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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations
The First Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") through its wholly-owned subsidiary, First National Bank (the "Bank"), provides a full range of banking services to individual and corporate customers from eighteen offices in coastal and eastern Maine. First National Wealth Management, a division of the Bank, provides investment management, private banking and financial planning services. On January 28, 2016, the Board of Directors voted to change the Bank's name to First National Bank from The First, N.A.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Subsequent Events
Events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2022 have been evaluated as to their potential impact on the financial statements.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements
In preparing the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), Management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, the valuations of mortgage servicing rights, derivative financial instruments the securities portfolio and other-than-temporary impairment of securities, and goodwill.

Investment Securities
Investment securities are classified as available for sale or held to maturity when purchased. There are no trading account securities. Securities available for sale consist primarily of debt securities which Management intends to hold for indefinite periods of time. They may be used as part of the Bank's funds management strategy, and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates or prepayment risk, changes in liquidity needs, or for other reasons. They are accounted for at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses adjusted through shareholders' equity, net of related income taxes. The cost basis is adjusted for the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, computed using the effective interest method over the securities' contractual lives. Securities to be held to maturity consist primarily of debt securities which Management has acquired solely for long-term investment purposes, rather than for purposes of trading or future sale. For securities to be held to maturity, Management has the intent and the Bank has the ability to hold such securities until their respective maturity dates. Such securities are carried at cost adjusted for the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, computed using the effective interest method over the securities' contractual lives. Effective January 1, 2022 securities purchases are accounted for on a trade date basis; prior to January 1, 2022 a settlement date basis was used. Reported amounts would not be materially different if basis had not changed. Gains and losses on the sales of investment securities are determined using the amortized cost of the specifically identified security.
Fair Value of Securities. Determining a market price for securities carried at fair value is a critical accounting estimate in the Company's financial statements. Pricing of individual securities is subject to a number of factors including changes in market interest rates, changes in prepayment speeds and assumptions, changes in market tolerance for risk, and any changes in the risk profile of the security. The Company subscribes to a widely recognized, independent pricing service and updates carrying values no less frequently than monthly. It also validates the values provided by the pricing service no less frequently than quarterly by measuring against security prices provided by a secondary source. Results of the validation are reported to the Bank's Asset Liability Committee each quarter and any variances between the two sources above defined thresholds are investigated by management.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairment on Securities. Another significant estimate related to investment securities is the evaluation of other-than-temporary impairment. The evaluation of securities for other-than-temporary impairment is a quantitative and qualitative process, which is subject to risks and uncertainties and is intended to determine whether declines in the fair value of investments should be recognized in current period earnings. The risks and uncertainties include changes in general economic conditions, the issuer's financial condition and/or future prospects, the effects of changes in interest rates or credit spreads and the expected recovery period of unrealized losses. Securities that are in an unrealized loss position are reviewed at least quarterly to determine if other-than-temporary impairment is present based on certain quantitative and qualitative factors and measures. The primary factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value of securities is other-than-temporary include: (a) the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost or amortized cost and the expected recovery period of the security, (b) the financial condition, credit rating and future prospects of the issuer, (c) whether the debtor is current on contractually obligated interest and principal payments, (d) the volatility of the securities' market price, (e) the intent and ability of the Company to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery, which may be at maturity and (f) any other information and
observable data considered relevant in determining whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred, including the expectation of receipt of all principal and interest when due.

Derivative Financial Instruments Designated as Hedges
The Bank recognizes all derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. On the date the Bank enters into the derivative contract, the Bank designates the derivative as a hedge of either a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge”), or a held for trading instrument (“trading instrument”). The Bank formally documents relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. The Bank also assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items. Changes in fair value of a derivative that is effective and that qualifies as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) and are reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction or related cash flows affect earnings. Changes in fair value of a derivative that qualifies as a fair value hedge and the change in fair value of the hedged item are both recorded in earnings and offset each other when the transaction is effective. Those derivatives that are classified as trading instruments are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. The Bank discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the hedged item, that it is unlikely that the forecasted transaction will occur, or that the designation of the derivative as a hedging instrument is no longer appropriate.

Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale consist of residential real estate mortgage loans and are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, as determined by current investor yield requirements.

Loans
Loans are generally reported at their outstanding principal balances, adjusted for chargeoffs, the allowance for loan losses and any deferred fees or costs to originate loans. Loan commitments are recorded when funded.

Loan Fees and Costs
Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and recognized in interest income as an adjustment to the loan yield over the life of the related loans. The unamortized net deferred fees and costs are included on the balance sheets with the related loan balances, and the amortization is included with the related interest income.

Allowance for Loan Losses
Loans considered to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level determined by Management to be appropriate to absorb probable losses under the incurred loss methodology. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to operating expenses and recoveries on loans previously charged off. Arriving at an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment. In determining the appropriate level of allowance for loan losses, Management takes into consideration a number of factors including size and growth trajectory of the portfolio, quality trends as measured by key indicators, prior loan loss experience in major portfolio segments, local and national business and economic conditions, the results of any stress testing undertaken during the period, reviews of individual non-performing loans and performing loans listed on the watch report requiring periodic evaluation, and Management's estimation of potential losses. For all loan classes, loans over 30 days past due are considered delinquent. Impaired loans include troubled debt restructured ("TDR") loans and loans placed on non-accrual status when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. These loans are measured at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or at the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Management takes into consideration impaired loans in addition to the above mentioned factors in determining the appropriate level of allowance for loan losses. The Company will adopt the current expected credit loss methodology (CECL), required under Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, effective January 1, 2023.

