BANGOR – Merrill Merchants Bancshares Inc. has reported record second quarter earnings of $1.2 million, a 15 percent increase over the same period last year.

The parent company of Merrill Merchants Bank also reported diluted earnings per share of 35 cents for the second quarter of 2004, an increase of 17 percent over 2003.

In the first two quarters of 2004, which ended on June 30, Merrill Merchants’ net income was $2.3 million. The company’s consolidated assets are $360.3 million, an increase of 12 percent over last year.