F & M BANK CORP

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


SCHEDULE 14A


Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )


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F & M Bank Corp.


(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)


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F & M BANK CORP.

Timberville, Virginia


Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders

To the Shareholders of F & M Bank Corp.


The annual meeting of shareholders of F & M Bank Corp. (the Company) will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2005, at 5:30 P.M. at Broadway High School, Broadway, Virginia, for the following purposes:


1.

Election of four directors for three-year terms expiring in 2008.


2.

Ratification of the appointment of Larrowe & Company, P.L.C. as independent auditors for 2005.


3.

Transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting. Management is not aware of any other business, other than procedural matters incident to the conduct of the Annual Meeting.


Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2005 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual meeting or any adjournments thereof.


To assure that your shares are represented at the annual meeting, please complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy, and return it as soon as possible in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope. You may amend your proxy at any time prior to the closing of the polls at the meeting.


By Order of the Board of Directors


/s/ Larry A. Caplinger


Larry A. Caplinger, Secretary


April 8, 2005








F & M BANK CORP.

P. O. Box 1111

Timberville, Virginia 22853



PROXY STATEMENT


This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the annual meeting of shareholders of F & M Bank Corp. (the Company) to be held Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 5:30 P.M. at Broadway High School, Broadway, Virginia, and at any adjournments thereof (the Annual Meeting). The principal executive offices of the Company are located on Main Street, Timberville, Virginia 22853. The approximate mailing date of this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy is April 8, 2005.


The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company (the Board). The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. Solicitations will be made only by the use of the mail, except that, if necessary, officers, directors and regular employees of the Company, or its affiliates, may make solicitations of proxies by telephone, telegraph or by personal calls. Brokerage houses and nominees may be requested to forward the proxy solicitation material to the beneficial owners of the stock held of record by such persons, and the Company may reimburse them for their charges and expenses in this regard.


All properly executed proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with any instructions thereon. Any person signing and mailing the enclosed proxy may, nevertheless, revoke the proxy at any time prior to the actual voting thereof by (i) filing written notice thereof with the Secretary of the Company (Larry A. Caplinger, Secretary, F & M Bank Corp., P. O. Box 1111, Timberville, Virginia 22853); (ii) submitting a duly executed proxy bearing a later date; or (iii) appearing at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof and giving the Secretary notice of his or her intention to vote in person.


An Annual Report to shareholders, including current financial statements, is being mailed to the Company’s shareholders concurrently with this Proxy Statement, but is not part of the proxy solicitation materials.


Interested shareholders may obtain, without charge, a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon written request to Larry A. Caplinger, Secretary, F & M Bank Corp., P. O. Box 1111, Timberville, Virginia 22853.



OUTSTANDING SHARES AND VOTING RIGHTS


Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 25, 2005 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of March 25, 2005, the Company had outstanding 2,410,101 shares of its common stock, $5 par value (Common Stock), each of which is entitled to one vote at the Annual Meeting. A majority of votes entitled to be cast on matters considered at the Annual Meeting constitutes a quorum. If a share is represented for any purpose at the Annual Meeting, it is deemed to be present for purposes of establishing a quorum. Abstentions and shares held of record by a broker or its nominees (Broker Shares) that are voted on any matter are included in determining the number of votes present or represented at the Annual Meeting. Conversely, Broker Shares that are not voted on any matter will not be included in determining whether a quorum is present. If a quorum is established, directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by shareholders at the Annual Meeting. Votes that are withheld or abstentions and Broker Shares that are not voted in the election of directors or in the ratification of auditors will not be included in determining the number of votes cast.


SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT


The following table sets forth the number and percentage of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned, as of March 25, 2005, by each of the Company’s directors and nominees, each of the executive officers named in the “Summary Compensation Table” below and all of the Company’s directors and executive officers as a group. For the purposes of this table, beneficial ownership has been determined in accordance with the provisions of Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, under which, in general, a person is deemed to be a beneficial owner of a security if he or she has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting of the security or the power to dispose of or direct the disposition of the security, or if he or she has the right to acquire beneficial ownership of the security within 60 days.