TDR
A restructuring of debt constitutes a TDR if the Bank, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. To determine whether or not a loan should be classified as a TDR, Management evaluates a loan to first determine if the borrower demonstrates financial difficulty. Common indicators of this include past due status with bank obligations, substandard credit bureau reports, or an inability to refinance with another lender. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and concessions are granted, such as maturity date extension, interest rate adjustments to below market pricing, or a deferral of payments, the loan will generally be classified as a TDR. Regulatory guidance issued in March 2020 in response to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the CARES Act passed shortly thereafter, and
the Supplemental Appropriations Act passed in December 2020 granted exemption to TDR classification for certain qualified loan modification actions that normally would have been classified as TDRs. ASU 2022-02 published in March 2022 eliminates TDR guidance and introduces new standards for loan modification disclosure; the Company will adopt ASU 2022-02 effective January 1, 2023.

Accrual of Interest Income and Expense
Interest on loans and investment securities is taken into income using methods which relate the income earned to the balances of loans and investment securities outstanding. Interest expense on liabilities is derived by applying applicable interest rates to principal amounts outstanding. For all classes of loans, recording of interest income on problem loans, which includes impaired loans, ceases when collectibility of principal and interest within a reasonable period of time becomes doubtful. Cash payments received on non-accrual loans, which includes impaired loans, are applied to reduce the loan's principal balance until the remaining principal balance is deemed collectible, after which interest is recognized when collected. As a general rule, a loan may be restored to accrual status when payments are current for a substantial period of time, generally six months, and repayment of the remaining contractual amounts is expected or when it otherwise becomes well secured and in the process of collection.

Premises and Equipment
Premises, furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation expense is computed by straight-line methods over the asset's estimated useful life.

Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO")
Real estate acquired by foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure is transferred to OREO and recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, based on appraised value at the date actually or constructively received. Loan losses arising from the acquisition of such property are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent provisions to reduce the carrying value of a property are recorded to the allowance for OREO losses and a charge to operations on a property specific basis.

Goodwill and Identified Intangible Assets
Intangible assets include the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) from the acquisitions of FNB Bankshares in 2005, a bank branch in Rockland, Maine and bank building in Bangor, Maine in 2012, and a bank branch in Belfast, Maine in 2020, as well as the core deposit intangible related to the respective acquisitions. The Company annually evaluates goodwill, and periodically evaluates other intangible assets, for impairment. At December 31, 2022, the Company determined goodwill and other intangible assets were not impaired.

Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and for tax credits that are available to offset future taxable income. 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 of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period the change is enacted.

Mortgage Servicing Rights
The valuation of mortgage servicing rights is a critical accounting policy which requires significant estimates and assumptions. The Bank often sells mortgage loans it originates and retains the ongoing servicing of such loans, receiving a fee for these services, generally 0.25% of the outstanding balance of the loan per annum. Mortgage servicing rights are recognized at fair value when they are acquired through the sale of loans, and are reported in other assets. They are amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. The rights are subsequently carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Management uses an independent firm which specializes in the valuation of mortgage servicing rights to determine the fair value that is recorded on the balance sheet. The most important assumption is the anticipated loan prepayment rate, and increases in prepayment speed results in lower valuations of mortgage servicing rights. The valuation also includes an evaluation for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights, which can vary depending upon current interest rates and prepayment expectations, as compared to amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant characteristics, such as interest rates and terms. The use of different assumptions could produce a different valuation. All of the assumptions are based on standards the Company believes would be utilized by market participants in valuing mortgage servicing rights and are consistently derived and/or benchmarked against independent public sources.

Post-Retirement Benefits
The cost of providing post-retirement benefits is accrued during the active service period of the employee or director.
Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share data are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each year. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to restricted stock granted and stock options and warrants outstanding, determined by the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income and other comprehensive income (loss), which is comprised of the change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of tax, change in unrealized gains and losses on securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity, net of amortization, change in unrealized gain and losses on cash flow hedging derivative instruments, net of tax, and unrecognized gains and losses related to post-retirement benefit costs, net of tax.

Segments
The First Bancorp, Inc., through the branches of its subsidiary, First National Bank, provides a broad range of financial services to individuals and companies in coastal Maine. These services include demand, time, and savings deposits; lending; payment processing; and investment management and trust services. Operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a corporate-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Company's banking operations are considered by Management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.

Risks & Uncertainties
As of December 31, 2022, local and state governments in the US have eased or eliminated most restrictions imposed to curtail the spread of the global pandemic, COVID-19. There continues to be uncertainty surrounding the duration of the pandemic, its potential economic ramifications, and any further government actions to mitigate them. Accordingly, while management has considered the effect of the pandemic on collectability of loans receivable and other business impacts, it is possible that this matter may have a further financial impact on the Company's financial position and results of future operations, such potential impact of which cannot be reasonably estimated.
Government economic programs intended to backstop and bolster the economy through the pandemic, such as the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) have ended, and the nation's economy has entered an inflationary phase. The Consumer Price Index has risen at levels not experienced since the 1980s while the labor market remains very tight, contributing additional inflationary pressure. To address the inflation problem, the Federal Reserve has removed accommodative monetary policies and aggressively increased short-term interest rates. These actions are intended to slow overall economic activity and risk entering the economy into a recession. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has exacerbated pandemic-related supply chain issues, upset numerous global markets including energy and certain raw materials, and generally added to economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability. Any or all could have negative downstream effects on the Company's operating results, the extent of which is indeterminable at this time.