070			2,613,762			2,664,399			2,799,549			2,859,989			2,886,799			2,136,201			2,080,757
Shareholders’ equity		354,715			353,061			349,330			346,526			339,321			336,963			293,893			282,515

Ratios (annualized where applicable)
Return on average assets		(0.40	%)		0.34	%		0.35	%		0.40	%		0.48	%		0.61	%		6.40	%		0.49	%
Return on average common equity		(4.48	%)		3.89	%		4.11	%		4.91	%		6.15	%		7.86	%		76.25	%		5.60	%
Equity to assets at end of period		10.51	%		10.44	%		10.51	%		10.19	%		9.66	%		9.54	%		9.14	%		10.61	%
Tangible equity to tangible assets at end of period		8.54	%		8.52	%		8.56	%		8.27	%		7.81	%		7.68	%		7.48	%		8.30	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets at end of period		6.52	%		6.55	%		6.56	%		6.31	%		5.94	%		5.80	%		5.60	%		5.82	%
Average loans to average deposits		91.28	%		91.07	%		91.39	%		90.28	%		92.15	%		94.52	%		99.72	%		104.57	%
Average earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities		110.57	%		110.75	%		110.32	%		109.49	%		110.59	%		109.20	%		118.76	%		117.86	%
Net interest margin		4.79	%		4.30	%		4.35	%		4.16	%		3.92	%		3.83	%		3.74	%		3.68	%
Allowance for loan losses to gross loans		2.01	%		1.79	%		1.65	%		1.52	%		1.41	%		1.28	%		1.21	%		1.46	%
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans		6.88	%		7.17	%		7.86	%		7.94	%		7.59	%		6.68	%		4.58	%		1.80	%
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans – non-covered		4.61	%		4.81	%		4.46	%		4.28	%		3.91	%		2.70	%		2.17	%		1.80	%
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets		8.69	%		8.90	%		8.90	%		8.43	%		7.27	%		5.63	%		4.09	%		1.66	%
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets – non-covered		4.16	%		4.16	%		3.89	%		3.58	%		3.10	%		2.21	%		1.81	%		1.66	%
Net charge-offs as a percent of average total loans		4.17	%		0.88	%		0.85	%		0.81	%		0.54	%		0.57	%		0.47	%		0.34	%
Net charge-offs as a percent of average total loans – non-covered		3.10	%		1.06	%		1.04	%		1.01	%		0.69	%		0.72	%		0.49	%		0.34	%

Table of Contents

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

December 31, 2010 and 2009

($ in thousands)	2010			2009
Assets
Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing	$	56,821			60,071
Due from banks, interest-bearing		154,320			283,175
Federal funds sold		861			7,626
Total cash and cash equivalents		212,002			350,872

Securities available for sale		181,182			179,755
Securities held to maturity (fair values of $53,312 in 2010 and $34,947 in 2009)		54,018			34,413

Presold mortgages in process of settlement		3,962			3,967

Loans – non-covered		2,083,004			2,132,843
Loans – covered by FDIC loss share agreement		371,128			520,022
Total loans		2,454,132			2,652,865
Allowance for loan losses – non-covered		(38,275	)		(37,343	)
Allowance for loan losses – covered		(11,155	)		─
Total allowance for loan losses		(49,430	)		(37,343	)
Net loans		2,404,702			2,615,522

Premises and equipment		67,741			54,159
Accrued interest receivable		13,579			14,783
FDIC indemnification asset		123,719			143,221
Goodwill		65,835			65,835
Other intangible assets		4,523			5,113
Other real estate owned – non-covered		21,081			8,793
Other real estate owned – covered		94,891			47,430
Other assets		31,697			21,493
Total assets	$	3,278,932			3,545,356

Liabilities
Deposits: Demand – noninterest-bearing	$	292,759			272,422
NOW accounts		292,623			362,366
Money market accounts		500,360			496,940
Savings accounts		153,325			149,338
Time deposits of $100,000 or more		762,990			816,540
Other time deposits		650,456			835,502
Total deposits		2,652,513			2,933,108
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		54,460			64,058
Borrowings		196,870			176,811
Accrued interest payable		2,082			3,054
Other liabilities		28,404			25,942
Total liabilities		2,934,329			3,202,973

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12)

Shareholders’ Equity
Preferred stock, no par value per share. Authorized: 5,000,000 shares. Issued & outstanding: 65,000 in 2010 and 2009		65,000			65,000
Discount on preferred stock		(2,932	)		(3,789	)
Common stock, no par value per share. Authorized: 40,000,000 shares. Issued & outstanding: 16,801,426 shares in 2010 and 16,722,423 shares in 2009		99,615			98,099
Common stock warrants		4,592			4,592
Retained earnings		183,413			182,908
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)		(5,085	)		(4,427	)
Total shareholders’ equity		344,603			342,383
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	3,278,932			3,545,356

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

($ in thousands, except per share data)	2010			2009			2008
Interest Income
Interest and fees on loans	$	151,292			148,007			138,878
Interest on investment securities:
Taxable interest income		5,750			6,580			7,333
Tax-exempt interest income		1,633			859			640
Other, principally overnight investments		586			545			1,011
Total interest income		159,261			155,991			147,862

Interest Expense
Savings, NOW and money market		6,363			8,744			9,736
Time deposits of $100,000 or more		12,374			18,908			21,308
Other time deposits		11,193			17,866			22,197
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		298			736			903
Borrowings		1,679			2,641			7,159
Total interest expense		31,907			48,895			61,303

Net interest income		127,354			107,096			86,559
Provision for loan losses – non-covered		33,646			20,186			9,880
Provision for loan losses – covered		20,916			─			─
Total provision for loan losses		54,562			20,186			9,880
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		72,792			86,910			76,679

Noninterest Income
Service charges on deposit accounts		13,422			13,854			13,535
Other service charges, commissions and fees		5,420			4,987			4,559
Fees from presold mortgage loans		1,813			1,505			869
Commissions from sales of insurance and financial products		1,476			1,524			1,552
Gain from acquisition		─			67,894			─
Foreclosed property losses and write-downs – covered		(34,527	)		─			─
Foreclosed property losses and write-downs – non-covered		(984	)		─			─
FDIC indemnification asset income, net		41,808			─			─
Securities gains (losses)		26			(104	)		(14	)
Other gains (losses)		652			(142	)		156
Total noninterest income		29,106			89,518			20,657

Noninterest Expenses
Salaries		35,076			30,745			28,127
Employee benefits		10,214			10,843			7,319
Total personnel expense		45,290			41,588			35,446
Occupancy expense		6,799			6,071			4,175
Equipment related expenses		4,327			4,334			4,105
Intangibles amortization		874			630			416
Acquisition expenses		─			1,343			─
Other operating expenses		29,666			24,585			18,069
Total noninterest expenses		86,956			78,551			62,211

Income before income taxes		14,942			97,877			35,125
Income taxes		4,960			37,618			13,120

Net income		9,982			60,259			22,005

Preferred stock dividends and accretion		(4,107	)		(3,972	)		─

Net income available to common shareholders	$	5,875			56,287			22,005

Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.35			3.38			1.38
Diluted		0.35			3.37			1.37

Dividends declared per common share	$	0.32			0.32			0.76

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		16,764,879			16,648,822			15,980,533
Diluted		16,793,650			16,686,880			16,027,144

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Net income	$	9,982			60,259			22,005
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains/losses on securities available for sale:
Unrealized holding gains arising during the period, pretax		672			1,455			173
Tax expense		(261	)		(567	)		(67	)
Reclassification to realized (gains) losses		(26	)		104			14
Tax expense (benefit)		10			(41	)		(5	)
Postretirement Plans:
Net gain (loss) arising during period		(2,307	)		3,623			(6,795	)
Tax (expense) benefit		911			(1,397	)		2,650
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss		531			869			308
Tax expense		(210	)		(339	)		(120	)
Amortization of prior service cost and transition obligation		35			36			34
Tax expense		(13	)		(14	)		(14	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(658	)		3,729			(3,822	)
Comprehensive income	$	9,324			63,988			18,183

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

	Preferred		Preferred Stock			Common Stock				Common Stock		Retained			Accumulated Other Comprehensive			Total Share- holders’
($ in thousands, except share data)	Stock		Discount			Shares		Amount		Warrants		Earnings			Income (Loss)			Equity


Balances, January 1, 2008	$	—		—			14,378	$	56,302		—		122,102			(4,334	)		174,070

Net income													22,005						22,005
Cash dividends declared ($0.76 per share)													(12,155	)					(12,155	)
Common stock issued under stock option plans							57		705										705
Common stock issued into dividend reinvestment plan							80		1,252										1,252
Common stock issued in acquisition							2,059		37,605										37,605
Tax benefit realized from exercise of nonqualified stock options							—		65										65
Stock-based compensation							—		143										143
Other comprehensive (loss)																(3,822	)		(3,822	)

Balances, December 31, 2008		—		—			16,574		96,072		—		131,952			(8,156	)		219,868

Net income													60,259						60,259
Preferred stock issued		65,000		(4,592	)														60,408
Common stock warrants issued											4,592								4,592
Common stock issued under stock option plans							42		393										393
Common stock issued into dividend reinvestment plan							77		1,112										1,112
Cash dividends declared ($0.32 per share)													(5,331	)					(5,331	)
Preferred dividends accrued													(3,169	)					(3,169	)
Accretion of preferred stock discount				803									(803	)					––
Tax benefit realized from exercise of nonqualified stock options							—		73										73
Stock-based compensation							29		449										449
Other comprehensive income																3,729			3,729

Balances, December 31, 2009		65,000		(3,789	)		16,722		98,099		4,592		182,908			(4,427	)		342,383

Net income													9,982						9,982
Common stock issued under stock option plans							17		171										171
Common stock issued into dividend reinvestment plan							46		669										669
Cash dividends declared ($0.32 per share)													(5,370	)					(5,370	)
Preferred dividends accrued													(3,250	)					(3,250	)
Accretion of preferred stock discount				857									(857	)					––
Tax benefit realized from exercise of nonqualified stock options							—		36										36
Stock-based compensation							16		640										640
Other comprehensive (loss)																(658	)		(658	)

Balances, December 31, 2010	$	65,000		(2,932	)		16,801	$	99,615		4,592		183,413			(5,085	)		344,603

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$	9,982			60,259			22,005
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses		54,562			20,186			9,880
Net security premium amortization (discount accretion)		1,491			1,279			(70	)
Net purchase accounting adjustments		(9,963	)		(5,648	)		(1,099	)
Gain from acquisition		—			(67,894	)		—
Foreclosed property losses and write-downs		35,511			—			—
FDIC indemnification asset income recorded, not yet received		(27,219	)		—			—
Loss (gain) on securities available for sale		(26	)		104			14
Other losses (gains)		(652	)		142			(156	)
Increase in net deferred loan costs		(599	)		(139	)		(89	)
Depreciation of premises and equipment		3,993			3,624			3,459
Stock-based compensation expense		640			449			143
Amortization of intangible assets		874			630			416
Originations of presold mortgages in process of settlement		(88,665	)		(93,893	)		(56,088	)
Proceeds from sales of presold mortgages in process of settlement		88,670			93,598			57,333
Decrease in accrued interest receivable		1,204			1,096			1,289
Decrease (increase) in other assets		(5,319	)		2,306			109
Decrease in accrued interest payable		(972	)		(3,706	)		(1,236	)
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities		597			2,640			(1,617	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		64,109			15,033			34,293

Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchases of securities available for sale		(99,310	)		(102,899	)		(159,602	)
Purchases of securities held to maturity		(22,431	)		(20,300	)		(1,318	)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale		—			44			503
Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities available for sale		97,202			134,736			138,306
Proceeds from maturities/issuer calls of securities held to maturity		2,687			1,799			2,291
Net decrease (increase) in loans		40,306			105,007			(142,365	)
Proceeds from FDIC loss share agreements		46,721			41,891			—
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate		24,875			4,094			2,991
Purchases of premises and equipment		(17,543	)		(5,299	)		(5,376	)
Net cash received (paid) in acquisition		(171	)		91,696			2,461
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities		72,336			250,769			(162,109	)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Net increase (decrease) in deposits and repurchase agreements		(287,982	)		153,085			111,148
Proceeds from (repayments of) borrowings, net		20,400			(349,465	)		84,564
Cash dividends paid – common stock		(5,359	)		(7,145	)		(11,738	)
Cash dividends paid – preferred stock		(3,250	)		(2,763	)		—
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and common stock warrants		—			65,000			—
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		840			1,505			1,957
Tax benefit from exercise of nonqualified stock options		36			73			65
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities		(275,315	)		(139,710	)		185,996

Increase (decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents		(138,870	)		126,092			58,180
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year		350,872			224,780			166,600

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year	$	212,002			350,872			224,780

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	32,879			52,601			62,539
Income taxes		16,309			16,474			15,316
Non-cash investing and financing transactions:
Foreclosed loans transferred to other real estate		123,962			43,860			4,802
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale, net of taxes		395			951			115
Common stock issued in acquisition		─			─			37,605

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

First Bancorp and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2010

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Bancorp (the Company) and its wholly owned subsidiary - First Bank (the Bank). The Bank has two wholly owned subsidiaries - First Bank Insurance Services, Inc. (First Bank Insurance) and First Troy, SPE LLC. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date of filing this Form 10-K.

The Company is a bank holding company. The principal activity of the Company is the ownership and operation of the Bank, a state chartered bank with its main office in Troy, North Carolina. The Company is also the parent company for a series of statutory trusts that were formed at various times since 2002 for the purpose of issuing trust preferred debt securities. The trusts are not consolidated for financial reporting purposes; however, notes issued by the Company to the trusts in return for the proceeds from the issuance of the trust preferred securities are included in the consolidated financial statements and have terms that are substantially the same as the corresponding trust preferred securities. The trust preferred securities qualify as capital for regulatory capital adequacy requirements. First Bank Insurance is a provider of non-FDIC insured investment and insurance products. First Troy, SPE LLC was formed in order to hold and dispose of certain real estate foreclosed upon by the Bank.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates made by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements are the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuation of other real estate, and fair value estimates for financial instruments.

(b) Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid assets such as cash on hand, noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing amounts due from banks and federal funds sold to be “cash equivalents.”

(c) Securities - Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” and carried at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as “available for sale” and carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses being reported as other comprehensive income and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

A decline in the market value of any available for sale or held to maturity security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in carrying amount to fair value. The impairment is charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security is established. Any equity security that is in an unrealized loss position for twelve consecutive months is presumed to be other than temporarily impaired and an impairment charge is recorded unless the amount of the charge is insignificant.

Gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized at the time of sale based upon the specific identification method. Premiums and discounts are amortized into income on a level yield basis, with premiums being amortized to the earliest call date and discounts being accreted to the stated maturity date.

(d) Premises and Equipment - Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation, computed by the straight-line method, is charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of

Table of Contents

the properties, which range from 2 to 40 years or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the term of the lease, if shorter. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations in the year incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions are included in current operations.

(e) Loans – Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding plus deferred origination costs, net of nonrefundable loan fees. Interest on loans is accrued on the unpaid principal balance outstanding. Net deferred loan origination costs/fees are capitalized and recognized as a yield adjustment over the life of the related loan.

The Company does not hold any interest-only strips, loans, other receivables, or retained interests in securitizations that can be contractually prepaid or otherwise settled in a way that it would not recover substantially all of its recorded investment.

Purchased loans acquired in a business combination, which include loans that were purchased in the 2009 Cooperative Bank acquisition, are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date. The purchaser cannot carry over any related allowance for loan losses.

The Company follows specific accounting guidance related to purchased impaired loans when purchased loans have evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it is probable at the date of acquisition that the Company will not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the purchase date may include statistics such as past due and nonaccrual status. The accounting guidance permits the use of the cost recovery method of income recognition for those purchased impaired loans for which the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected cannot be reasonably estimated. Under the cost recovery method of income recognition, all cash receipts are initially applied to principal, with interest income being recorded only after the carrying value of the loan has been reduced to zero. Substantially all of the Company’s purchased impaired loans to date have had uncertain cash flows and thus are accounted for under the cost recovery method of income recognition.

For nonimpaired purchased loans, the Company accretes the fair value discount over the life of the loan in a manner consistent with the guidance for accounting for loan origination fees and costs.

A loan is placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s judgment, the collection of interest appears doubtful. The accrual of interest is discontinued on all loans that become 90 days or more past due with respect to principal or interest. The past due status of loans is based on the contractual payment terms. While a loan is on nonaccrual status, the Company’s policy is that all cash receipts are applied to principal. Once the recorded principal balance has been reduced to zero, future cash receipts are applied to recoveries of any amounts previously charged off. Further cash receipts are recorded as interest income to the extent that any interest has been foregone. Loans are removed from nonaccrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest and when concern no longer exists as to the collectibility of principal or interest. In some cases, where borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties, loans may be restructured to provide terms significantly different from the originally contracted terms. The nonaccrual policy discussed above applies to all loan classifications.