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Amount Beneficially

Percent of

Name of Owner

Owned

Class


Larry A. Caplinger

107,9591

4.479%


Thomas L. Cline

8,4212

.349%


John N. Crist

14,6183

.607%


Julian D. Fisher

27,0264

1.121%


Ellen R. Fitzwater

3,5825

.149%


Robert L. Halterman

30,003

1.245%


Daniel J. Harshman

5506

.023%


Neil W. Hayslett

100,5437

4.172%


Richard S. Myers

11,8008

.490%


Michael W. Pugh

1,2799

.053%


Ronald E. Wampler

10,55310

.438%


Dean W. Withers

3,71511

.154%


Directors and executive officers

  as a group (12 persons)

219,50612

9.108%

__________________________


1Includes 2,256 shares owned directly, 4,944 shares owned jointly with his spouse, 216 shares indirectly held for Mr. Caplinger’s children and 100,543 shares owned by the Company’s Stock Bonus Plan over which Mr. Caplinger and Neil W. Hayslett have voting power in their capacity as plan trustees.


2Includes 4,023 shares owned directly, 3,260 shares owned jointly with his spouse, 168 shares owned by his spouse, 485 shares owned by Mr. Cline’s Roth IRA and 485 shares owned by his spouse’s Roth IRA.


3Includes 6,477 shares owned directly, 2,000 shares owned by Mr. Crist’s IRA, 100 shares owned by Mr. Crist’s Roth IRA, 2,800 shares owned by his personal 401(k) plan, 1,141 shares owned by his spouse, 100 shares owned by his spouse’s Roth IRA, 1,000 shares owned by his spouse’s IRA and 1,000 shares indirectly held for Mr. Crist’s daughters.


4Includes 9,104 shares owned directly, 10,052 shares owned by Mr. Fisher’s IRA and 7,870 shares owned by his spouse.


5Includes 3,204 shares owned directly and 378 shares owned jointly with another person.


6Includes 450 shares owned directly and 100 shares owned jointly with his spouse.


7Includes 100,543 shares owned by the Company’s Stock Bonus Plan over which Mr. Hayslett and Larry A. Caplinger have voting power in their capacity as plan trustees.


8Includes 4,800 shares owned directly and 7,000 shares owned by Mr. Myers’ IRA.


9Includes 1,095 shares owned directly, 84 shares owned jointly with his spouse and 100 shares held by a simplified employee plan for Mr. Pugh’s benefit.


10Includes 10,053 shares owned directly and 500 shares owned by his spouse.



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11Includes 1,010 shares owned directly, 1,925 shares owned by Mr. Withers’ IRA, 600 shares owned by his spouse and 180 shares indirectly held for Mr. Withers’ sons.


12Includes 100,543 shares owned by the Company’s Stock Bonus Plan over which Neil Hayslett and Larry A. Caplinger have voting power in their capacity as plan trustees.




SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF BENEFICIAL OWNERS


Management of the Company knows of no person who has beneficial ownership of 5% or more of the outstanding Common Stock as of March 25, 2005.


Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance


Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s directors and executive officers, and any persons who own more than 10% of the Common Stock, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) reports of ownership and changes in ownership of Common Stock. Officers and directors are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company or written representation that no other reports were required, the Company believes that, during 2004, all filing requirements applicable to its officers and directors were complied with.




PROPOSAL ONE

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS


The term of office for the current Class C directors expires at the Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated such directors, namely John N. Crist, Julian D. Fisher, Daniel J. Harshman and Dean W. Withers, for election, for a three-year term, by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. The persons named as proxies in the accompanying form of proxy, unless instructed otherwise, intend to vote for the election of each of these nominees for directors. If any nominee should become unavailable to serve, the proxy may be voted for the election of a substitute nominee designated by the Board. The Board has no reason to believe that any of the nominees will be unable to serve if elected.


The Board recommends election of the Class C

director nominees set forth in this Proxy Statement.



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INFORMATION CONCERNING DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES


The following information, including the principal occupation during the past five years, is given with respect to the nominees, all of whom are current directors, for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting, as well as all directors continuing in office.



Name, Age and Position

with the Company

Director Since

Principal Occupation During the Last Five Years


Director Nominees


CLASS C DIRECTORS

(to serve until the 2008 annual meeting of shareholders)


John N. Crist (55)

2001

Attorney, Partner in Hoover Penrod PLC

Julian D. Fisher (64)

Chairman of the Board

1990

CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank (the Bank) from May 1996 until May 2004; President of the Bank from Oct. 1991 until May 2004

Daniel J. Harshman (53)

2001

Manager of the Town of Edinburg; Owner/Manager of The Spring House Restaurant from Jan. 1979 to Aug. 2000

Dean W. Withers (48)

President and CEO

2004

CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank (the Bank) since May 2004; Executive Vice President of the Bank from Jan 2003 to May 2004; Prior to 2003, Vice President of the Bank since 1993



