First Bancorp reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013. For the quarter, the company reported net income available to common shareholders of $2.9 million, or $0.14 per diluted common share compared to a net loss available to common shareholders of $5.9 million, or $0.35 per diluted common share, recorded in the first quarter of 2012. The higher earnings were primarily a result of a lower provision for loan losses. Net interest income was $31.9 million compared to $32.1 million in the first quarter of 2012. Total interest income was $35.089 million compared to $36.932 million a year ago. Income before income taxes was $4.656 million against loss before income taxes of $8.490 million a year ago. Return on average assets was 0.36% against negative return on average assets of 0.72% a year ago. Return on average common equity was 4.01% against negative return on average common equity of 8.39% a year ago. Interest and fees on loans was $33.551 million compared with $35.042 million for the same period last year. Net income available to common shareholders. On March 15, 2013, the Company announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share payable on April 25, 2013 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2013. This is the same dividend rate as the Company declared in the first quarter of 2012.

First Bancorp, Annual General Meeting, May 09, 2013., at 15:00 Eastern Daylight. Location: James H. Garner Conference Center. Agenda: To elect thirteen nominees to the Board of Directors to serve until the 2014 annual meeting of shareholders, or until their successors are elected and qualified; to ratify the appointment of Elliott Davis, PLLC as the independent auditors of the company for 2013; to approve, on a non-binding advisory basis, the compensation paid to the company’s named executive officers; and transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting, or any adjournment thereof.

On March 15, 2013, First Bancorp announced a cash dividend. The company reported that its board of directors had declared a cash dividend of 8 cents per share on its common stock payable on April 25, 2013 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2013.