A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured using either 1) an estimate of the cash flows that the Company expects to receive from the borrower discounted at the loan’s effective rate, or 2) in the case of a collateral-dependent loan, the fair value of the collateral. While a loan is considered to be impaired, the Company’s policy is that interest accrual is discontinued and all cash receipts are applied to principal. Once the recorded principal balance has been reduced to zero, future cash receipts are applied to recoveries of any amounts previously charged off. Further cash receipts are recorded as interest income to the extent that any interest has been foregone. The impairment policy discussed above applies to all loan classifications.

Table of Contents

(f) Presold Mortgages in Process of Settlement and Loans Held for Sale - As a part of normal business operations, the Company originates residential mortgage loans that have been pre-approved by secondary investors to be sold on a best efforts basis. The terms of the loans are set by the secondary investors, and the purchase price that the investor will pay for the loan is agreed to prior to the funding of the loan by the Company. Generally within three weeks after funding, the loans are transferred to the investor in accordance with the agreed-upon terms. The Company records gains from the sale of these loans on the settlement date of the sale equal to the difference between the proceeds received and the carrying amount of the loan. The gain generally represents the portion of the proceeds attributed to service release premiums received from the investors and the realization of origination fees received from borrowers that were deferred as part of the carrying amount of the loan. Between the initial funding of the loans by the Company and the subsequent reimbursement by the investors, the Company carries the loans on its balance sheet at the lower of cost or market.

Periodically, the Company originates commercial loans that are intended for resale. The Company carries these loans at the lower of cost or fair value at each reporting date. There were no such loans held for sale as of December 31, 2010 or 2009.

(g) Allowance for Loan Losses - The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged-off against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely. The provision for loan losses charged to operations is an amount sufficient to bring the allowance for loan losses to an estimated balance considered adequate to absorb losses inherent in the portfolio. Management’s determination of the adequacy of the allowance is based on several factors, including:

Risk grades assigned to the loans in the portfolio,

Specific reserves for larger loans with concerns regarding repayment ability,

Current economic conditions, including the local, state, and national economic outlook; interest rate risk; trends in loan volume, mix and size of loans; seasoning of the loan portfolio; levels and trends of delinquencies,

Historical loan loss experience with the more recent periods carrying a higher weight, and

An assessment of the risk characteristics of the Company’s loan portfolio, including industry concentrations, payment structures, and credit administration practices.

While management uses the best information available to make evaluations, future adjustments may be necessary if economic and other conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used.

For loans covered under loss share agreements, subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in additional provisions for loan losses. Subsequent increases in expected cash flows will result in a reversal of the allowance for loan losses to the extent of prior allowance recognition.

In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additions to the allowance based on the examiners’ judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

(h) Other Real Estate - Other real estate owned consists primarily of real estate acquired by the Company through legal foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. The property is initially carried at the lower of cost (generally the loan balance plus additional costs incurred for improvements to the property) or the estimated fair value of the property less estimated selling costs. If there are subsequent declines in fair value, the property is written down to its fair value through a charge to expense. Capital expenditures made to improve the property are capitalized. Costs of holding real estate, such as property taxes, insurance and maintenance, less related revenues during the holding period, are recorded as expense.

Table of Contents

(i) FDIC Indemnification Asset – The FDIC indemnification asset relates to the loss share agreements with the FDIC, whereby the FDIC has agreed to reimburse to the Company a percentage of the losses related to loans and other real estate that the Company assumed in the acquisition of a failed bank. This indemnification asset is measured separately from the loan portfolio and other real estate because it is not contractually embedded in the loans and is not transferable with the loans should the Company choose to dispose of them. The carrying value of this receivable at each period end is the sum of: 1) actual claims that have been submitted to the FDIC for reimbursement that have not yet been received and 2) the Company’s estimated amount of loan and other real estate losses covered by the agreements multiplied by the FDIC reimbursement percentage. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the amount of actual claims that had been submitted to the FDIC for reimbursement but had not yet been received was $30.2 million and $20.6 million, respectively.

(j) Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of such benefits that are not expected to be realized based upon available evidence. The Company’s investment tax credits, which are low income housing tax credits and state historic tax credits, are recorded in the period that they are reflected in the Company’s tax returns.

(k) Intangible Assets - Business combinations are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Identifiable intangible assets are recognized separately and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which for the Company has generally been seven to ten years and at an accelerated rate. Goodwill is recognized in business combinations to the extent that the price paid exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, including any identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but as discussed in Note 1(p), is subject to fair value impairment tests on at least an annual basis.

(l) Other Investments – The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships, limited liability companies (“LLCs”), and other privately held companies using either the cost or the equity method of accounting. The accounting treatment depends upon the Company’s percentage ownership and degree of management influence.

Under the cost method of accounting, the Company records an investment in stock at cost and generally recognizes cash dividends received as income. If cash dividends received exceed the investee’s earnings since the investment date, these payments are considered a return of investment and reduce the cost of the investment.

Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records its initial investment at cost. Subsequently, the carrying amount of the investment is increased or decreased to reflect the Company’s share of income or loss of the investee. The Company’s recognition of earnings or losses from an equity method investment is based on the Company’s ownership percentage in the investee and the investee’s earnings on a quarterly basis. The investees generally provide their financial information during the quarter following the end of a given period. The Company’s policy is to record its share of earnings or losses on equity method investments in the quarter the financial information is received.

All of the Company’s investments in limited partnerships, LLCs, and other companies are privately held, and their market values are not readily available. The Company’s management evaluates its investments in investees for impairment based on the investee’s ability to generate cash through its operations or obtain alternative financing, and other subjective factors. There are inherent risks associated with the Company’s investments in such companies, which may result in income statement volatility in future periods.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s investments in limited partnerships, LLCs and other

Table of Contents

privately held companies totaled $2.3 million and $2.0 million, respectively, and were included in other assets.

(m) Stock Option Plan - At December 31, 2010, the Company had four equity-based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in Note 14. The Company accounts for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of relevant accounting guidance.

(n) Per Share Amounts - Basic Earnings Per Common Share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted Earnings Per Common Share is computed by assuming the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Currently, the Company’s potential dilutive common stock issuances relate to grants under the Company’s equity-based plans, including 1) stock options, 2) performance units, 3) restricted stock grants, and 4) stock warrants issued to the Treasury in connection with the Company’s participation in the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Plan. In computing Diluted Earnings Per Common Share, it is assumed that all dilutive stock options and warrants are exercised during the reporting period at their respective exercise prices, with the proceeds from the exercises used by the Company to buy back stock in the open market at the average market price in effect during the reporting period. The difference between the number of shares assumed to be exercised and the number of shares bought back is included in the calculation of dilutive securities. Performance units vest if certain financial goals and service conditions are met. Once vested, one performance unit is equal to one share of common stock. Performance units are included in the calculation of dilutive securities if the financial goals for a measurement period have been met, even if service requirements have not been met. Restricted stock grants issued by the Company vest solely on service conditions, and thus these shares are included in the calculation of dilutive securities.

The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share:

	For the Years Ended December 31,
	2010						2009						2008
($ in thousands except per share amounts)	Income (Numer- ator)		Shares (Denom- inator)		Per Share Amount		Income (Numer- ator)		Shares (Denom- inator)		Per Share Amount		Income (Numer- ator)		Shares (Denom- inator)		Per Share Amount


Basic EPS
Net income available to common shareholders	$	5,875		16,764,879	$	0.35	$	56,287		16,648,822	$	3.38	$	22,005		15,980,533	$	1.38

Effect of dilutive securities		-		28,771				-		38,058				-		46,611

Diluted EPS per common share	$	5,875		16,793,650	$	0.35	$	56,287		16,686,880	$	3.37	$	22,005		16,027,144	$	1.37

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, there were 604,752 options, 704,018 options and 297,230 options, respectively, that were anti-dilutive because the exercise price exceeded the average market price for the year, and thus are not included in the calculation to determine the effect of dilutive securities. In addition, the warrant for 616,308 shares issued to the Treasury (see Note 18) was anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

(o) Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Relevant accounting guidance requires that the Company disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value methods and assumptions are set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments.

Cash and Amounts Due from Banks, Federal Funds Sold, Presold Mortgages in Process of Settlement, Accrued Interest Receivable, and Accrued Interest Payable - The carrying amounts approximate their fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

Table of Contents

Available for Sale and Held to Maturity Securities - Fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments.

Loans - Fair values are estimated for portfolios of loans with similar financial characteristics. Loans are segregated by type such as commercial, financial and agricultural, real estate construction, real estate mortgages and installment loans to individuals. Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and variable interest rate terms. The fair value for each category is determined by discounting scheduled future cash flows using current interest rates offered on loans with similar risk characteristics. Fair values for impaired loans are estimated based on discounted cash flows or underlying collateral values, where applicable.

FDIC Indemnification Asset – Fair value is equal to the FDIC reimbursement rate of the expected losses to be incurred and reimbursed by the FDIC and then discounted over the estimated period of receipt.

Deposits and Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase - The fair value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase and deposits with no stated maturity, such as non-interest-bearing demand deposits, savings, NOW, and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand as of the valuation date. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Borrowings - The fair value of borrowings is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows. The discount rate is estimated using the rates currently offered by the Company’s lenders for debt of similar remaining maturities.

Commitments to Extend Credit and Standby Letters of Credit - At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments had no carrying value. The large majority of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit are at variable rates and/or have relatively short terms to maturity. Therefore, the fair value for these financial instruments is considered to be immaterial.

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

Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Significant assets and liabilities that are not considered financial assets or liabilities include net premises and equipment, intangible and other assets such as foreclosed properties, deferred income taxes, prepaid expense accounts, income taxes currently payable and other various accrued expenses. In addition, the income tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.

(p) Impairment - Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis by comparing the fair value of its reporting units to their related carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company determines whether the implied fair value of the goodwill, using various valuation techniques, exceeds the carrying value of the goodwill. If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded in an amount equal to that excess.

Table of Contents

The Company reviews all other long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company’s policy is that an impairment loss is recognized if the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Any long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.

To date, the Company has not recorded any impairment write-downs of its long-lived assets or goodwill.

(q) Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity during a period for non-owner transactions and is divided into net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are excluded from earnings under current accounting

standards. The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the Company are as follows:

	December 31, 2010			December 31, 2009			December 31, 2008
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale	$	2,478			1,832			273
Deferred tax liability		(966	)		(715	)		(106	)
Net unrealized gain on securities available for sale		1,512			1,117			167

Additional pension liability		(10,905	)		(9,164	)		(13,693	)
Deferred tax asset		4,308			3,620			5,370
Net additional pension liability		(6,597	)		(5,544	)		(8,323	)

Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	(5,085	)		(4,427	)		(8,156	)

(r) Segment Reporting - Accounting standards require management to report selected financial and descriptive information about reportable operating segments. The standards also require related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. Generally, disclosures are required for segments internally identified to evaluate performance and resource allocation. The Company’s operations are primarily within the banking segment, and the financial statements presented herein reflect the results of that segment. The Company has no foreign operations or customers.

(s) Reclassifications - Certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity as previously presented, nor did they materially impact trends in financial information.

(t) Recent Accounting Pronouncements - On July 1, 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) Accounting Standards Codification (the Codification) became effective as the sole authoritative source of US GAAP. This Codification reorganizes current GAAP for non-governmental entities into a topical index to facilitate accounting research and to provide users additional assurance that they have referenced all related literature pertaining to a given topic. Existing GAAP prior to the Codification was not altered in compilation of the Codification. The Codification encompasses all FASB Statements of Financial Accounting Standards, Emerging Issues Task Force statements, FASB Staff Positions, FASB Interpretations, FASB Derivative Implementation Guides, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of Positions, Accounting Principles Board Opinions and Accounting Research Bulletins, along with the remaining body of GAAP effective as of June 30, 2009.

In January 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance to clarify the scope of subsidiaries for consolidation purposes. The amendment provides that the decrease in ownership guidance applies to (1) a subsidiary or group of assets that is a business or nonprofit activity, (2) a subsidiary that is a business or nonprofit activity that is

Table of Contents

transferred to an equity method investee or joint venture, and (3) an exchange of a group of assets that constitutes a business or nonprofit activity for a noncontrolling interest in an entity. The guidance does not apply to a decrease in ownership in transactions related to sales of in substance real estate or conveyances of oil and gas mineral rights. The amendment became effective for the interim or annual reporting periods ending on or after December 15, 2009. Its adoption had no impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In January 2010, new guidance was issued by the FASB requiring improved disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance requires entities to disclose significant transfers in and out of fair value hierarchy levels, and the reasons for the transfers, and to present information about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements separately in the reconciliation of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Additionally, the guidance clarifies that a reporting entity should provide fair value measurements for each class of assets and liabilities and disclose the inputs and valuation techniques used for fair value measurements using significant other observable inputs (Level 2) and significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company has applied the new disclosure requirements as of January 1, 2010, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances and settlements in the Level 3 reconciliation, which will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. The adoption of this guidance has not had and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2010, the FASB issued new guidance related to subsequent events. The amendment removed the requirement to disclose the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated, and became effective immediately upon issuance and is to be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2010, the FASB issued new guidance related to accounting for acquired troubled loans that are subsequently modified. The guidance provides that if these loans meet the criteria to be accounted for within a pool, modification to one or more of these loans does not result in the removal of the modified loan from the pool even if the modification would otherwise be considered a troubled debt restructuring. The pool of assets in which the loan is included will continue to be considered for impairment. The amendments do not apply to loans not meeting the criteria to be accounted for within a pool. These amendments are effective for modifications of loans accounted for within pools occurring in the first interim or annual period ending on or after July 15, 2010. The adoption of these amendments had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2010, the FASB issued guidance that requires an entity to provide more information about the credit quality of its financing receivables, such as aging information, credit quality indicators and troubled debt restructurings, in the disclosures to its financial statements. Both new and existing disclosures must be disaggregated by portfolio segment or class. The disaggregation of information is based on how the entity develops its allowance for credit losses and how it manages its credit exposure. The required disclosures are effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2010. In January 2011, the FASB temporarily delayed the effective date of the required disclosures related to troubled debt restructurings. The Company has adopted the guidance and included the required disclosures at Note 4.

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which significantly changes the regulation of financial institutions and the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Act includes several provisions that will affect how community banks, thrifts, and small bank and thrift holding companies will be regulated in the future. Among other things, these provisions abolish the Office of Thrift Supervision and transfer its functions to the other federal banking agencies, relax rules regarding interstate branching, allow financial institutions to pay interest on business checking accounts, change the scope of federal deposit insurance coverage, and impose new capital requirements on bank and thrift holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act also establishes the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection as an independent entity within the Federal Reserve, which will be given the authority to promulgate consumer protection regulations applicable to all entities offering consumer financial services or products, including banks. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act includes a series of provisions covering mortgage loan origination standards affecting originator compensation, minimum repayment standards, and pre-payments.

Table of Contents

Management is actively reviewing the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and assessing its probable impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance to modify Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, an entity is required to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists. Any resulting goodwill impairment should be recorded as a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings upon adoption. Impairments occurring subsequent to adoption should be included in earnings. The amendment is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2011. Early adoption is not permitted.

Also in December 2010, the FASB issued amended guidance specifying that if a public entity presents comparative financial statements for a business combination, the entity should disclose revenue and earnings of the combined entity as though the business combination that occurred during the current year had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period only. The amendment also requires that the supplemental pro forma disclosures include a description of the nature and amount of any material, nonrecurring pro forma adjustments directly attributable to the business combination included in the reported pro forma revenue and earnings. This amendment is effective for the Company for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 1, 2011, although early adoption is permitted. The Company will follow this guidance when accounting for future business combinations.

Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the FASB or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

100

Table of Contents

Note 2. Acquisitions

The Company did not complete any significant acquisitions during 2010. The Company completed the acquisitions described below during 2008 and 2009. The results of each acquired company/branch are included in the Company’s results beginning on its respective acquisition date.

(1) On April 1, 2008, the Company completed the acquisition of Great Pee Dee Bancorp, Inc. (Great Pee Dee). The results of Great Pee Dee are included in the Company’s results for the year ended December 31, 2008 beginning on the April 1, 2008 acquisition date.

Great Pee Dee was the parent company of Sentry Bank and Trust (Sentry), a South Carolina community bank with one branch in Florence, South Carolina and two branches in Cheraw, South Carolina. Great Pee Dee had $211 million in total assets as of the date of acquisition. This acquisition represented a natural extension of the Company’s market area, with Sentry’s Cheraw offices being in close proximity to the Company’s Rockingham, North Carolina branch and Sentry’s Florence office being in close proximity to existing branches in Dillon and Latta, South Carolina. The Company’s primary reason for the acquisition was to expand into a contiguous market with facilities, operations and experienced staff in place. The Company agreed to a purchase price that resulted in recognition of goodwill primarily due to this reason, as well as the generally positive earnings of Great Pee Dee. The terms of the merger agreement called for shareholders of Great Pee Dee to receive 1.15 shares of Company stock for each share of Great Pee Dee stock they owned. The transaction was completed on April 1, 2008 with the Company issuing 2,059,091 shares of common stock that were valued at approximately $37.0 million and assuming employee stock options with a fair market value of approximately $0.6 million. The value of the stock issued was determined using a Company stock price of $17.98, which was the average of the daily closing price of the Company’s stock for the five trading days closest to the July 12, 2007 announcement of the execution of the definitive merger agreement. The value of the employee stock options assumed was determined using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.