Directors Continuing in Office


CLASS A DIRECTORS

(to serve until the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders)


Ellen R. Fitzwater (58)

1999

Partner/Financial Manager of Fitzwater Trucking, L.L.C.; Partner/Financial Manager of F & R Leasing, L.L.C. and Blue Ridge Transportation Service, L.L.C. since June 2000;

Corporate accountant of Rocco, Inc. from Oct. 1968 to Dec. 2001

Richard S. Myers (57)

1988

President of Dick Myers Chevrolet-Pontiac

Ronald E. Wampler (57)

1991

Farmer and partner in Dove Ohio Farms, L.L.C., WWTD Ohio Farms, L.L.C. and Dove Farms, Inc.



CLASS B DIRECTORS

(to serve until the 2007 annual meeting of shareholders)


Thomas L. Cline (58)

1991

President of Truck & Equipment Corp. and Mac Lease, Inc.; Secretary/Treasurer of Transport Repairs, Inc. until Dec. 2004; Secretary of  Truck Thermo King until Feb. 2003

Robert L. Halterman (69)

1980

President of Virginia Classic Mustang, Inc.; Partner, H & H Properties

Michael W. Pugh (50)

1994

President of Old Dominion Realty, Inc. and Colonial Appraisal Service, Inc.


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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


General


The business and affairs of the Company are managed under the direction of the Board of Directors in accordance with the Virginia Stock Corporation Act and the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Members of the Board are kept informed of the Company’s business through discussions with the Chairman of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer and other officers, by reviewing materials provided to them and by participating in meetings of the Board and its committees.


Code of Ethics


The Board of Directors has approved a Code of Ethics For Senior Financial Officers of the Company and the Bank. This document covers the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and the Accounting Manager. The Code of Ethics states that the Senior Financial Officers are expected to conduct business and act in an honest and ethical manner; provide full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable financial reports; report any significant deficiencies in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting; may not use corporate property, information, or position for improper personal gain or compete with the Company; endeavor to protect the Company’s assets and ensure their efficient use; and respect the rights of and deal fairly with the Company’s customers, suppliers, competitors and employees. It is available upon request to the Secretary of the Company at P. O. Box 1111, Timberville, VA  22853.


Board and Committee Meeting Attendance


There were 12 meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company in 2004.  Each director attended greater than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the Board of Directors and meetings of committees of which the director was a member in 2004. The Board of the Bank, which met 12 times in 2004, primarily manages all matters for the Bank. All the directors of the Company are also directors of the Bank.


Committees of the Board


The Company has an Audit Committee and the Bank has a Compensation Committee. The Company does not have a standing nominating committee.


Audit Committee


The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling the Board’s oversight responsibility to the shareholders relating to the integrity of the Company’s financial statements, the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, the qualifications, independence and performance of the Company’s independent auditor and the performance of the internal audit function.  The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of the work of the independent auditor engaged for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit, review or attestation services for the Company. The Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee Charter was included as Appendix A to the proxy statement for the 2004 annual meeting.


The members of the Audit Committee are Thomas L. Cline, Ellen R. Fitzwater, Robert L. Halterman, Daniel J. Harshman and Ronald E. Wampler, all of whom the Board in its business judgment has determined are independent as defined by the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”).  The Board of Directors also has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee have sufficient knowledge in financial and auditing matters to serve on the Audit Committee and that Ms. Fitzwater qualifies as an audit committee financial expert as defined by SEC regulations.


The Audit Committee met four times in 2004. For additional information regarding the Audit Committee, see “Audit Information-Audit Committee Report” on page 13 of this Proxy Statement.


Compensation Committee


The Compensation Committee reviews senior management’s performance and compensation and reviews and sets guidelines for compensation of all employees. All decisions by the Compensation Committee relating to the compensation of the Company’s executive officers are reported to the full Board of Directors.


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The members of the Compensation Committee are Robert L. Halterman, Richard S. Myers, Michael W. Pugh and Ronald E. Wampler, all of whom the Board in its business judgment has determined are independent as defined by Nasdaq’s listing standards. The Compensation Committee met twice in 2004. For additional information regarding the Compensation Committee, see “Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation” on page 10 of this Proxy Statement.



Director Nomination Process


The Company currently does not have a standing nominating committee. The entire Board performs the functions of a nominating committee. The Board does not believe it needs a separate nominating committee because the full Board is comprised predominantly of independent directors (as that term is defined by Nasdaq’s listing standards) and has the time and resources to perform the function of selecting board nominees. The President & CEO, the sole management director, abstains from discussions and voting for nominees. When the Board performs its nominating function, the Board acts in accordance with the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, but does not have a separate charter related to the nomination process.


