BANGOR – Edwin N. Clift, chairman and chief executive officer of Merrill Merchants Bancshares, the parent company of Merrill Merchants Bank, reported that the bank earned record net income of $1.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2005. The earnings represent a 14 percent increase over the same period last year.

The bank reported diluted earnings per share of 39 cents for the second quarter of 2005, a 15 percent increase over the 2004 second quarter figure of 34 cents.

The company’s consolidated assets were $392.6 million on June 30, 2005, an increase of $32.3 million, or 9 percent from the same date a year ago. During the year, loans grew 10 percent and deposits grew 9 percent. The company’s second quarter dividend was 16 cents, an increase of 18 percent over last year’s figure.