This acquisition has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting for business combinations, and accordingly, the assets and liabilities of Great Pee Dee were recorded based on estimates of fair values as of April 1, 2008. The table below is a condensed balance sheet disclosing the amount assigned to each major asset and liability category of Great Pee Dee on April 1, 2008, and the related fair value adjustments recorded by the Company to reflect the acquisition. The $16.3 million in goodwill that resulted from this transaction is non-deductible for tax purposes.

101

Table of Contents

($ in thousands)	As Recorded by Great Pee Dee			Fair Value Adjustments			As Recorded by the Company
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,242			–			3,242
Securities		15,364			–			15,364
Loans, gross		187,309			1,226	(a)		183,840
					(4,695	) (b)
Allowance for loan losses		(2,353	)		(805	) (c)		(3,158	)
Premises and equipment		5,060			(708	) (d)		4,352
Core deposit intangible		355			492	(e)		847
Other		4,285			2,690	(f)		6,975
Total		213,262			(1,800	)		211,462

Liabilities
Deposits	$	146,611			1,098	(g)		147,709
Borrowings		39,337			1,328	(h)		40,665
Other		1,058			–			1,058
Total		187,006			2,426			189,432

Net identifiable assets acquired								22,030

Total cost of acquisition
Value of stock issued				$	37,022
Value of assumed options					587
Direct costs of acquisition					751
Total cost of acquisition								38,360

Goodwill recorded related to acquisition of Great Pee Dee Bancorp							$	16,330

Explanation of Fair Value Adjustments

(a)

This fair value adjustment was recorded because the yields on the loans purchased from Great Pee Dee exceeded the market rates as of the acquisition date. This amount is being amortized to reduce interest income over the remaining lives of the related loans, which had a weighted average life of approximately 6.3 years on the acquisition date.

(b)

This fair value adjustment was recorded to write-down impaired loans assumed in the acquisition to their estimated fair market value.

(c)

This fair value adjustment was the estimated amount of additional inherent loan losses associated with non-impaired loans.

(d)

This fair value adjustment represents the amount necessary to reduce premises and equipment from its book value on the date of acquisition to its estimated fair market value.

(e)

This fair value adjustment represents the value of the core deposit base assumed in the acquisition based on a study performed by an independent consulting firm. This amount was recorded by the Company as an identifiable intangible asset and is being amortized as expense on a straight-line basis over the weighted average life of the core deposit base, which was estimated to be 7.4 years on the acquisition date.

(f)

This fair value adjustment represents the net deferred tax asset associated with the other fair value adjustments made to record the transaction.

(g)

This fair value adjustment was recorded because the weighted average interest rate of Great Pee Dee’s

102

Table of Contents

time deposits exceeded the cost of similar wholesale funding at the time of the acquisition. This amount is being amortized to reduce interest expense over the remaining lives of the related time deposits, which had a weighted average life of approximately 11 months on the acquisition date.

(h)

This fair value adjustment was recorded because the interest rates of Great Pee Dee’s fixed rate borrowings exceeded market interest rates on similar borrowings as of the acquisition date. This amount is being amortized to reduce interest expense over the remaining lives of the related borrowings, which ranged from 28 months to 48 months on the acquisition date.

(2) On June 19, 2009, the Company announced that the Bank had entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC, as receiver for Cooperative Bank, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Earlier that day, the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks issued an order requiring the closure of Cooperative Bank and appointing the FDIC as receiver. According to the terms of the agreement, the Bank acquired all deposits (except certain brokered deposits) and borrowings, and substantially all of the assets of Cooperative Bank and its subsidiary, Lumina Mortgage. All deposits were assumed by the Bank with no losses to any depositor.

Cooperative Bank operated through twenty-one branches in North Carolina and three branches in South Carolina, with assets totaling approximately $959 million and approximately 200 employees.

The loans and foreclosed real estate purchased are covered by two loss share agreements between the FDIC and the Bank, which affords the Bank significant loss protection. Under the loss share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of covered loan and foreclosed real estate losses up to $303 million and 95% of losses in excess of that amount. The term for loss sharing on residential real estate loans is ten years, while the term for loss sharing on non-residential real estate loans is five years in respect to losses and eight years in respect to loss recoveries. The reimbursable losses from the FDIC are based on the book value of the relevant loan as determined by the FDIC at the date of the transaction. New loans made after that date are not covered by the loss share agreements.

The Bank received a $123 million discount on the assets acquired and paid no deposit premium. The acquisition was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting in accordance with relevant accounting guidance The purchased assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values, and identifiable intangible assets were recorded at fair value. Fair values were subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as information relative to closing date fair values became available. The Company recorded an estimated receivable from the FDIC in the amount of $185.1 million as of June 30, 2009, which represents the FDIC’s portion of the losses that are expected to be incurred and reimbursed to the Company.

An acquisition gain totaling $67.9 million resulted from the acquisition and is included as a component of noninterest income on the Company’s statement of income. In the Company’s filings for the second quarter 2009, this gain was reported as being $53.8 million. During the third and fourth quarters of 2009, the Company obtained third-party appraisals for the majority of Cooperative Bank’s collateral dependent problem loans. Overall, the appraised values were higher than the Company’s original estimates made as of the acquisition date. In addition, during the third and fourth quarters of 2009, the Company received payoffs related to certain loans for which losses had been anticipated. Accordingly, as required by accounting guidance, the Company retrospectively adjusted the fair value of the loans acquired for these factors, which resulted in a higher gain being reflected in the second quarter of 2009.

The statement of net assets acquired as of June 19, 2009 and the resulting gain (as adjusted) are presented in the following table.

103

Table of Contents

($ in thousands)	As Recorded by Cooperative Bank			Fair Value Adjustments			As Recorded by the Company
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	66,096			–			66,096
Securities		40,189			–			40,189
Presold mortgages		3,249			–			3,249
Loans		828,958			(227,854	) (a)		601,104
Core deposit intangible		−			3,798	(b)		3,798
FDIC indemnification asset		−			185,112	(c)		185,112
Foreclosed properties		15,993			(3,534	) (d)		12,459
Other assets		4,178			(137	) (e)		4,041
Total		958,663			(42,615	)		916,048

Liabilities
Deposits	$	706,139			5,922	(f)		712,061
Borrowings		153,056			6,409	(g)		159,465
Other		2,227			160	(e)		2,387
Total		861,422			12,491			873,913

Excess of assets received over liabilities		97,241			(55,106	)		42,135
Less: Asset discount		(123,000	)
Cash received from FDIC at closing		25,759						25,759

Total gain recorded							$	67,894

Explanation of Fair Value Adjustments

(a)

This estimated fair value adjustment was necessary as of the acquisition date to write down Cooperative Bank’s book value of loans to the estimated fair value as a result of future expected loan losses.

(b)

This estimated fair value adjustment represents the value of the core deposit base assumed in the acquisition based on a study performed by an independent consulting firm. This amount was recorded by the Company as an identifiable intangible asset and will be amortized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the average life of the core deposit base, which is estimated to be 8 years.

(c)

This estimated fair value adjustment represents the amount that the Company will receive from the FDIC under its loss share agreements as a result of future loan losses.

(d)

This estimated fair value adjustment was necessary to write down Cooperative Bank’s book value of foreclosed real estate properties to their estimated fair value as of the acquisition date.

(e)

These estimated fair value adjustments are other immaterial adjustments made to acquired assets and assumed liabilities to reflect fair value.

(f)

This estimated fair value adjustment was recorded because the weighted average interest rate of Cooperative Bank’s time deposits exceeded the cost of similar wholesale funding at the time of the acquisition. This amount was amortized to reduce interest expense on a declining basis over the average life of the portfolio of approximately 15 months.

(g)

This estimated fair value adjustment was recorded because the interest rates of Cooperative Bank’s fixed rate borrowings exceeded current interest rates on similar borrowings. This amount was realized shortly after the acquisition by prepaying the borrowings at a premium, and thus there will be no future amortization related to this adjustment.

104

Table of Contents

The operating results of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2009 include the operating results of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities since the acquisition date of June 19, 2009.

Note 3. Securities

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are summarized as follows:

	2010									2009
	Amortized		Fair		Unrealized					Amortized		Fair		Unrealized
($ in thousands)	Cost		Value		Gains		(Losses)			Cost		Value		Gains		(Losses)

Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored enterprise securities	$	43,432		43,273		214		(373	)		36,106		36,518		412		─
Mortgage-backed securities		104,660		107,460		3,270		(470	)		109,430		111,797		2,423		(56	)
Corporate bonds		15,754		15,330		35		(459	)		15,769		14,436		─		(1,333	)
Equity securities		14,858		15,119		301		(40	)		16,618		17,004		417		(31	)
Total available for sale	$	178,704		181,182		3,820		(1,342	)		177,923		179,755		3,252		(1,420	)

Securities held to maturity:
State and local governments	$	54,011		53,305		517		(1,223	)		34,394		34,928		612		(78	)
Other		7		7		─		─			19		19		─		─
Total held to maturity	$	54,018		53,312		517		(1,223	)		34,413		34,947		612		(78	)

Included in mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2010 were collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized cost of $2,644,000 and a fair value of $2,740,000. Included in mortgage-backed securities at December 31, 2009 were collateralized mortgage obligations with an amortized cost of $5,413,000 and a fair value of $5,601,000.

The Company owned Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock with a cost and fair value of $14,759,000 at December 31, 2010 and $16,519,000 at December 31, 2009, which is included in equity securities above and serves as part of the collateral for the Company’s line of credit with the FHLB (see Note 9 for additional discussion). The investment in this stock is a requirement for membership in the FHLB system.

105

Table of Contents

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2010:

($ in thousands)	Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position for Less than 12 Months				Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position for More than 12 Months				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Government-sponsored enterprise securities	$	18,607		373		–		–		18,607		373
Mortgage-backed securities		21,741		470		–		–		21,741		470
Corporate bonds		7,548		55		2,900		404		10,448		459
Equity securities		3		1		29		39		32		40
State and local governments		35,289		1,223		–		–		35,289		1,223
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	83,188		2,122		2,929		443		86,117		2,565

The following table presents information regarding securities with unrealized losses at December 31, 2009:

	Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position for Less than 12 Months				Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position for More than 12 Months				Total
($ in thousands)	Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
Government-sponsored enterprise securities	$	–		–		–		–		–		–
Mortgage-backed securities		9,575		56		–		–		9,575		56
Corporate bonds		1,609		224		12,827		1,109		14,436		1,333
Equity securities		17		10		27		21		44		31
State and local governments		5,821		77		230		1		6,051		78
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	17,022		367		13,084		1,131		30,106		1,498

In the above tables, all of the non-equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are bonds that the Company has determined are in a loss position due to interest rate factors, the overall economic downturn in the financial sector, and the broader economy in general. The Company has evaluated the collectability of each of these bonds and has concluded that there is no other-than-temporary impairment. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell these securities before recovery of the amortized cost.

At December 31, 2010, the Company’s $15 million investment in corporate bonds was comprised of the following:

($ in thousands) Issuer	S&P Issuer Ratings (1)	Maturity Date	Amortized Cost		Market Value
First Citizens Bancorp (South Carolina) Bond	Not Rated	4/1/15	$	2,996		2,978
Bank of America Trust Preferred Security	BB	12/11/26		2,046		2,017
Wells Fargo Trust Preferred Security	A-	1/15/27		2,559		2,553
Bank of America Trust Preferred Security	BB	4/15/27		5,053		5,044
First Citizens Bancorp (North Carolina) Trust Preferred Security	BB	3/1/28		2,100		2,088
First Citizens Bancorp (South Carolina) Trust Preferred Security	Not Rated	6/15/34		1,000		650
Total investment in corporate bonds			$	15,754		15,330

(1) The ratings are as of January 24, 2011.

The Company has concluded that each of the equity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2010 and 2009 was in such a position due to temporary fluctuations in the market prices of the securities. The Company’s policy is to record an impairment charge for any of these equity securities that remains in an unrealized loss position for twelve consecutive months unless the amount is insignificant.

106

Table of Contents

The aggregate carrying amount of cost-method investments was $14,766,000 and $16,538,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, which included the Federal Home Loan Bank stock discussed above. The Company determined that none of its cost-method investments were impaired at either year end.

The book values and approximate fair values of investment securities at December 31, 2010, by contractual maturity, are summarized in the table below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

	Securities Available for Sale				Securities Held to Maturity
($ in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value

Debt securities
Due within one year	$	─		─	$	147		156
Due after one year but within five years		41,000		40,795		1,637		1,683
Due after five years but within ten years		5,428		5,456		13,871		14,217
Due after ten years		12,758		12,352		38,363		37,256
Mortgage-backed securities		104,660		107,460		─		─
Total debt securities		163,846		166,063		54,018		53,312

Equity securities		14,858		15,119		─		─
Total securities	$	178,704		181,182	$	54,018		53,312

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, investment securities with book values of $75,654,000 and $85,438,000, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public and private deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

There were no sales of securities in 2010. Sales of securities available for sale with aggregate proceeds of $44,000 in 2009 and $503,000 in 2008, resulted in gross gains of $9,000 and no gross losses in 2009, and no gains or losses in 2008. In 2010, the Company recorded a gain of $26,000 related to the call of four securities. The Company recorded losses of $113,000 and $14,000 related to write-downs of the Company’s equity portfolio in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Note 4. Loans and Asset Quality Information

As discussed in Note 2 above, on June 19, 2009 the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Cooperative Bank. The loans and foreclosed real estate that were acquired in this transaction are covered by loss share agreements between the FDIC and the Company’s banking subsidiary, First Bank, which afford First Bank significant loss protection. Under the loss share agreements, the FDIC will cover 80% of covered loan and foreclosed real estate losses up to $303 million and 95% of losses that exceed that amount. Because of the loss protection provided by the FDIC, the risk of the Cooperative Bank loans and foreclosed real estate are significantly different from those assets not covered under the loss share agreements. Accordingly, the Company presents separately loans subject to the loss share agreements as “covered loans” in the information below and loans that are not subject to the loss share agreements as “non-covered loans.”

107

Table of Contents

The following is a summary of the major categories of total loans outstanding:

($ in thousands)	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Amount		Percentage			Amount		Percentage
All loans (non-covered and covered):

Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	155,016		6	%		173,611		7	%
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		437,700		18	%		551,714		21	%
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		802,658		33	%		849,875		32	%
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		263,529		11	%		270,054		10	%
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		710,337		29	%		718,723		27	%
Installment loans to individuals		83,919		3	%		88,514		3	%
Subtotal		2,453,159		100	%		2,652,491		100	%
Unamortized net deferred loan costs		973					374
Total loans	$	2,454,132					2,652,865

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, total loans include an unamortized premium of $687,000 and $883,000, respectively, on loans acquired from Great Pee Dee. The originally recorded premium was $1,226,000, of which $196,000, $196,000 and $147,000 was amortized in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, as a reduction of interest income. See Note 2 for additional discussion.

Loans in the amounts of $1,708,642,000 and $1,761,222,000 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, are pledged as collateral for certain borrowings (see Note 9).

The loans above also include loans to executive officers and directors serving the Company at December 31, 2010 and to their associates, totaling approximately $5,097,000 and $5,389,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. During 2010, additions to such loans were approximately $1,607,000 and repayments totaled approximately $1,899,000. These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related borrowers. Management does not believe these loans involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

The following is a summary of the major categories of non-covered loans outstanding:

($ in thousands)	December 31, 2010					December 31, 2009
	Amount		Percentage			Amount		Percentage
Non-covered loans:

Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	150,545		7	%		164,225		8	%
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		344,939		17	%		408,458		19	%
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		622,353		30	%		594,470		28	%
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		246,418		12	%		247,995		11	%
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		636,197		30	%		632,985		30	%
Installment loans to individuals		81,579		4	%		84,336		4	%
Subtotal		2,082,031		100	%		2,132,469		100	%
Unamortized net deferred loan costs		973					374
Total non-covered loans	$	2,083,004					2,132,843

108

Table of Contents

The carrying amount of the covered loans at December 31, 2010 consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans.

($ in thousands)	Impaired Purchased Loans		Nonimpaired Purchased Loans		Total Covered Loans		Unpaid Principal Balance
Covered loans:

Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	−		4,471		4,471		5,272
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		1,898		90,863		92,761		150,943
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		−		180,305		180,305		212,826
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		−		17,111		17,111		20,332
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		2,709		71,431		74,140		97,084
Installment loans to individuals		−		2,340		2,340		2,595
Total	$	4,607		366,521		371,128		489,052

The carrying amount of the covered loans at December 31, 2009 consisted of impaired and nonimpaired purchased loans.