Should a vacancy occur on the Board of Directors of the Company, the Board would look at the Corporate Governance Committee’s list of director qualifications (similar to those listed below) and consider these qualifications in developing a pool of potential nominees from the communities served by the Company. The Board would then appoint the candidate who was best qualified following discussions among the independent directors. The Board also considers potential nominees that shareholders might submit informally.


The Company’s independent directors consider, at a minimum, the following factors in recommending to the Board potential new directors, or the continued service of existing directors:


·

The ability of the prospective nominee to represent the interests of the shareholders of the Company;

·

The prospective nominee’s standards of integrity, commitment and independence of thought and judgment;

·

The prospective nominee’s ability to dedicate sufficient time, energy and attention to the diligent performance of his or her duties, including the prospective nominee’s service on other public company boards; and

·

The extent to which the prospective nominee contributes to the range of talent, skill and expertise appropriate for the Board of Directors.

Shareholders entitled to vote for the election of directors may submit candidates for consideration by Company if the Company receives timely written notice, in proper form, for each such recommended director nominee. If the notice is not timely and in proper form, the nominee will not be considered by the Company. To be timely for the 2006 annual meeting, the notice must be received within the time frame set forth in “Shareholder Proposals” on page 13 of this Proxy Statement. To be in proper form, the notice must include each nominee’s written consent to be named as a nominee and to serve, if elected, and information about the shareholder making the nomination and the person nominated for election. These requirements are more fully described in Section 2.5 of the Company’s Bylaws, a copy of which will be provided, without charge, to any shareholder upon written request to the Secretary of the Company, whose address is P. O. Box 1111, Timberville, VA  22853.



Annual Meeting Attendance


The Company encourages members of the Board of Directors to attend the annual meeting of shareholders. Nine of the directors attended the 2004 annual meeting.



Communications with Directors


Any director may be contacted by writing to him or her c/o P. O. Box 1111, Timberville, VA  22853. Communications to the non-management directors as a group may be sent to the same address, c/o the Secretary of the Company. The Company promptly forwards, without screening, all such correspondence to the indicated directors.


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Director Compensation


All directors of the Company, who are also directors of the Bank, receive $500 for attending each board meeting and receive $100 for each Investment and Corporate Governance Committee meeting attended, $150 for each Compensation Committee meeting attended and $200 for each Audit Committee meeting attended. They receive no additional compensation as directors for Board meetings of the Company. In addition, each director received a bonus of $6,000 for the year ended 2004.


Executive Officers Information


The following information, including the principal occupation during the past five years, is given with respect to each executive officer of the Company, except for Dean W. Withers, who is discussed above under “Information Concerning Directors and Nominees.”


Larry A. Caplinger, 52, has served as Senior Vice President of the Bank since May 1990.


Neil W. Hayslett, 43, has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank since January 2003. Prior to that time, he served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 1996.



SUMMARY COMPENSATION


The Summary Compensation Table below sets forth the compensation of the Company’s named Executive Officers for all services rendered to the Company and the Bank for the last three fiscal years.


Summary Compensation Table

Annual Compensation


Name and

Principal Position


Year


Salary($)


Bonus($)

Other Annual

Compensation($)

All Other

Compensation($)

      

Dean W. Withers

2004

  114,346

  25,000

*

  28,7632

President & Chief Executive

2003

    83,000

  18,000

*

  20,4372

Officer (since May 2004)

2002

    78,000

  16,5001

*

  22,6872

      

Julian D. Fisher

2004

    67,692

         00

*

  10,5433

President & Chief Executive

2003

  160,000

  49,500

*

  41,1903

Officer (until May 2004)

2002

  150,000

  49,500

*

  50,0943

      

Larry A. Caplinger

2004

    87,000

  19,0001

*

  23,2864

Senior Vice President

2003

    83,000

  18,0001

*

  20,7724

 

2002

    79,000

  17,5001

*

  22,4654

      

Neil W. Hayslett

2004

    84,000

  18,0001

*

  21,7225

Senior Vice President &

2003

    80,000

  15,0001

*

  18,6825

Chief Financial Officer

2002

    73,000

  14,0001

*

  18,3855


*The value of perquisites and other personal benefits did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the total of annual salary and bonus.

1The amounts presented include compensation that was deferred at the executive officer’s election.