($ in thousands)	Impaired Purchased Loans		Nonimpaired Purchased Loans		Total Covered Loans		Unpaid Principal Balance
Covered loans:

Commercial, financial, and agricultural	$	−		9,386		9,386		12,406
Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		29,479		113,777		143,256		254,897
Real estate – mortgage – residential (1-4 family) first mortgages		−		255,405		255,405		329,141
Real estate – mortgage – home equity loans / lines of credit		−		22,059		22,059		24,504
Real estate – mortgage – commercial and other		4,971		80,767		85,738		108,908
Installment loans to individuals		−		4,178		4,178		4,673
Total	$	34,450		485,572		520,022		734,529

The following table presents information regarding purchased nonimpaired loans at the acquisition date of June 19, 2009 and changes from that date to December 31, 2010. The amounts include principal only and do not reflect accrued interest as of the date of the acquisition or beyond.

($ in thousands)
Contractual loan principal payments receivable	$	738,182
Fair market value adjustment		(194,460	)
Fair value of purchased nonimpaired loans at June 19, 2009		543,722
Principal repayments		(45,670	)
Transfers to foreclosed real estate		(13,949	)
Accretion of loan discount		1,469
Carrying amount of nonimpaired Cooperative Bank loans at December 31, 2009		485,572
Principal repayments		(43,801	)
Transfers to foreclosed real estate		(75,121	)
Loan charge-offs		(7,736	)
Accretion of loan discount		7,607
Carrying amount of nonimpaired Cooperative Bank loans at December 31, 2010	$	366,521

As reflected in the table above, the Company accreted $7,607,000 and $1,469,000 of the loan discount on purchased nonimpaired loans into interest income during 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The following table presents information regarding purchased impaired loans at the Cooperative Bank acquisition date of June 19, 2009 and changes from that date to December 31, 2010. The Company has applied the cost recovery method to all purchased impaired loans at the acquisition date of June 19, 2009 due to the uncertainty as to the timing of expected cash flows as reflected in the following table.

109

Table of Contents

($ in thousands)
Contractually required principal payments receivable	$	90,776
Nonaccretable difference		(33,394	)
Present value of cash flows expected to be collected		57,382
Accretable difference		−
Fair value of purchased impaired loans at June 19, 2009		57,382
Transfer to foreclosed real estate		(22,932	)
Carrying amount of impaired Cooperative Bank loans at December 31, 2009		34,450
Principal repayments		(491	)
Transfer to foreclosed real estate		(27,344	)
Change due to loan charge-off		(2,025	)
Other		17
Carrying amount of impaired Cooperative Bank loans at December 31, 2010	$	4,607

The following table presents information regarding all purchased impaired loans, which includes the Company’s acquisition of Great Pee Dee on April 1, 2008, and the Company’s acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Cooperative Bank on June 19, 2009:

($ in thousands) Purchased Impaired Loans	Contractual Principal Receivable			Fair Market Value Adjustment – Write Down (Nonaccretable Difference)			Carrying Amount
As of April 1, 2008 Great Pee Dee acquisition date	$	7,663			4,695			2,968
Additions due to borrower advances		663			−			663
Change due to payments received		(510	)		−			(510	)
Change due to legal discharge of debt		(102	)		(102	)		−
Balance at December 31, 2008		7,714			4,593			3,121
Additions due to acquisition of Cooperative Bank		90,776			33,394			57,382
Change due to payments received		(822	)		(150	)		(672	)
Transfer to foreclosed real estate		(31,102	)		(7,817	)		(23,285	)
Change due to loan charge-off		(27,273	)		(26,778	)		(495	)
Balance at December 31, 2009		39,293			3,242			36,051
Change due to payments received		(685	)		2			(687	)
Transfer to foreclosed real estate		(27,569	)		(225	)		(27,344	)
Change due to loan charge-off		(3,149	)		(625	)		(2,524	)
Other		190			(65	)		255
Balance at December 31, 2010	$	8,080			2,329			5,751

Each of the purchased impaired loans are on nonaccrual status and considered to be impaired. Because of the uncertainty of the expected cash flows, the Company is accounting for each purchased impaired loan under the cost recovery method, in which all cash payments are applied to principal. Thus, there is no accretable yield associated with the above loans. During 2010 and 2009, the Company received $67,000 and $179,000, respectively, in payments that exceeded the initial carrying amount of the purchased impaired loans. These payments were recorded as interest income. There were no such amounts recorded in 2008.

110

Table of Contents

Nonperforming assets are defined as nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, loans past due 90 or more days and still accruing interest, and other real estate. Nonperforming assets are summarized as follows:

ASSET QUALITY DATA ($ in thousands)	December 31, 2010		December 31, 2009

Nonaccrual loans – non-covered	$	62,326		62,206
Nonaccrual loans – covered by FDIC loss share (1)		58,466		117,916
Restructured loans – non-covered		33,677		21,283
Restructured loans – covered by FDIC loss share		14,359		–
Accruing loans > 90 days past due		–		–
Total nonperforming loans		168,828		201,405
Other real estate – non-covered		21,081		8,793
Other real estate – covered by FDIC loss share		94,891		47,430
Total nonperforming assets	$	284,800		257,628
Total nonperforming assets – non-covered	$	117,084		92,282

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

(1) At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the contractual balance of the nonaccrual loans covered by FDIC loss share agreements was $86.2 million and $192.1 million, respectively.

If the nonaccrual and restructured loans as of December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 had been current in accordance with their original terms and had been outstanding throughout the period (or since origination if held for part of the period), gross interest income in the amounts of approximately $8,136,000, $9,800,000 and $1,930,000 for nonaccrual loans and $1,943,000, $1,200,000 and $310,000 for restructured loans would have been recorded for 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Interest income on such loans that was actually collected and included in net income in 2010, 2009, and 2008 amounted to approximately $3,195,000, $2,147,000 and $826,000 for nonaccrual loans (prior to their being placed on nonaccrual status), and $1,342,000, $866,000, and $155,000 for restructured loans, respectively. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had no commitments to lend additional funds to debtors whose loans were nonperforming.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 was as follows:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Balance, beginning of year	$	37,343			29,256			21,324
Provision for loan losses		33,646			20,186			9,880
Recoveries of loans charged-off		1,091			690			532
Loans charged-off		(33,805	)		(12,789	)		(5,638	)
Allowance recorded related to loans assumed in corporate acquisitions		–			–			3,158
Balance, end of year	$	38,275			37,343			29,256

The following table presents activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for the year ended December 31, 2010 (there was no allowance for loan losses for covered loans prior to 2010):

($ in thousands)	2010

Balance, beginning of year	$	−
Provision for loan losses		20,916
Recoveries of loans charged-off		−
Loans charged-off		(9,761	)
Allowance recorded related to loans assumed in corporate acquisitions		–
Balance, end of year	$	11,155

111

Table of Contents

The following table presents information related to the Company’s impaired loans.

($ in thousands)	As of /for the year ended December 31, 2010		As of /for the year ended December 31, 2009		As of /for the year ended December 31, 2008
Impaired loans at period end
Non-covered	$	96,003		55,574		22,146
Covered		72,825		94,746		−
Total impaired loans at period end	$	168,828		150,320		22,146

Average amount of impaired loans for period
Non-covered	$	89,751		36,171		12,547
Covered		95,373		34,161		−
Average amount of impaired loans for period – total	$	185,124		70,332		12,547

Allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans at period end (1)
Non-covered	$	7,613		9,717		2,869
Covered		11,155		−		−
Allowance for loan losses related to impaired loans - total	$	18,768		9,717		2,869

Amount of impaired loans with no related allowance at period end
Non-covered	$	42,874		30,236		14,609
Covered		49,991		94,746		−
Total impaired loans with no related allowance at period end	$	92,865		124,982		14,609

(1) For 2009 and 2008, relates entirely to non-covered loans.

All of the impaired loans noted in the table above were on nonaccrual status at each respective period end except for those classified as restructured loans (see table on previous page for balances).

The remaining tables in this note present information derived from the Company’s allowance for loan loss model. This model combines loan types in a different manner than the tables previously presented.

The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)	Non-covered		Covered		Total
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	64		160		224
Commercial - secured		1,566		3		1,569
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		802		−		802

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		22,654		30,847		53,501

Real estate – residential, farmland and multi-family		27,055		19,716		46,771

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		2,201		685		2,886

Real estate - commercial		7,461		7,039		14,500

Consumer		523		16		539
Total	$	62,326		58,466		120,792

112

Table of Contents

The following table presents an analysis of the age of the Company’s non-covered loans as of December 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Nonaccrual Loans		Current		Total Non-covered Loans Receivable
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	225		92		64		41,564		41,945
Commercial - secured		1,165		195		1,566		102,657		105,583
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		100		−		802		21,369		22,271

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		2,951		7,022		22,654		270,892		303,519

Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family		10,290		2,942		27,055		726,456		766,743

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		496		253		2,201		213,984		216,934

Real estate - commercial		2,581		1,193		7,461		552,020		563,255

Consumer		595		297		523		60,366		61,781
Total	$	18,403		11,994		62,326		1,989,308		2,082,031
Unamortized net deferred loan costs										973
Total loans									$	2,083,004

The Company had no non-covered loans that were past due greater than 90 days and accruing interest.

113

Table of Contents

The following table presents an analysis of the age of the Company’s covered loans as of December 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Nonaccrual Loans		Current		Total Covered Loans Receivable
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	75		−		160		960		1,195
Commercial - secured		189		53		3		1,530		1,775
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		24		−		−		1,497		1,521

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		2,131		514		30,847		59,214		92,706

Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family		738		3,128		19,716		162,232		185,814

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		157		14		685		15,203		16,059

Real estate – commercial		3,358		364		7,039		58,970		69,731

Consumer		41		54		16		2,216		2,327
Total	$	6,713		4,127		58,466		301,822		371,128

The Company had no covered loans that were past due greater than 90 days and accruing interest.

114

Table of Contents

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for non-covered loans for 2010.

($ in thousands)	Commercial, Financial, and Agricultural			Real Estate – Construction, Land Development, & Other Land Loans			Real Estate – Residential, Farmland, and Multi-family			Real Estate – Home Equity Lines of Credit			Real Estate – Commercial and Other			Consumer			Unallo- cated			Total

Beginning balance	$	4,992			9,286			10,779			3,228			6,839			1,610			609			37,343
Charge-offs		(4,691	)		(15,721	)		(6,962	)		(2,490	)		(2,354	)		(1,587	)		−			(33,805	)
Recoveries		145			130			548			59			38			171			−			1,091
Provisions		4,285			18,825			6,918			2,837			(551	)		1,767			(435	)		33,646
Ending balance	$	4,731			12,520			11,283			3,634			3,972			1,961			174			38,275

Ending balances: Allowance for loan losses

Individually evaluated for impairment	$	867			3,740			1,070			269			611			−			−			6,557

Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	3,864			8,780			10,213			3,365			3,361			1,961			174			31,718

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	$	−			−			−			−			−			−			−			−

Loans receivable:

Ending balance – total	$	169,799			303,519			766,743			216,934			563,255			61,781			−			2,082,031

Ending balances: Loans

Individually evaluated for impairment	$	3,487			64,549			15,786			1,223			25,213			28			−			110,286

Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	166,312			238,970			750,957			215,711			538,042			61,753			−			1,971,745

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	$	−			1,144			−			−			−			−			−			1,144

115

Table of Contents

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses for covered loans for 2010.

($ in thousands)	Commercial, Financial, and Agricultural		Real Estate – Construction, Land Development, & Other Land Loans			Real Estate – Residential, Farmland, and Multi-family			Real Estate – Home Equity Lines of Credit			Real Estate – Commercial and Other			Consumer		Unallo- cated		Total

Beginning balance	$	−		−			−			−			−			−		−		−
Charge-offs		−		(7,208	)		(1,482	)		(332	)		(739	)		−		−		(9,761	)
Recoveries		−		−			−			−			−			−		−		−
Provisions		423		14,753			4,414			332			994			−		−		20,916
Ending balance	$	423		7,545			2,932			−			255			−		−		11,155

Ending balances: Allowance for loan losses

Individually evaluated for impairment	$	423		7,545			2,932			−			255			−		−		11,155

Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	−		−			−			−			−			−		−		−

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	$	−		−			−			−			−			−		−		−

Loans receivable:

Ending balance – total	$	4,491		92,706			185,814			16,059			69,731			2,327		−		371,128

Ending balances: Loans

Individually evaluated for impairment	$	951		42,125			22,035			398			7,181			−		−		72,690

Collectively evaluated for impairment	$	3,540		50,581			163,779			15,661			62,550			2,327		−		298,438

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality	$	−		1,898			−			−			2,709			−		−		4,607

116

Table of Contents

The following table presents the Company’s non-covered impaired loans as of December 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	−		−		−		138		−
Commercial - secured		902		967		−		758		−
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		240		650		−		186		−

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		22,026		26,012		−		15,639		118

Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family		8,269		9,447		−		7,437		13

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		302		502		−		381		−

Real estate – commercial		11,115		11,321		−		7,284		268

Consumer		20		40		−		46		−
Total	$	42,874		48,939		−		31,869		399

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	124		124		24		243		4
Commercial - secured		579		579		88		1,385		−
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		1,026		1,026		609		613		−

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		17,540		19,926		3,932		21,362		309

Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family		23,012		23,012		1,820		22,166		119

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		2,148		2,223		357		1,928		14

Real estate – commercial		8,013		8,088		497		9,275		180

Consumer		687		687		286		910		−
Total	$	53,129		55,665		7,613		57,882		626

117

Table of Contents

The following table presents the Company’s covered impaired loans as of December 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	21		312		−		73		−
Commercial - secured		3		3		−		20		−
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		−		−		−		51		−

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		25,798		43,624		−		36,695		97

Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family		11,733		17,129		−		32,169		−

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		685		1,106		−		486		−

Real estate – commercial		11,735		15,125		−		14,319		156

Consumer		16		22		−		142		−
Total	$	49,991		77,321		−		83,955		253

With an allowance recorded:
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	139		139		69		70		−
Commercial - secured		−		−		−		−		−
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		812		812		354		406		11

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		13,185		15,630		7,545		6,593		53

Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family		7,984		9,730		2,932		3,992		−

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		−		−		−		−		−

Real estate – commercial		714		794		255		357		−

Consumer		−		−		−		−		−
Total	$	22,834		27,105		11,155		11,418		64

The Company tracks credit quality based on its internal risk ratings. Upon origination a loan is assigned an initial risk grade, which is generally based on several factors such as the borrower’s credit score, the loan-to-value ratio, the debt-to-income ratio, etc. Loans that are risk-graded as substandard during the origination process are declined. After loans are initially graded, they are monitored monthly for credit quality based on many factors, such as payment history, the borrower’s financial status, and changes in collateral value. Loans can be downgraded or upgraded depending on management’s evaluation of these factors. Internal risk-grading policies are consistent throughout each loan type.

118

Table of Contents

The following describes the Company’s internal risk grades in ascending order of likelihood of loss:

	Numerical Risk Grade	Description
Pass:
	1	Cash secured loans.
	2	Non-cash secured loans that have no minor or major exceptions to the lending guidelines.
	3	Non-cash secured loans that have no major exceptions to the lending guidelines.
Weak Pass:
	4	Non-cash secured loans that have minor or major exceptions to the lending guidelines, but the exceptions are properly mitigated.
Watch or Standard:
	9	Loans that meet the guidelines for a Risk Graded 5 loan, except the collateral coverage is sufficient to satisfy the debt with no risk of loss under reasonable circumstances. This category also includes all loans to insiders and any other loan that management elects to monitor on the watch list.
Special Mention:
	5	Existing loans with major exceptions that cannot be mitigated.
Classified:
	6	Loans that have a well-defined weakness that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt if deficiencies are not corrected.
	7	Loans that have a well-defined weakness that make the collection or liquidation improbable.
	8	Loans that are considered uncollectible and are in the process of being charged-off.

119

Table of Contents

The following table presents the Company’s recorded investment in non-covered loans by credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)	Credit Quality Indicator (Grouped by Internally Assigned Grade)
	Pass (Grades 1, 2, & 3)		Weak Pass (Grade 4)		Watch or Standard Loans (Grade 9)		Special Mention Loans (Grade 5)		Classified Loans (Grades 6, 7, & 8)		Total
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	14,850		25,992		−		332		771		41,945
Commercial - secured		40,995		55,918		2,100		2,774		3,796		105,583
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		6,364		14,165		−		873		869		22,271

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		66,321		162,147		7,649		14,068		53,334		303,519

Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family		302,667		376,187		15,941		22,436		49,512		766,743

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		137,674		68,876		3,001		3,060		4,323		216,934

Real estate - commercial		190,284		301,828		33,706		12,141		25,296		563,255

Consumer		34,600		24,783		140		408		1,850		61,781
Total	$	793,755		1,029,896		62,537		56,092		139,751		2,082,031
Unamortized net deferred loan costs												973
Total loans											$	2,083,004

120

Table of Contents

The following table presents the Company’s recorded investment in covered loans by credit quality indicators as of December 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)	Credit Quality Indicator (Grouped by Internally Assigned Grade)
	Pass (Grades 1, 2, & 3)		Weak Pass (Grade 4)		Watch or Standard Loans (Grade 9)		Special Mention Loans (Grade 5)		Classified Loans (Grades 6, 7, & 8)		Total
Commercial, financial, and agricultural:
Commercial - unsecured	$	180		517		−		−		498		1,195
Commercial - secured		707		911		−		−		157		1,775
Secured by inventory and accounts receivable		135		306		−		−		1,080		1,521

Real estate – construction, land development & other land loans		4,201		24,541		−		3,945		60,019		92,706

Real estate – residential, farmland, and multi-family		20,273		124,231		−		784		40,526		185,814

Real estate – home equity lines of credit		3,053		1,702		−		74		11,230		16,059

Real estate - commercial		8,825		34,526		−		2,776		23,604		69,731

Consumer		902		792		−		−		633		2,327
Total	$	38,276		187,526		−		7,579		137,747		371,128

Note 5. Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment at December 31, 2010 and 2009 consisted of the following:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009

Land	$	22,069			15,747
Buildings		50,456			41,185
Furniture and equipment		29,563			28,435
Leasehold improvements		2,003			1,305
Total cost		104,091			86,672
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(36,350	)		(32,513	)
Net book value of premises and equipment	$	67,741			54,159

121

Table of Contents

Note 6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The following is a summary of the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortized intangible assets as of December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 and the carrying amount of unamortized intangible assets as of those same dates. In 2009, the Company recorded a core deposit premium intangible of $3,798,000 in connection with the acquisition of Cooperative Bank, which is being amortized on a straight line basis over the estimated life of the related deposits of eight years. In February 2010, the Company recorded $284,000 in customer lists intangibles in connection with the acquisition of an insurance agency.

	December 31, 2010				December 31, 2009
($ in thousands)	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Amortized intangible assets:
Customer lists	$	678		298		394		241
Core deposit premiums		7,590		3,447		7,590		2,630
Total	$	8,268		3,745		7,984		2,871

Unamortized intangible assets:
Goodwill	$	65,835				65,835

Amortization expense totaled $874,000, $630,000 and $416,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis – see Note 1(p). For each of the years presented, the Company’s evaluation indicated that there was no goodwill impairment.

The following table presents the estimated amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the five calendar years ending December 31, 2015 and the estimated amount amortizable thereafter. These estimates are subject to change in future periods to the extent management determines it is necessary to make adjustments to the carrying value or estimated useful lives of amortized intangible assets.

($ in thousands)	Estimated Amortization Expense
2011	$	864
2012		852
2013		742
2014		638
2015		583
Thereafter		844
Total	$	4,523

Note 7. Income Taxes

Total income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 were allocated as follows:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009		2008

Allocated to net income	$	4,960			37,618		13,120
Allocated to stockholders’ equity, for unrealized holding gain/loss on debt and equity securities for financial reporting purposes		251			610		72
Allocated to stockholders’ equity, for tax benefit of pension liabilities		(688	)		1,750		(2,516	)
Total income taxes	$	4,523			39,978		10,676

The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as

122

Table of Contents

follows:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009		2008

Current - Federal	$	25,353			11,190		11,978
- State		3,807			1,830		1,962
Deferred - Federal		(21,092	)		20,545		(703	)
- State		(3,108	)		4,053		(117	)
Total	$	4,960			37,618		13,120

The sources and tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are presented below:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009

Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$	20,020			15,518
Estimated loss on acquired assets		82,783			59,724
Excess book over tax SERP retirement plan cost		2,150			1,844
Deferred compensation		148			234
State net operating loss carryforwards		62			213
Accruals, book versus tax		560			414
Pension liability adjustments		4,308			3,620
Basis differences in other real estate owned		15,366			─
All other		2,184			2,251
Gross deferred tax assets		127,581			83,818
Less: Valuation allowance		(86	)		(230	)
Net deferred tax assets		127,495			83,588
Deferred tax liabilities:
Loan fees		(1,003	)		(857	)
Excess tax over book pension cost		(61	)		─
Depreciable basis of fixed assets		(1,300	)		(1,733	)
Amortizable basis of intangible assets		(7,196	)		(7,938	)
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale		(966	)		(716	)
FHLB stock dividends		(436	)		(436	)
Section 597 deferred gain		(8,901	)		(10,038	)
Loan basis differences		(17,875	)		(20,391	)
FDIC indemnification asset		(78,497	)		(56,165	)
All other		(1,482	)		(173	)
Gross deferred tax liabilities		(117,717	)		(98,447	)
Net deferred tax asset (liability) - included in other assets	$	9,778			(14,859	)

123

Table of Contents

A portion of the annual change in the net deferred tax liability relates to unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale. The related 2010 and 2009 deferred tax expense (benefit) of approximately $251,000 and $610,000 respectively, has been recorded directly to shareholders’ equity. Additionally, a portion of the annual change in the net deferred tax asset relates to pension adjustments. The related 2010 and 2009 deferred tax expense (benefit) of ($688,000) and $1,750,000, respectively, has been recorded directly to shareholders’ equity. The balance of the 2010 increase in the net deferred tax asset of $24,200,000 is reflected as a deferred income tax benefit, and the balance of the 2009 decrease in the net deferred tax asset of ($24,598,000) is reflected as a deferred income tax expense in the consolidated statement of income.

The valuation allowances for 2010 and 2009 relate primarily to state net operating loss carryforwards. It is management’s belief that the realization of the remaining net deferred tax assets is more likely than not.

The Company has no significant uncertain tax positions, and thus no reserve for uncertain tax position has been recorded. Additionally, the Company has determined that it has no material unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the effective tax rate. The Company’s general policy is to record tax penalties and interest as a component of “other operating expenses.”

The Company’s tax returns are subject to income tax audit by federal and state agencies beginning with the year 2007.

Retained earnings at December 31, 2010 and 2009 includes approximately $6.9 million representing pre-1988 tax bad debt reserve base year amounts for which no deferred income tax liability has been provided since these reserves are not expected to reverse or may never reverse. Circumstances that would require an accrual of a portion or all of this unrecorded tax liability are a reduction in qualifying loan levels relative to the end of 1987, failure to meet the definition of a bank, dividend payments in excess of accumulated tax earnings and profits, or other distributions in dissolution, liquidation or redemption of the Bank’s stock.

The following is a reconcilement of federal income tax expense at the statutory rate of 35% to the income tax provision reported in the financial statements.

($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Tax provision at statutory rate	$	5,230		$	34,257		$	12,294
Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest income		(726	)		(459	)		(376	)
Low income housing tax credits		(143	)		(114	)		(114	)
Non-deductible interest expense		37			38			42
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		454			3,824			1,199
Change in valuation allowance		(145	)		3			3
Other, net		253			69			72
Total	$	4,960		$	37,618		$	13,120

124

Table of Contents

Note 8. Time Deposits, Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase, and Related Party Deposits

At December 31, 2010, the scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows:

($ in thousands)

2011	$	1,243,175
2012		84,078
2013		53,562
2014		17,652
2015		14,474
Thereafter		505
	$	1,413,446

For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company recorded amortization of deposit premiums amounting to $2,211,000, $3,911,000 and $898,000, respectively, which reduced interest expense. The deposit premiums related to the Company’s acquisitions are discussed in Note 2. There were no remaining unamortized deposit premiums at December 31, 2010.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase represent short-term borrowings by the Company with maturities less than one year and are collateralized by a portion of the Company’s securities portfolio, which have been delivered to a third-party custodian for safekeeping. At December 31, 2010, securities with an amortized cost of $52,398,000 and a market value of $54,757,000 were pledged to secure securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

The following table presents certain information for securities sold under agreements to repurchase:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009
Balance at December 31	$	54,460		$	64,058
Weighted average interest rate at December 31		0.36	%		0.86	%
Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the year	$	68,157		$	64,058
Average daily balance outstanding during the year	$	57,443		$	53,537
Average annual interest rate paid during the year		0.52	%		1.38	%

Deposits received from executive officers and directors and their associates totaled approximately $27,607,000 and $23,657,000 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These deposit accounts have substantially the same terms, including interest rates, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other non-related depositors.

125

Table of Contents

Note 9. Borrowings and Borrowings Availability

The following tables present information regarding the Company’s outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2010 and 2009:

Description - 2010	Due date	Call Feature	2010 Amount		Interest Rate

FHLB Overnight Borrowings	1/1/11, renewable daily	None	$	20,000,000	0.47% subject to change daily

Federal Funds Purchased	1/1/11, renewable daily	None		33,000,000	0.65% subject to change daily

Line of Credit with Federal Reserve Bank	1/1/11, renewable daily	None		55,000,000	0.75% subject to change daily

FHLB Term Note	8/1/11	None		3,000,000	0.29% at 12/31/10 Adjustable rate based on 3 month LIBOR

FHLB Term Note	12/12/11	Quarterly by FHLB, beginning 6/12/08		1,800,000	4.21% fixed

FHLB Term Note	4/20/12	Quarterly by FHLB, beginning 4/20/09		7,500,000	4.51% fixed

FHLB Term Note	6/28/12	None		15,000,000	0.69% fixed

FHLB Term Note	12/28/12	None		7,500,000	0.91% fixed

FHLB Term Note	12/30/13	None		7,500,000	1.50% fixed

Trust Preferred Securities	1/23/34	Quarterly by Company beginning 1/23/09		20,620,000	2.99% at 12/31/10 adjustable rate 3 month LIBOR + 2.70%

Trust Preferred Securities	6/15/36	Quarterly by Company beginning 6/15/11		25,774,000	1.69% at 12/31/10 adjustable rate 3 month LIBOR + 1.39%
Total borrowings/weighted average rate				196,694,000	1.26% (1.98% excluding overnight borrowings)
Unamortized fair market value adjustment recorded in acquisition of Great Pee Dee				176,000
Total borrowings as of December 31, 2010			$	196,870,000

126

Table of Contents

Description - 2009	Due date	Call Feature	2009 Amount		Interest Rate

FHLB Overnight Borrowings	1/1/10, renewable daily	None	$	100,000,000	0.36% subject to change daily

FHLB Term Note	8/10/10	Quarterly by FHLB, beginning 8/11/08		5,600,000	4.46% fixed

FHLB Term Note	8/16/10	Quarterly by FHLB, beginning 8/18/08		5,000,000	4.41% fixed

FHLB Term Note	9/13/10	Quarterly by FHLB, beginning 9/15/08		7,000,000	4.07% fixed

FHLB Term Note	8/1/11	None		3,000,000	0.28% at 12/31/09 Adjustable rate based on 3 month LIBOR

FHLB Term Note	12/12/11	Quarterly by FHLB, beginning 6/12/08		1,800,000	4.21% fixed

FHLB Term Note	4/20/12	Quarterly by FHLB, beginning 4/20/09		7,500,000	4.51% fixed

Trust Preferred Securities	1/23/34	Quarterly by Company beginning 1/23/09		20,620,000	2.98% at 12/31/09 adjustable rate 3 month LIBOR + 2.70%

Trust Preferred Securities	6/15/36	Quarterly by Company beginning 6/15/11		25,774,000	1.64% at 12/31/09 adjustable rate 3 month LIBOR + 1.39%
Total borrowings/weighted average rate				176,294,000	1.46% (2.90% excluding overnight borrowings)
Unamortized fair market value adjustment recorded in acquisition of Great Pee Dee				517,000
Total borrowings as of December 31, 2009			$	176,811,000

As noted in the table above, at December 31, 2010 and 2009, borrowings outstanding included $176,000 and $517,000, respectively, in unamortized premium on borrowings acquired from Great Pee Dee. The originally recorded premium was $1,328,000, of which $341,000, $464,000, and $347,000 was amortized in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively, as a reduction of interest expense. See Note 2 for additional discussion.

All outstanding FHLB borrowings may be accelerated immediately by the FHLB in certain circumstances, including material adverse changes in the condition of the Company or if the Company’s qualifying collateral amounts to less than that required under the terms of the FHLB borrowing agreement.

In the above tables, the $20.6 million in borrowings due on January 23, 2034 relate to borrowings structured as trust preferred capital securities that were issued by First Bancorp Capital Trusts II and III ($10.3 million by each trust), which are unconsolidated subsidiaries of the Company, on December 19, 2003 and qualify as capital for regulatory capital adequacy requirements. These unsecured debt securities are callable by the Company at par on any quarterly interest payment date beginning on January 23, 2009. The interest rate on these debt securities adjusts on a quarterly basis at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 2.70%. The Company incurred approximately $580,000 of debt issuance costs related to the issuance that were recorded as prepaid expenses and are included in the “Other Assets” line item of the consolidated balance sheet. These debt issuance costs were amortized as interest expense until the earliest possible call date of January 23, 2009.

In the above tables, the $25.8 million in borrowings due on June 15, 2036 relate to borrowings structured as trust preferred capital securities that were issued by First Bancorp Capital Trust IV, an unconsolidated subsidiary of the Company, on April 13, 2006 and qualify as capital for regulatory capital adequacy requirements. These unsecured debt securities are callable by the Company at par on any quarterly interest payment date beginning on June 15, 2011. The interest rate on these debt securities adjusts on a quarterly basis at a rate of three-month LIBOR plus 1.39%. The Company incurred no debt issuance costs related to the issuance.

127

Table of Contents

At December 31, 2010, the Company had four sources of readily available borrowing capacity – 1) an approximately $399 million line of credit with the FHLB, of which $62 million was outstanding at December 31, 2010 and $130 million was outstanding at December 31, 2009, 2) a $50 million overnight federal funds line of credit with a correspondent bank, of which $33 million was outstanding at December 31, 2010 and none was outstanding at December 31, 2009, 3) an approximately $88 million line of credit through the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s (FRB) discount window, of which $55 million was outstanding at December 31, 2010 and none was outstanding at December 31, 2009, and 4) a $10 million holding company line of credit with a commercial bank, of which none was outstanding at December 31, 2010 or 2009.

The Company’s line of credit with the FHLB totaling approximately $399 million can be structured as either short-term or long-term borrowings, depending on the particular funding or liquidity needs and is secured by the Company’s FHLB stock and a blanket lien on most of its real estate loan portfolio. In addition to the outstanding borrowings from the FHLB that reduce the available borrowing capacity of the line of credit, the borrowing capacity was further reduced by $203 million and $170 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as a result of the Company pledging letters of credit for public deposits at each of those dates. Accordingly, the Company’s unused FHLB line of credit was $134 million at December 31, 2010.

The Company’s correspondent bank relationship allows the Company to purchase up to $50 million in federal funds on an overnight, unsecured basis (federal funds purchased). The Company had $33 million in borrowings outstanding under this line at December 31, 2010 and no borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2009.

The Company has a line of credit with the FRB discount window. This line is secured by a blanket lien on a portion of the Company’s commercial and consumer loan portfolio (excluding real estate). Based on the collateral owned by the Company as of December 31, 2010, the available line of credit was approximately $88 million. The Company had $55 million in borrowings outstanding under this line of credit at December 31, 2010 and no borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2009.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had a $10 million and $20 million line of credit, respectively, with a correspondent bank that was secured by 100% of the common stock of the Bank. This line of credit expires and is subject to renewal in February of each year. The line of credit was not drawn at December 31, 2010 or 2009.

128

Table of Contents

Note 10. Leases

Certain bank premises are leased under operating lease agreements. Generally, operating leases contain renewal options on substantially the same basis as current rental terms. Rent expense charged to operations under all operating lease agreements was $2,076,000 in 2010, $1,978,000 in 2009, and $544,000 in 2008.

Future obligations for minimum rentals under noncancelable operating leases at December 31, 2010 are as follows:

($ in thousands)

Year ending December 31:
2011	$	670
2012		601
2013		553
2014		503
2015		429
Later years		2,028
Total	$	4,784

Note 11. Employee Benefit Plans

401(k) Plan. The Company sponsors a retirement savings plan pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees who have completed one year of service are eligible to participate in the plan. New employees hired after January 1, 2008, and who have met the service requirement, are automatically enrolled in the plan at a 2% deferral rate, which can be modified by the employee at any time. An eligible employee may contribute up to 15% of annual salary to the plan. The Company contributes an amount equal to 75% of the first 6% of the employee’s salary contributed. Participants vest in Company contributions at the rate of 20% after one year of service, and 20% for each additional year of service, with 100% vesting after five years of service. The Company’s matching contribution expense was $1,107,000, $933,000, and $841,000, for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Additionally, the Company made additional discretionary matching contributions to the plan of $200,000 in 2009 and $162,000 in 2008. The Company did not make a discretionary contribution in 2010. The Company’s matching and discretionary contributions are made in the form of Company stock, which can be transferred by the employee into other investment options offered by the plan at any time. Employees are not permitted to invest their own contributions in Company stock.