2The amounts presented include the Company’s contribution for the benefit of Mr. Withers under the Company’s Stock Bonus Plan ($10,231, $7,226 and $6,405 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively), the gross value of life insurance premiums paid by the Company on behalf of Mr. Withers ($732, $702 and $4,770 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively), the Company’s contribution to Mr. Withers’ 401(K) Plan ($4,181, $3,063 and $2,843 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively) and the Company’s contribution for the benefit of Mr. Withers under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan for Farmers & Merchants Bank ($13,619, $9,446 and $8,669 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively). Prior to 2003, the Company and Mr. Withers were parties to split-dollar life insurance policies. Under the terms of the policies, the Company will be repaid the life insurance premium payments from the proceeds of the insurance policies at Mr. Withers’ death or when cash surrender values are sufficient to carry the policies through normal life expectancy, and Mr. Withers or his heirs would receive the remaining benefits. During 2003, these policies were cancelled, and the Company provided Mr.


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Withers with term life insurance equal to five times his base salary. The amounts presented in the table represent the split dollar premiums for 2002 and the term life insurance premium for 2003 and 2004.

3The amounts presented include the Company’s contribution for the benefit of Mr. Fisher under the Company’s Stock Bonus Plan ($15,345, and $11,791 in 2003 and 2002, respectively), the gross value of life insurance premiums paid by the Company on behalf of Mr. Fisher ($588, $1,350 and $15,647 in 2004, 2003, 2002,  respectively), the Company’s contribution to Mr. Fisher’s 401(K) Plan ($2,031, $6,285 and $5,985 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively) and the Company’s contribution for the benefit of Mr. Fisher under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan for Farmers & Merchants Bank ($7,924, $18,210, and $16,671 in 2004, 2003, and 2002, respectively). Prior to 2003, the Company and Mr. Fisher were parties to split-dollar life insurance policies. Under the terms of the policies, the Company will be repaid the life insurance premium payments from the proceeds of the insurance policies at Mr. Fisher’s death or when cash surrender values are sufficient to carry the policies through normal life expectancy, and Mr. Fisher or his heirs would receive the remaining benefits. During 2003, these policies were cancelled, and the Company provided Mr. Fisher with term life insurance equal to five times his base salary. The amounts presented in the table represent the split dollar premiums for 2002 and the term life insurance premium for 2003 and 2004.

4The amounts presented include the Company’s contribution for the benefit of Mr. Caplinger under the Company’s Stock Bonus Plan ($9,020, $7,568 and $6,773 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively), the gross value of life insurance premiums paid by the Company on behalf of Mr. Caplinger ($732, $711 and $3,998 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively), the Company’s contribution to Mr. Caplinger’s 401(K) Plan ($3,193, $3,047 and $2,914 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively) and the Company’s contribution for the benefit of Mr. Caplinger under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan for Farmers & Merchants Bank ($10,341, $9,446 and $8,780 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively). Prior to 2003, the Company and Mr. Caplinger were parties to split-dollar life insurance policies. Under the terms of the policies, the Company will be repaid the life insurance premium payments from the proceeds of the insurance policies at Mr. Caplinger’s death or when cash surrender values are sufficient to carry the policies through normal life expectancy, and Mr. Caplinger or his heirs would receive the remaining benefits. During 2003, these policies were cancelled, and the Company provided Mr. Caplinger with term life insurance equal to five times his base salary. The amounts presented in the table represent the split dollar premiums for 2002 and the term life insurance premium for 2003 and 2004.

5The amounts presented include the Company’s contribution for the benefit of Mr. Hayslett under the Company’s Stock Bonus Plan ($8,482, $6,983 and $6,168 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively), the gross value of life insurance premiums paid by the Company on behalf of Mr. Hayslett ($706, $675 and $2,799 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively), the Company’s contribution to Mr. Hayslett’s 401(K) Plan ($2,550, $1,920 and $1,305 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively), and the Company’s contribution for the benefit of Mr. Hayslett under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan for Farmers & Merchants Bank ($9,984, $9,104 and $8,113 in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Prior to 2003, the Company and Mr. Hayslett were parties to split-dollar life insurance policies. Under the terms of the policies, the Company will be repaid the life insurance premium payments from the proceeds of the insurance policies at Mr. Hayslett’s death or when cash surrender values are sufficient to carry the policies through normal life expectancy, and Mr. Hayslett or his heirs would receive the remaining benefits. During 2003, these policies were cancelled, and the Company provided Mr. Hayslett with term life insurance equal to five times his base salary. The amounts presented in the table represent the split dollar premiums for 2002 and the term life insurance premium for 2003 and 2004.