Pension Plan. The Company sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan (the “Pension Plan”), which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. Employees who have attained age 21 and completed one year of service are eligible to participate in the Pension Plan. The Pension Plan provides for a monthly payment, at normal retirement age of 65, equal to one-twelfth of the sum of (i) 0.75% of Final Average Annual Compensation (5 highest consecutive calendar years’ earnings out of the last 10 years of employment) multiplied by the employee’s years of service not in excess of 40 years, and (ii) 0.65% of Final Average Annual Compensation in excess of “covered compensation” multiplied by years of service not in excess of 35 years. “Covered compensation” means the average of the social security taxable wage base during the 35 year period ending with the year the employee attains social security retirement age. Early retirement, with reduced monthly benefits, is available at age 55 after 15 years of service. The Pension Plan provides for 100% vesting after 5 years of service, and provides for a death benefit to a vested participant’s surviving spouse. The costs of benefits under the Pension Plan, which are borne by the Company, are computed actuarially and defrayed by earnings from the Pension Plan’s investments. The compensation covered by the Pension Plan includes total earnings before reduction for contributions to a cash or deferred profit-sharing plan (such as the 401(k) plan described above) and amounts used to pay group health insurance premiums and includes bonuses (such as amounts paid under the incentive compensation plan). Compensation for the purposes of the Pension Plan may not exceed statutory limits; such limits were $245,000 in 2010, $235,000 in 2009 and $230,000 in 2008.

129

Table of Contents

During the second quarter of 2009, the Company amended the Pension Plan to prohibit new entrants into the plan.

The Company’s contributions to the Pension Plan are based on computations by independent actuarial consultants and are intended to provide the Company with the maximum deduction for income tax purposes. The contributions are invested to provide for benefits under the Pension Plan. The Company expects that it will contribute $1,500,000 to the Pension Plan in 2011.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the Pension Plan’s benefit obligation, as computed by the Company’s independent actuarial consultants, and its plan assets, with the difference between the two amounts representing the funded status of the Pension Plan as of the end of the respective year.

($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	25,395			24,039			20,953
Service cost		1,754			1,687			1,453
Interest cost		1,555			1,360			1,231
Actuarial (gain) loss		2,830			(1,309	)		765
Benefits paid		(394	)		(382	)		(363	)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		31,140			25,395			24,039
Change in plan assets
Plan assets at beginning of year		17,793			13,065			16,697
Actual return on plan assets		2,532			3,610			(4,669	)
Employer contributions		2,500			1,500			1,400
Benefits paid		(394	)		(382	)		(363	)
Other		–			–			–
Plan assets at end of year		22,431			17,793			13,065

Funded status at end of year	$	(8,709	)		(7,602	)		(10,974	)

The accumulated benefit obligation related to the Pension Plan was $22,124,000, $18,413,000, and $16,672,000 at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

130

Table of Contents

The following table presents information regarding the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2010 and 2009 as it relates to the Pension Plan, excluding the related deferred tax assets.

($ in thousands)	2010			2009

Other assets – prepaid pension asset	$	270			65
Other liabilities		(8,979	)		(7,667	)
	$	(8,709	)		(7,602	)

The following table presents information regarding the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) at December 31, 2010 and 2009, as it relates to the Pension Plan.

($ in thousands)	2010			2009

Net loss	$	8,889			7,562
Net transition obligation		34			36
Prior service cost		56			69
Amount recognized in AOCI before tax effect		8,979			7,667
Tax benefit		(3,547	)		(3,028	)
Net amount recognized as reduction to AOCI	$	5,432			4,639

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the prepaid pension cost related to the Pension Plan:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009

Prepaid pension cost as of beginning of fiscal year	$	65			1,394
Net periodic pension cost for fiscal year		(2,295	)		(2,829	)
Actual employer contributions		2,500			1,500
Prepaid pension asset as of end of fiscal year	$	270			65

Net pension cost for the Pension Plan included the following components for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	1,754			1,687			1,453
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		1,555			1,360			1,231
Expected return on plan assets		(1,479	)		(998	)		(1,446	)
Net amortization and deferral		465			780			270
Net periodic pension cost	$	2,295			2,829			1,508

The estimated net loss, transition obligation, and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year are $457,000, $2,000, and $13,000, respectively.

131

Table of Contents

The following table is an estimate of the benefits that will be paid in accordance with the Pension Plan during the indicated time periods:

($ in thousands)	Estimated benefit payments
Year ending December 31, 2011	$	530
Year ending December 31, 2012		649
Year ending December 31, 2013		818
Year ending December 31, 2014		1,021
Year ending December 31, 2015		1,072
Years ending December 31, 2016-2020		8,494

For each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company used an expected long-term rate-of-return-on-assets assumption of 7.75%. The Company arrived at this rate based primarily on a third-party investment consulting firm’s historical analysis of investment returns, which indicated that the mix of the Pension Plan’s assets (generally 75% equities and 25% fixed income) can be expected to return approximately 7.75% on a long term basis.

Funds in the Pension Plan are invested in a mix of investment types in accordance with the Pension Plan’s investment policy, which is intended to provide an average annual rate of return of 7% to 10%, while maintaining proper diversification. Except for Company stock, all of the Pension Plan’s assets are invested in an unaffiliated bank money market account or mutual funds. The investment policy of the Pension Plan does not permit the use of derivatives, except to the extent that derivatives are used by any of the mutual funds invested in by the Pension Plan. The following table presents the targeted mix of the Pension Plan’s assets as of December 31, 2010, as set out by the Plan’s investment policy:

Investment type	Targeted % of Total Assets			Acceptable Range % of Total Assets

Fixed income investments
Cash/money market account		2	%		1%-5	%
US government bond fund		10	%		10%-20	%
US corporate bond fund		10	%		5%-15	%
US corporate high yield bond fund		5	%		0%-10	%
Equity investments
Large cap value fund		20	%		20%-30	%
Large cap growth fund		20	%		20%-30	%
Mid cap growth fund		10	%		5%-15	%
Small cap growth fund		8	%		5%-15	%
Foreign equity fund		10	%		5%-15	%
Company stock		5	%		0%-10	%

132

Table of Contents

The Pension Plan’s investment strategy contains certain investment objectives and risks for each permitted investment category. To ensure that risk and return characteristics are consistently followed, the Pension Plan’s investments are reviewed at least semi-annually and rebalanced within the acceptable range. Performance measurement of the investments employs the use of certain investment category and peer group benchmarks. The investment category benchmarks as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:

Investment Category	Investment Category Benchmark	Range of Acceptable Deviation from Investment Category Benchmark

Fixed income investments
Cash/money market account	Citigroup Treasury Bill Index – 3 month	0-50 basis points
US government bond fund	Barclays Intermediate Government Bond Index	0-200 basis points
US corporate bond fund	Barclays Aggregate Index	0-200 basis points
US corporate high yield bond fund	Barclays High Yield Index	0-200 basis points
Equity investments
Large cap value fund	Russell 1000 Value Index	0-300 basis points
Large cap growth fund	Russell 1000 Growth Index	0-300 basis points
Mid cap growth fund	S&P Mid Cap Index	0-300 basis points
Small cap growth fund	Russell 2000 Growth Index	0-300 basis points
Foreign equity fund	MSCI EAFE Index	0-300 basis points
Company stock	Russell 2000 Index	0-300 basis points

Each of the investment fund’s average annualized return over a three-year period should be within the range of acceptable deviation from the benchmarked index shown above. In addition to the investment category benchmarks, the Pension Plan also utilizes certain Peer Group benchmarks, based on Morningstar percentile rankings for each investment category. Funds are generally considered to be underperformers if their category ranking is below the 75th percentile for the trailing one-year period; the 50th percentile for the trailing three-year period; and the 25th percentile for the trailing five-year period.

The Pension Plan invests in various investment securities which are exposed to various risks such as interest rate, market, and credit risks. All of these risks are monitored and managed by the Company. No significant concentration of risk exists within the plan assets at December 31, 2010.

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2010, by asset category, are as follows:

($ in thousands)

Total Fair Value at December 31, 2010

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3)

Fixed income investments

Money market funds

525

−

525

−

US government bond fund

1,987

−

US corporate bond fund

2,038

−

US corporate high yield bond fund

1,147

−

Equity investments

Large cap value fund

4,634

−

Large cap growth fund

4,623

−

Small cap growth fund

2,106

−

Mid cap growth fund

2,523

−

Foreign equity fund

2,286

−

Company stock

562

−

Total

22,431

21,906

525

−

133

Table of Contents

The fair values of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2009, by asset category, are as follows:

($ in thousands)

Total Fair Value at December 31, 2009

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Unobservable Inputs

(Level 3)

Fixed income investments

Money market funds

1,597

−

1,597

−

US government bond fund

1,399

−

US corporate bond fund

1,503

−

US corporate high yield bond fund

867

−

Equity investments

Large cap value fund

3,452

−

Large cap growth fund

3,419

−

Mid-small cap growth fund

3,249

−

Foreign equity fund

1,794

−

Company stock

513

−

Total

17,793

16,196

−

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for assets measured at fair value. There have been no changes in the methodologies used at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Money market fund: valued on the active market on which it is traded; at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.

Mutual funds, common stocks: valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Company sponsors a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the “SERP”) for the benefit of certain senior management executives of the Company. The purpose of the SERP is to provide additional monthly pension benefits to ensure that each such senior management executive would receive lifetime monthly pension benefits equal to 3% of his or her final average compensation multiplied by his or her years of service (maximum of 20 years) to the Company or its subsidiaries, subject to a maximum of 60% of his or her final average compensation. The amount of a participant’s monthly SERP benefit is reduced by (i) the amount payable under the Company’s qualified Pension Plan (described above), and (ii) 50% of the participant’s primary social security benefit. Final average compensation means the average of the 5 highest consecutive calendar years of earnings during the last 10 years of service prior to termination of employment. The SERP is an unfunded plan. Payments are made from the general assets of the Company.

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the SERP’s benefit obligation, as computed by the Company’s independent actuarial consultants:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008
Change in benefit obligation
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	6,222			5,239			4,711
Service cost		408			464			454
Interest cost		377			328			264
Actuarial (gain) loss		531			296			(85	)
Benefits paid		(105	)		(105	)		(105	)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year		7,433			6,222			5,239
Plan assets		─			─			─
Funded status at end of year	$	(7,433	)		(6,222	)		(5,239	)

134

Table of Contents

The accumulated benefit obligation related to the SERP was $5,623,000, $4,882,000, and $4,185,000 at December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

The following table presents information regarding the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2010 and 2009 as it relates to the SERP, excluding the related deferred tax assets.

($ in thousands)	2010			2009

Other assets – prepaid pension asset (liability)	$	(5,507	)		(4,726	)
Other liabilities		(1,926	)		(1,496	)
	$	(7,433	)		(6,222	)

The following table presents information regarding the amounts recognized in AOCI at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

($ in thousands)	2010			2009

Net (gain)/loss	$	1,805			1,357
Prior service cost		121			139
Amount recognized in AOCI before tax effect		1,926			1,496
Tax benefit		(761	)		(590	)
Net amount recognized as reduction to AOCI	$	1,165			906

The following table reconciles the beginning and ending balances of the prepaid pension cost related to the SERP:

($ in thousands)	2010			2009

Prepaid pension cost (liability) as of beginning of fiscal year	$	(4,727	)		(3,914	)
Net periodic pension cost for fiscal year		(885	)		(917	)
Benefits paid		105			105
Prepaid pension cost (liability) as of end of fiscal year	$	(5,507	)		(4,726	)

Net pension cost for the SERP included the following components for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

($ in thousands)	2010		2009		2008

Service cost – benefits earned during the period	$	408		464		454
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		377		328		264
Net amortization and deferral		100		125		72
Net periodic pension cost	$	885		917		790

The estimated net loss and prior service cost that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year are $102,000 and $19,000, respectively.

135

Table of Contents

The following table is an estimate of the benefits that will be paid in accordance with the SERP during the indicated time periods:

($ in thousands)	Estimated benefit payments
Year ending December 31, 2011	$	190
Year ending December 31, 2012		222
Year ending December 31, 2013		317
Year ending December 31, 2014		312
Year ending December 31, 2015		306
Years ending December 31, 2016-2020		2,788

The following assumptions were used in determining the actuarial information for the Pension Plan and the SERP for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008:

	2010						2009						2008
	Pension Plan			SERP			Pension Plan			SERP			Pension Plan			SERP
Discount rate used to determine net periodic pension cost		6.00	%		6.00	%		5.75	%		5.75	%		6.00	%		6.00	%
Discount rate used to calculate end of year liability disclosures		5.59	%		5.59	%		6.00	%		6.00	%		5.75	%		5.75	%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets		7.75	%		n/a			7.75	%		n/a			7.75	%		n/a
Rate of compensation increase		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%		5.00	%

Until 2009, the Company’s policy was that the year end discount rate would be a rate no greater than the Moody’s Aa corporate bond rate as of December 31 of each year, rounded up to the nearest quarter point. In 2009, based upon a recommendation from the Company’s actuarial firm, the Company’s discount rate policy was changed to be based on a calculation of the Company’s expected pension payments, with those payments discounted using the Citigroup Pension Index yield curve. The revised policy is believed to be preferable to the former policy because the Moody’s Aa corporate bond rate is based on a duration of approximately 20 years, whereas the duration of the Company’s pension plan is in excess of 30 years.

Note 12. Commitments, Contingencies, and Concentrations of Credit Risk

See Note 10 with respect to future obligations under noncancelable operating leases.

In the normal course of the Company’s business, there are various outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities such as commitments to extend credit, that are not reflected in the financial statements. At December 31, 2010, the Company had outstanding loan commitments of $300,911,000, of which $262,865,000 were at variable rates and $38,046,000 were at fixed rates. Included in outstanding loan commitments were unfunded commitments of $208,342,000 on revolving credit plans, of which $178,267,000 were at variable rates and $30,075,000 were at fixed rates.

At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company had $7,537,000 and $7,646,000, respectively, in standby letters of credit outstanding. The Company has no carrying amount for these standby letters of credit at either of those dates. The nature of the standby letters of credit is a guarantee made on behalf of the Company’s customers to suppliers of the customers to guarantee payments owed to the supplier by the customer. The standby letters of credit are generally for terms for one year, at which time they may be renewed for another year if both parties agree. The payment of the guarantees would generally be triggered by a continued nonpayment of an obligation

136

Table of Contents

owed by the customer to the supplier. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) the Company could be required to make under the guarantees in the event of nonperformance by the parties to whom credit or financial guarantees have been extended is represented by the contractual amount of the standby letter of credit. In the event that the Company is required to honor a standby letter of credit, a note, already executed with the customer, is triggered which provides repayment terms and any collateral. Over the past ten years, the Company has had to honor one standby letter of credit, which was repaid by the borrower without any loss to the Company. Management expects any draws under existing commitments to be funded through normal operations.

The Company is not involved in any legal proceedings which, in management’s opinion, could have a material effect on the consolidated financial position of the Company.

The Bank grants primarily commercial and installment loans to customers throughout its market area, which consists of Anson, Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Carteret, Chatham, Columbus, Dare, Davidson, Duplin, Guilford, Harnett, Iredell, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Scotland, Stanly and Wake Counties in North Carolina, Chesterfield, Dillon, Florence and Horry Counties in South Carolina, and Montgomery, Pulaski, Washington and Wythe Counties in Virginia. The real estate loan portfolio can be affected by the condition of the local real estate market. The commercial and installment loan portfolios can be affected by local economic conditions.

The Company’s loan portfolio is not concentrated in loans to any single borrower or to a relatively small number of borrowers. Additionally, management is not aware of any concentrations of loans to classes of borrowers or industries that would be similarly affected by economic conditions.

In addition to monitoring potential concentrations of loans to particular borrowers or groups of borrowers, industries and geographic regions, the Company monitors exposure to credit risk that could arise from potential concentrations of lending products and practices such as loans that subject borrowers to substantial payment increases (e.g. principal deferral periods, loans with initial interest-only periods, etc), and loans with high loan-to-value ratios. Additionally, there are industry practices that could subject the Company to increased credit risk should economic conditions change over the course of a loan’s life. For example, the Company makes variable rate loans and fixed rate principal-amortizing loans with maturities prior to the loan being fully paid (i.e. balloon payment loans). These loans are underwritten and monitored to manage the associated risks. The Company has determined that there is no concentration of credit risk associated with its lending policies or practices.

The Company’s investment portfolio consists principally of obligations of government-sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises, corporate bonds, FHLB stock and general obligation municipal securities. The following are the fair values at December 31, 2010 of available for sale and held to maturity securities to any one issuer/guarantor that exceed $2.0 million, with such amounts representing the maximum amount of credit risk that the Company would incur if the issuer did not repay the obligation.

($ in thousands) Issuer	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Federal Home Loan Bank System - bonds	$	32,519		32,529
Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta - common stock		14,759		14,759
Federal Farm Credit bonds		10,913		10,744
Freddie Mac - mortgage-backed securities		4,946		5,203
Fannie Mae - mortgage-backed securities		15,668		16,578
Ginnie Mae - mortgage-backed securities		61,800		63,903
Small Business Administration - pooled bonds		22,246		21,776
Bank of America - trust preferred securities		7,101		7,061
First Citizens Bancorp (North Carolina) - trust preferred security		2,100		2,088
Wells Fargo - trust preferred security		2,559		2,553
First Citizens Bancorp (South Carolina) – bond / trust preferred securities		3,994		3,628

137

Table of Contents

Until February 27, 2009, the FHLB redeemed their stock at par as borrowings were repaid. On February 27, 2009, the FHLB announced that they would no longer automatically redeem their stock when loans are repaid. Instead, they stated that they would evaluate whether they would repurchase stock on a quarterly basis. During the second half of 2010, the FHLB repurchased $1.8 million of stock from the Company.

The Company places its deposits and correspondent accounts with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, the Federal Reserve Bank, and Bank of America and sells its federal funds to Bank of America. At December 31, 2010, the Company had deposits in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta totaling $28.1 million, deposits of $126.2 million in the Federal Reserve Bank, and deposits of $33.7 million in Bank of America and federal funds sold to Bank of America of $0.9 million. None of the deposits held at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, the Federal Reserve Bank, or the federal funds sold to Bank of America are FDIC-insured, however the Federal Reserve Bank is a government entity and therefore risk of loss is minimal. The deposits held at Bank of America are fully guaranteed by the FDIC under its Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program which guarantees, until December 31, 2013, an unlimited amount of non-interest bearing deposits.

Note 13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

As discussed in Note 1(o), the Company is required to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments. Fair value estimates as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and limitations thereon are set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments. See Note 1(o) for a discussion of fair value methods and assumptions, as well as fair value information for off-balance sheet financial instruments.

	December 31, 2010				December 31, 2009
($ in thousands)	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value

Cash and due from banks, noninterest-bearing	$	56,821		56,821		60,071		60,071
Due from banks, interest-bearing		154,320		154,320		283,175		283,175
Federal funds sold		861		861		7,626		7,626
Securities available for sale		181,182		181,182		179,755		179,755
Securities held to maturity		54,018		53,312		34,413		34,947
Presold mortgages in process of settlement		3,962		3,962		3,967		3,967
Loans - non-covered, net of allowance		2,044,729		2,020,109		2,095,500		2,063,267
Loans - covered, net of allowance		359,973		359,973		520,022		520,022
FDIC indemnification asset		123,719		122,351		143,221		141,253
Accrued interest receivable		13,579		13,579		14,783		14,783

Deposits		2,652,613		2,657,214		2,933,108		2,942,539
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase		54,460		54,460		64,058		64,058
Borrowings		196,870		168,508		176,811		141,176
Accrued interest payable		2,082		2,082		3,054		3,054

138

Table of Contents

taxes, prepaid expense accounts, income taxes currently payable and other various accrued expenses. In addition, the income tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been considered in any of the estimates.

Relevant accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The guidance describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) of identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Quoted prices for similar instruments in active or non-active markets and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2010.

($ in thousands)
Description of Financial Instruments	Fair Value at December 31, 2010		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Recurring
Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored enterprise securities	$	43,273		—		43,273		—
Mortgage-backed securities		107,460		—		107,460		—
Corporate bonds		15,330		—		15,330		—
Equity securities		15,119		360		14,759		—
Total available for sale securities	$	181,182		360		180,822		—

Nonrecurring
Impaired loans – covered	$	72,825		—		72,825		—
Impaired loans – non-covered		96,003		—		96,003		—
Other real estate – covered		94,891		—		94,891		—
Other real estate – non-covered		21,081		—		21,081		—

139

Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2009.

($ in thousands)
Description of Financial Instruments	Fair Value at December 31, 2009		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Recurring
Securities available for sale:
Government-sponsored enterprise securities	$	36,518		—		36,518		—
Mortgage-backed securities		111,797		—		111,797		—
Corporate bonds		14,436		—		14,436		—
Equity securities		17,004		485		16,519		—
Total available for sale securities	$	179,755		485		179,270		—

Nonrecurring
Impaired loans – covered	$	94,746		—		94,746		—
Impaired loans – non-covered		45,857		—		45,857		—
Other real estate – covered		47,430		—		47,430		—
Other real estate – non-covered		8,793		—		8,793		—

The following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value.

Securities — When quoted market prices are available in an active market, the securities are classified as Level 1 in the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities for the Company include certain equity securities. If quoted market prices are not available, but fair values can be estimated by observing quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, the securities are classified as Level 2 on the valuation hierarchy. For the Company, Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, government-sponsored entity securities, and corporate bonds. In cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Impaired loans — Fair values for impaired loans in the above table are collateral dependent and are estimated based on underlying collateral values, which are then adjusted for the cost related to liquidation of the collateral.

Other real estate – Other real estate, consisting of properties obtained through foreclosure or in satisfaction of loans, is reported at the lower of cost or fair value, determined on the basis of current appraisals, comparable sales, and other estimates of value obtained principally from independent sources, adjusted for estimated selling costs. At the time of foreclosure, any excess of the loan balance over the fair value of the real estate held as collateral is treated as a charge against the allowance for loan losses.

There were no transfers to or from Level 1 and 2 during the year ended December 31, 2010.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, the increase in the fair value of securities available for sale was $646,000, which is included in other comprehensive income (net of taxes of $252,000). For the year ended December 31, 2009, the increase in the fair value of securities available for sale was $1,559,000, which is included in other comprehensive income (net of taxes of $608,000). Fair value measurement methods at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are consistent with those used in prior reporting periods.

140

Table of Contents

Note 14. Equity-Based Compensation Plans

At December 31, 2010, the Company had the following equity-based compensation plans: the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan, the First Bancorp 2004 Stock Option Plan, the First Bancorp 1994 Stock Option Plan, and one plan that was assumed from an acquired entity. The Company’s shareholders approved all equity-based compensation plans, except for those assumed from acquired companies. The First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan became effective upon the approval of shareholders on May 2, 2007. As of December 31, 2010, the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan was the only plan that had shares available for future grants.

The First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan and its predecessor plans, the First Bancorp 2004 Stock Option Plan and the First Bancorp 1994 Stock Option Plan (“Predecessor Plans”), are intended to serve as a means to attract, retain and motivate key employees and directors and to associate the interests of the plans’ participants with those of the Company and its shareholders. The Predecessor Plans only provided for the ability to grant stock options, whereas the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan, in addition to providing for grants of stock options, also allows for grants of other types of equity-based compensation, including stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted performance stock, unrestricted stock, and performance units. Since the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan became effective on May 2, 2007, the Company has granted the following stock-based compensation: 1) the grant of 2,250 stock options to each of the Company’s non-employee directors on June 1, 2007, 2008, and 2009, 2) the grant of 5,000 incentive stock options to an executive officer on April 1, 2008 in connection with a corporate acquisition, 3) the grant of 262,599 stock options and 81,337 performance units to 19 senior officers on June 17, 2008 (each performance unit represents the right to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions), 4) the grant of 29,267 long-term restricted shares of common stock to certain senior executive officers on December 11, 2009, and 5) the grant of 1,039 shares of common stock to each of the Company’s non-employee directors on June 1, 2010.

Prior to the June 17, 2008 grant, stock option grants to employees generally had five-year vesting schedules (20% vesting each year) and had been irregular, usually falling into three categories - 1) to attract and retain new employees, 2) to recognize changes in responsibilities of existing employees, and 3) to periodically reward exemplary performance. Compensation expense associated with these types of grants is recorded pro-ratably over the vesting period. As it relates to directors, until 2010 the Company has historically granted 2,250 vested stock options to each of the Company’s non-employee directors in June of each year. In June 2010, the Company granted 1,039 common shares to each non-employee director, which had approximately the same value as 2,250 stock options. Compensation expense associated with these director grants is recognized on the date of grant since there are no vesting conditions.

The June 17, 2008 grant of a combination of performance units and stock options have both performance conditions (earnings per share targets) and service conditions that must be met in order to vest. The 262,599 stock options and 81,337 performance units represent the maximum number of options and performance units that could have vested if the Company were to achieve specified maximum goals for earnings per share during the three annual performance periods ending on December 31, 2008, 2009, and 2010. Up to one-third of the total number of options and performance units granted are subject to vesting annually as of December 31 of each year beginning in 2010, if (1) the Company achieves specific earnings per share (EPS) goals during the corresponding performance period and (2) the executive or key employee continues employment for a period of two years beyond the corresponding performance period. Compensation expense for this grant is recorded over the various service periods based on the estimated number of options and performance units that are probable to vest. If the awards do not vest, no compensation cost is recognized and any previously recognized compensation cost will be reversed. The Company did not achieve the minimum earnings per share performance goal for 2008 or 2010, and thus two-thirds of the above grant was permanently forfeited. As a result of the significant acquisition gain realized in June 2009 related to a failed bank acquisition (see Note 2), the Company achieved the EPS goal for 2009 and recorded compensation expense of $299,000 in each of 2009 and 2010. Assuming no forfeitures, the Company will also record compensation expense of approximately $299,000 in 2011 as a result of the vesting of the 2009 performance period awards.

141

Table of Contents

The December 11, 2009 grant of 29,267 long-term restricted shares of common stock to senior executives vests in accordance with the minimum rules for long-term equity grants for companies participating in the TARP. These rules require that the vesting of the stock be tied to repayment of the financial assistance. For each 25% of total financial assistance repaid, 25% of the total long-term restricted stock may become transferrable. The total compensation expense associated with this grant was $398,000 and is being initially amortized over a four year period. The amount of compensation expense recorded by the Company in 2009 was insignificant. The Company recorded approximately $99,000 in 2010 related to this equity grant. See Note 18 for further information related to the Company’s participation in the TARP.

Under the terms of the Predecessor Plans and the 2007 Equity Plan, options can have a term of no longer than ten years, and all options granted thus far under these plans have had a term of ten years. The Company’s options provide for immediate vesting if there is a change in control (as defined in the plans).

At December 31, 2010, there were 636,609 options outstanding related to the three First Bancorp plans, with exercise prices ranging from $14.35 to $22.12. At December 31, 2010, there were 964,004 shares remaining available for grant under the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan. The Company also has a stock option plan as a result of a corporate acquisition. At December 31, 2010, there were 5,788 stock options outstanding in connection with the acquired plan, with option prices ranging from $10.66 to $15.22.

The Company issues new shares of common stock when options are exercised.

The Company measures the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The Company determines the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes option pricing model as follows: the risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant; the dividend yield is based on the Company’s dividend yield at the time of the grant (subject to adjustment if the dividend yield on the grant date is not expected to approximate the dividend yield over the expected life of the option); the volatility factor is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock (subject to adjustment if future volatility is reasonably expected to differ from the past); and the weighted-average expected life is based on the historical behavior of employees related to exercises, forfeitures and cancellations.

The Company’s only equity grants for the year ended December 31, 2010 were the issuance of 15,585 shares of common stock to non-employee directors on June 1, 2010 (1,039 shares per director). The fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date was $15.51 per share, which was the closing price of the Company’s common stock on that date.

The per share weighted-average fair value of options granted during 2009 and 2008 was $6.06 and $5.09, respectively, on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	2009			2008
Expected dividend yield		2.23	%		4.58	%
Risk-free interest rate		3.28	%		4.17	%
Expected life	7 years			9.7 years
Expected volatility		46.32	%		34.65	%

The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense of $640,000, $449,000, and $143,000 for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Of the $640,000 in expense that was recorded in 2010, approximately $299,000 related to the June 17, 2008 grants to 19 senior officers and is classified as “personnel expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Income, approximately $99,000 related to the December 11, 2009 equity grant (also classified as “personnel expense”), and the remaining $242,000 relates to the June 1, 2010 director grants and is classified as “other operating expenses.” Of the $449,000 in expense that was recorded in 2009, approximately $299,000 related to the June 17, 2008 grants to 19 senior officers and is classified as “personnel expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Income, while $150,000 relates to the June

142

Table of Contents

1, 2009 director grants and is classified as “other operating expenses.” Substantially all of the expense recorded in 2008 relates to the June 1 director grants and is classified as “other operating expenses.” Stock-based compensation expense is reflected as an adjustment to cash flows from operating activities on the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company recognized $250,000, $180,000, and $53,000 of income tax benefits related to stock-based compensation expense in the income statement for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

At December 31, 2010, the Company had $32,000 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock options that have vesting requirements based solely on service conditions. At December 31, 2010, the Company had $300,000 in unrecognized compensation expense associated with the June 17, 2008 award grant that has both performance conditions and service conditions.

As noted above, certain of the Company’s stock option grants contain terms that provide for a graded vesting schedule whereby portions of the award vest in increments over the requisite service period. The Company has elected to recognize compensation expense for awards with graded vesting schedules on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Compensation expense is based on the estimated number of stock options and awards that will ultimately vest. Over the past five years, there have only been minimal amounts of forfeitures or expirations, and therefore the Company assumes that all options granted without performance conditions will become vested.

The following table presents information regarding the activity since December 31, 2007 related to all of the Company’s stock options outstanding:

	Options Outstanding
	Number of Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Contractual Term (years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Balance at December 31, 2007		607,982		$	17.38

Granted		296,849			16.63
Assumed in corporate acquisition		88,409			14.39
Exercised		(76,849	)		13.83		$	304,330
Forfeited		(87,515	)		16.53
Expired		–			–

Balance at December 31, 2008		828,876		$	17.21

Granted		27,000			14.35
Exercised		(73,843	)		13.14		$	251,000
Forfeited		−			−
Expired		(28,917	)		11.52

Balance at December 31, 2009		753,116		$	17.73

Granted		−			−
Exercised		(18,667	)		10.46		$	97,940
Forfeited		(87,536	)		16.53
Expired		(4,500	)		15.69

Outstanding at December 31, 2010		642,413		$	18.11	3.8	$	79,768

Exercisable at December 31, 2010		568,467		$	18.30	3.3	$	79,768

The Company received $171,000, $393,000, and $705,000 as a result of stock option exercises during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. The Company recorded $36,000, $73,000, and $65,000

143

Table of Contents

in associated tax benefits from the exercise of nonqualified stock options during the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

The following table summarizes information about the stock options outstanding at December 31, 2010:

	Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding at 12/31/10		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life		Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable at 12/31/10		Weighted- Average Exercise Price

$8.85 to $11.06		3,431		1.5	$	10.66		3,431	$	10.66
$11.06 to $13.27		−		−		−		−		−
$13.27 to $15.48		171,404		1.9		15.18		171,404		15.18
$15.48 to $17.70		201,848		5.0		16.51		130,902		16.51
$17.70 to $19.91		56,250		4.7		19.65		56,250		19.65
$19.91 to $22.12		209,480		3.9		21.76		206,480		21.78
		642,413		3.8	$	18.11		568,467	$	18.30

As discussed above, the Company granted 81,337 performance units to 19 senior officers on June 17, 2008. Each performance unit represents the right to acquire one share of the Company’s common stock upon satisfaction of the vesting conditions. The fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date was $16.53 per share. One-third of this grant was forfeited on December 31, 2008 and another one-third was forfeited on December 31, 2010 because the Company failed to meet the minimum performance goal required for vesting. Also as discussed above, the Company granted 29,267 long-term restricted shares of common stock to certain senior executives on December 11, 2009.

The following table presents information regarding the activity during 2008, 2009, and 2010 related to the Company’s outstanding performance units and restricted stock:

Nonvested Performance Units

Long-Term Restricted Stock

Number of Units

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

Number of Units

Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value

Nonvested at January 1, 2008

–

Granted during the period

81,337

16.53

–

Vested during the period

–

Forfeited or expired during the period

(27,112

)

16.53

–

Nonvested at December 31, 2008

54,225

16.53

–

Granted during the period

–

29,267

13.59

Vested during the period

–

Forfeited or expired during the period

–

Nonvested at December 31, 2009

54,225

16.53

29,267

13.59

Granted during the period

–

Vested during the period

–

Forfeited or expired during the period

(27,112

)

16.53

–

Nonvested at December 31, 2010

27,113

16.53

29,267

13.59

144

Table of Contents

Note 15. Regulatory Restrictions

The Company is regulated by the Federal Reserve Board and is subject to securities registration and public reporting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Bank is regulated by the FDIC and the North Carolina Commissioner of Banks.

The primary source of funds for the payment of dividends by the Company is dividends received from its subsidiary, the Bank. The Bank, as a North Carolina banking corporation, may pay dividends only out of undivided profits as determined pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes Section 53-87. As of December 31, 2010, the Bank had undivided profits of approximately $191,819,000 which were available for the payment of dividends (subject to remaining in compliance with regulatory capital requirements). As of December 31, 2010, approximately $182,356,000 of the Company’s investment in the Bank is restricted as to transfer to the Company without obtaining prior regulatory approval.

The average reserve balance maintained by the Bank under the requirements of the Federal Reserve Board was approximately $25,000 for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The Company and the Bank must comply with regulatory capital requirements established by the Federal Reserve Board and FDIC. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. These capital standards require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum ratios of “Tier 1” capital to total risk-weighted assets (“Tier I Capital Ratio”) and total capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.00% and 8.00% (“Total Capital Ratio”), respectively. Tier 1 capital is comprised of total shareholders’ equity, excluding unrealized gains or losses from the securities available for sale, less intangible assets, and total capital is comprised of Tier 1 capital plus certain adjustments, the largest of which for the Company and the Bank is the allowance for loan losses. Risk-weighted assets refer to the on- and off-balance sheet exposures of the Company and the Bank, adjusted for their related risk levels using formulas set forth in Federal Reserve Board and FDIC regulations.

In addition to the risk-based capital requirements described above, the Company and the Bank are subject to a leverage capital requirement, which calls for a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital (as defined above) to quarterly average total assets (“Leverage Ratio) of 3.00% to 5.00%, depending upon the institution’s composite ratings as determined by its regulators. The Federal Reserve Board has not advised the Company of any requirement specifically applicable to it.

In addition to the minimum capital requirements described above, the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action also contains specific capital guidelines applicable to banks for classification as “well capitalized,” which are presented with the minimum ratios, the Company’s ratios and the Bank’s ratios as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 in the following table. Based on the most recent notification from its regulators, the Bank is well capitalized under the framework. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Company’s classification.

145

Table of Contents

Also see Note 18 for discussion of the sale of $65 million in preferred stock in January 2009 that increased the Company’s capital ratios.

	Actual					For Capital Adequacy Purposes					To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
($ in thousands)	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
						(must equal or exceed)					(must equal or exceed)
As of December 31, 2010
Total Capital Ratio
Company	$	351,097		16.57	%	$	169,493		8.00	%	$	N/A		N/A
Bank		330,560		15.62	%		169,340		8.00	%		211,675		10.00	%
Tier I Capital Ratio
Company		324,330		15.31	%		84,746		4.00	%		N/A		N/A
Bank		303,817		14.35	%		84,670		4.00	%		127,005		6.00	%
Leverage Ratio
Company		324,330		10.28	%		126,212		4.00	%		N/A		N/A
Bank		303,817		9.63	%		126,228		4.00	%		157,785		5.00	%

As of December 31, 2009
Total Capital Ratio
Company	$	349,858		15.14	%	$	184,904		8.00	%	$	N/A		N/A
Bank		346,178		14.99	%		184,732		8.00	%		230,915		10.00	%
Tier I Capital Ratio
Company		320,862		13.88	%		92,452		4.00	%		N/A		N/A
Bank		317,209		13.74	%		92,366		4.00	%		138,549		6.00	%
Leverage Ratio
Company		320,862		9.30	%		137,987		4.00	%		N/A		N/A
Bank		317,209		9.20	%		137,868		4.00	%		172,335		5.00	%

Note 16. Supplementary Income Statement Information

Components of other noninterest income/expense exceeding 1% of total income for any of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 are as follows:

($ in thousands)	2010		2009		2008

Other service charges, commissions, and fees – debit interchange income	$	2,521		2,081		1,678
Other service charges, commissions, and fees – other interchange income		912		980		866

Other operating expenses – interchange expense		1,368		1,278		955
Other operating expenses – stationery and supplies		2,563		2,181		1,903
Other operating expenses – telephone expense		2,053		1,847		1,349
Other operating expenses – FDIC insurance expense		4,387		5,500		1,157
Other operating expenses – repossession and collection – non-covered		2,138		871		536
Other operating expenses – repossession and collection – covered, net of FDIC reimbursement		2,617		795		−

146

Table of Contents

Note 17. Condensed Parent Company Information

Condensed financial data for First Bancorp (parent company only) follows:

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS	As of December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010		2009
Assets
Cash on deposit with bank subsidiary	$	21,826		4,322
Investment in wholly-owned subsidiaries, at equity		369,107		384,329
Premises and Equipment		172		183
Other assets		1,660		1,685
Total assets	$	392,765		390,519

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity
Trust preferred securities	$	46,394		46,394
Other liabilities		1,768		1,742
Total liabilities		48,162		48,136

Shareholders’ equity		344,603		342,383
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	392,765		390,519

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME	Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Dividends from wholly-owned subsidiaries	$	26,250			13,250			8,500
Earnings of wholly-owned subsidiaries, net of dividends		(14,536	)		49,024			16,694
Interest expense		(1,054	)		(1,356	)		(3,312	)
All other income and expenses, net		(678	)		(659	)		123
Net income		9,982			60,259			22,005

Preferred stock dividends and accretion		(4,107	)		(3,972	)		—

Net income available to common shareholders	$	5,875			56,287			22,005

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS	Year Ended December 31,
($ in thousands)	2010			2009			2008

Operating Activities:
Net income	$	9,982			60,259			22,005
Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries		−			(49,024	)		(16,694	)
Dividend from subsidiaries in excess of earnings		14,536			−			−
Decrease in other assets		32			72			132
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities		17			(349	)		(91	)
Total – operating activities		24,567			10,958			5,352
Investing Activities:
Downstream cash investment in subsidiary		─			(45,000	)		─
Cash proceeds from dissolution of subsidiary		706			─			─
Proceeds from sales of investments		─			─			500
Net cash received in acquisition of Great Pee Dee Bancorp, Inc.		─			─			485
Total – investing activities		706			(45,000	)		985
Financing Activities:
Repayments of borrowings, net		─			(20,000	)		─
Payment of cash dividends		(8,609	)		(9,908	)		(11,738	)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock and common stock warrants		─			65,000			─
Proceeds from issuance of common stock		840			1,505			1,957
Total - financing activities		(7,769	)		36,597			(9,781	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash		17,504			2,555			(3,444	)
Cash, beginning of year		4,322			1,767			5,211
Cash, end of year	$	21,826			4,322			1,767

147

Table of Contents

Note 18. Participation in the U.S. Treasury Capital Purchase Program

On January 9, 2009, the Company completed the sale of $65 million of Series A preferred stock to the Treasury under the Treasury’s Capital Purchase Program. The program is designed to attract broad participation by healthy banking institutions to help stabilize the financial system and increase lending for the benefit of the U.S. economy.

Under the terms of the stock purchase agreement, the Treasury received (i) 65,000 shares of fixed rate cumulative perpetual preferred stock with a liquidation value of $1,000 per share and (ii) a warrant to purchase 616,308 shares of the Company’s common stock, no par value, in exchange for $65 million.

The preferred stock qualifies as Tier 1 capital and will pay cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% for the first five years, and 9% thereafter. Subject to regulatory approval, the Company is generally permitted to redeem the preferred shares at par plus unpaid dividends.

The warrant has a 10-year term and was immediately exercisable upon its issuance with an exercise price equal to $15.82 per share. The Treasury has agreed not to exercise voting power with respect to any shares of common stock issued upon exercise of the warrant.

The Company allocated the $65 million in proceeds to the preferred stock and the warrant based on their relative fair values. To determine the fair value of the preferred stock, the Company used a discounted cash flow model that assumed redemption of the preferred stock at the end of year five. The discount rate utilized was 13% and the estimated fair value was determined to be $36.2 million. The fair value of the warrant was estimated to be $2.8 million using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

Expected dividend yield		4.83	%
Risk-free interest rate		2.48	%
Expected life	10 years
Expected volatility		35.00	%
Weighted average fair value	$	4.47

The aggregate fair value result for both the preferred stock and the common stock warrant was determined to be $39.0 million, with 7% of this aggregate total attributable to the warrant and 93% attributable to the preferred stock. Therefore, the $65 million issuance was allocated with $60.4 million being assigned to the preferred stock and $4.6 million being assigned to the warrant.

The $4.6 million difference between the $65 million face value of the preferred stock and the $60.4 million allocated to it upon issuance was recorded as a discount on the preferred stock. The $4.6 million discount is being accreted, using the effective interest method, as a reduction in net income available to common shareholders over a five year period at approximately $0.8 million to $1.0 million per year.

For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company accrued approximately $3,250,000 and $3,169,000, respectively, in preferred dividend payments and accreted $857,000 and $803,000, respectively, of the discount on the preferred stock. These amounts are deducted from net income in computing “Net income available to common shareholders.”

148

Table of Contents

Note 19. Subsequent Event

On January 21, 2011, the Company announced that it had entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the FDIC to purchase substantially all of the assets and liabilities of The Bank of Asheville in Asheville, North Carolina. The Bank of Asheville operated through five branches with approximately $193 million in total assets, including $154 million in loans, and $196 million in liabilities, including $192 million in deposits. Substantially all of the loans and foreclosed real-estate are covered by loss share agreements with the FDIC.

149

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

First Bancorp

Troy, North Carolina

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Bancorp and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Bancorp and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 15, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Elliott Davis, PLLC

Greenville, South Carolina

March 15, 2011

150

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

First Bancorp

Troy, North Carolina

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of First Bancorp and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (c) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the COSO criteria.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010 and our report dated March 15, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ Elliott Davis, PLLC

Greenville, South Carolina

March 15, 2011

151

Table of Contents

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, which are our controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports with the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the required time periods. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed is communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in allowing timely decisions regarding disclosure to be made about material information required to be included in our periodic reports with the SEC.

Management’s Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of First Bancorp and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the Company conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation under the framework in Internal Control – Integrated Framework, management of the Company has concluded the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(f), as of December 31, 2010.

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting can also be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.

Management is also responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements and other financial information contained in this report. The accompanying consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include, as necessary, best estimates and judgments by management.

Elliott Davis, PLLC, an independent, registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2010, and audited the Company’s

152

Table of Contents

effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, as stated in their report, which is included in Item 8 hereof.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during, or subsequent to, the fourth quarter of 2010 that were reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

Not applicable.

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Incorporated herein by reference is the information under the captions “Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Corporate Governance Policies and Practices” and “Board Committees, Attendance and Compensation” from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Incorporated herein by reference is the information under the captions “Executive Compensation” and “Board Committees, Attendance and Compensation” from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

Incorporated herein by reference is the information under the captions “Principal Holders of First Bancorp Voting Securities” and “Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers” from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

See also “Additional Information Regarding the Registrant’s Equity Compensation Plans” in Item 5 of this report.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Incorporated herein by reference is the information under the caption “Certain Transactions” and “Corporate Governance Policies and Practices” from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Incorporated herein by reference is the information under the caption “Audit Committee Report” from the Company’s definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A.

153

Table of Contents

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)	1.	Financial Statements - See Item 8 and the Cross Reference Index on page 3 for information concerning the Company’s consolidated financial statements and report of independent auditors.

	2.	Financial Statement Schedules - not applicable

	3.	Exhibits

		The following exhibits are filed with this report or, as noted, are incorporated by reference. Management contracts, compensatory plans and arrangements are marked with an asterisk (*).

3.a		Articles of Incorporation of the Company and amendments thereto were filed as Exhibits 3.a.i through 3.a.v to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2002, and are incorporated herein by reference. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009, and are incorporated herein by reference. Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation were filed as Exhibit 3.1.b to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3D filed on June 29, 2010, and are incorporated herein by reference.

3.b		Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company were filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2009, and are incorporated herein by reference.

4.a		Form of Common Stock Certificate was filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999, and is incorporated herein by reference.

4.b		Form of Certificate for Series A Preferred Stock was filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

4.c		Warrant for Purchase of Shares of Common Stock was filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

10		Material Contracts

10.a		Data Processing Agreement dated October 1, 1984 by and between Bank of Montgomery (First Bank) and Montgomery Data Services, Inc. was filed as Exhibit 10(k) to the Registrant's Registration Statement Number 33-12692, and is incorporated herein by reference.

10.b		First Bancorp Annual Incentive Plan was filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Form 8-K filed on February 2, 2007 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.c		Indemnification Agreement between the Company and its Directors and Officers was filed as Exhibit 10(t) to the Registrant's Registration Statement Number 33-12692, and is incorporated herein by reference.

10.d		First Bancorp Senior Management Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.e		First Bancorp 1994 Stock Option Plan was filed as Exhibit 10(f) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

154

Table of Contents

10.f		First Bancorp 2004 Stock Option Plan was filed as Exhibit B to the Registrant's Form Def 14A filed on March 30, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.g		First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan was filed as Appendix B to the Registrant's Form Def 14A filed on March 27, 2007 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.h		Employment Agreement between the Company and Anna G. Hollers dated August 17, 1998 was filed as Exhibit 10(m) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, and is incorporated by reference (Commission File Number 000-15572). (*)

10.i		Employment Agreement between the Company and Teresa C. Nixon dated August 17, 1998 was filed as Exhibit 10(n) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, and is incorporated by reference (Commission File Number 000-15572). (*)

10.j		Employment Agreement between the Company and Eric P. Credle dated August 17, 1998 was filed as Exhibit 10(p) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998, and is incorporated herein by reference (Commission File Number 333-71431).(*)

10.k		Employment Agreement between the Company and John F. Burns dated September 14, 2000 was filed as Exhibit 10.w to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2000 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.l		Employment Agreement between the Company and R. Walton Brown dated January 15, 2003 was filed as Exhibit 10(b) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.m		Amendment to the employment agreement between the Company and R. Walton Brown dated March 8, 2005 was filed as Exhibit 10.n to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.n		Employment Agreement between the Company and Jerry L. Ocheltree was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filed on January 25, 2006, and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.o		First Bancorp Long Term Care Insurance Plan was filed as Exhibit 10(o) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, and is incorporated by reference. (*)

10.p		Advances and Security Agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta dated February 15, 2005 was attached as Exhibit 99(a) to the Form 8-K filed on February 22, 2005, and is incorporated herein by reference.

10.q		Form of Stock Option and Performance Unit Award Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 23, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.r		Description of Director Compensation pursuant to Item 601(b)(10)(iii)(A) of Regulation S-K was filed as Exhibit 10.q to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and is incorporated herein by reference.

10.s		Letter Agreement, dated January 9, 2009, including Securities Purchase Agreement—Standard Terms, between First Bancorp and the United States Department of the Treasury was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K Current Report filed on January 13, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

155

Table of Contents

10.t		Purchase and Assumption Agreement among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Cooperative Bank, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and First Bank dated as of June 19, 2009 was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on June 24, 2009, and is incorporated herein by reference.

10.u		Form of Waiver by Senior Officers (TARP Capital Purchase Program) was filed as Exhibit 10.a to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and is incorporated herein by reference.

10.v		Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the First Bancorp 2007 Equity Plan was filed as Exhibit 10.u to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.w		First Bancorp Employees’ Pension Plan, including amendments, was filed as Exhibit 10.v to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and is incorporated herein by reference. (*)

10.x		Purchase and Assumption Agreement among Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Receiver of Bank of Asheville, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and First Bank dated as of January 21, 2011 was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 26, 2011, and is incorporated herein by reference.

12		Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

21		List of Subsidiaries of Registrant.

23		Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Elliott Davis, PLLC

31.1		Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1		Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2		Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

99.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

99.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.

(b)		Exhibits - see (a)(3) above

(c)		No financial statement schedules are filed herewith.

Copies of exhibits are available upon written request to: First Bancorp, Anna G. Hollers, Executive Vice President, P.O. Box 508, Troy, NC 27371

156

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, FIRST BANCORP has duly caused this Annual Report on Form 10-K to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Troy, and State of North Carolina, on the 16th day of March 2011.

First Bancorp

By: /s/ Jerry L. Ocheltree

Jerry L. Ocheltree

President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on behalf of the Company by the following persons and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Executive Officers

/s/ Jerry L. Ocheltree

Jerry L. Ocheltree

President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer

/s/ Anna G. Hollers Anna G. Hollers Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer / Secretary March 16, 2011	/s/ Eric P. Credle Eric P. Credle Executive Vice President Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) March 16, 2011

Board of Directors

/s/ Thomas F. Phillips Thomas F. Phillips Chairman of the Board Director March 16, 2011	/s/ James G. Hudson, Jr. James G. Hudson, Jr. Director March 16, 2011

/s/ Daniel T. Blue, Jr. Daniel T. Blue, Jr. Director March 16, 2011	/s/ Richard H. Moore Richard H. Moore Director March 16, 2011

/s/ Jack D. Briggs Jack D. Briggs Director March 16, 2011	/s/ Jerry L. Ocheltree Jerry L. Ocheltree Director March 16, 2011

/s/ R. Walton Brown R. Walton Brown Director March 16, 2011	/s/ George R. Perkins, Jr. George R. Perkins, Jr. Director March 16, 2011

/s/ David L. Burns David L. Burns Director March 16, 2011	/s/ Frederick L. Taylor II Frederick L. Taylor II Director March 16, 2011

/s/ John F. Burns John F. Burns Director March 16, 2011	/s/ Virginia C. Thomasson Virginia C. Thomasson Director March 16, 2011

157

Table of Contents

/s/ Mary Clara Capel Mary Clara Capel Director March 16, 2011	/s/ Goldie H. Wallace Goldie H. Wallace Director March 16, 2011

/s/ James C. Crawford, III James C. Crawford, III Director March 16, 2011	/s/ Dennis A. Wicker Dennis A. Wicker Director March 16, 2011

/s/ R. Winston Dozier, Jr. R. Winston Dozier, Jr. Director March 16, 2011	/s/ John C. Willis John C. Willis Director March 16, 2011

158