Severance Plan


In 1996, the Company and the Bank adopted a change in control severance plan that became effective July 1, 1996. The plan covers employees designated by the Company’s Board of Directors, including Mr. Withers, Mr. Caplinger and Mr. Hayslett.


Under the plan, a “covered termination” is a cessation of employment with the Company or its then affiliates within 36 months after a change in control (as defined in the plan) on account of either (i) termination of employment by the covered employee for good reason (defined to mean the occurrence after a change in control of any of the following: the assignment of duties inconsistent with prior duties, the diminution of responsibilities, a reduction in base salary, a transfer of job location of more than 50 miles, a failure to pay compensation or deferred compensation within seven days after due, a failure to continue participation and benefits under any compensation or benefits plan (or any successor or replacement plan) at as favorable a level, or a failure of the Company to require any successor to the Company to comply with the plan) or (ii) termination initiated by the Company or any of its affiliates for any reason other than death, disability, mandatory retirement or cause (as defined in the plan).


In the event of a covered termination, a covered employee will be entitled to the following severance benefits: (i) continuation of the employee’s base pay (as defined in the plan) through the earlier of his or her death or the third anniversary of the date of the change in control (the severance pay period); (ii) continuation of the availability of coverage, and the employer’s regular contribution towards that coverage, under the employer’s health care plan during the


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severance pay period for the employee and his or her eligible dependents; (iii) the right to buy any car that the employee is assigned by the employer at its then fair market value; and (iv) a lump sum payment equal to the value of any qualified or nonqualified retirement benefits forfeited by the employee on account of his or her covered termination.



Retirement Benefits


The Company has a noncontributory pension plan that conforms to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA). The amount of benefits payable under the plan is determined by an employee’s period of credited service. The amount of normal retirement benefit will be determined based on a participant’s credited service, earnings and the benefit formula as described in the plan’s adoption agreement. The plan provides for early retirement for participants with 10 years of vesting service and the attainment of age 55. A participant who terminates employment with five or more years of vesting service will be entitled to a benefit. The benefits are payable in single or joint/survivor annuities, as well as a lump sum payment option upon retirement or separation of service (subject to limitations as described in the plan’s adoption agreement).


The following table shows the estimated annual benefits payable upon retirement based on the specified remuneration and years of credited service classifications, assuming continuation of the present plan and retirement on October 1, 2004 at age 65 (normal retirement date):


Pension Plan Table


5 Year Average

Salary

Years of Service

   10

   15

   20

   25

   30

    35


25,000

3,125

4,688

6,250

7,813

9,375

10,938


50,000

6,492

9,737

12,983

16,229

19,475

22,720


75,000

11,242

16,862

22,483

28,104

33,725

39,345


100,000

15,992

23,987

31,983

39,979

47,975

55,970


125,000

20,742

31,112

41,483

51,854

62,225

72,595


150,000

25,492

38,237

50,983

63,729

76,475

89,220


175,000

30,242

45,362

60,483

75,604

90,725

105,845


200,000

34,992

52,487

69,983

87,479

104,975

122,470


205,000

35,942

53,912

71,883

89,854

107,825

125,795

and above


Compensation under the plan is currently limited to $205,000 by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The table below describes the estimated annual benefit payable under the Retirement Plan upon retirement for the following executives.


Estimated Annual

Credited Years

Benefits Payable

    of Service


Dean W. Withers

56,580

11


Larry A. Caplinger

57,628

32


Neil W. Hayslett

39,129

8


9



Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation


The Compensation Committee of the Bank has furnished the following report on executive compensation. All executive compensation for the Company and the Bank is determined and paid on the Bank level.


The Compensation Committee meets annually to review salaries, bonuses and the contributions to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) (also known as the Company’s Stock Bonus Plan) and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. The Compensation Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the annual salary and bonuses of the Senior Management group.


The committee also recommends the annual contribution to the ESOP, which is shared on a pro-rated basis by all eligible employees, and the contribution to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, which was established for the benefit of the Senior Management group. Finally, the committee recommends a range of percentage increases in salary for the remaining staff. Increases within the range established by the committee and board are then recommended by department supervisors and approved by Mr. Withers.


Compensation for the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is determined by the Board of Directors, excluding the President and Chief Executive Officer, based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee attempts to provide competitive levels of compensation, which will attract and retain corporate officers and key employees with outstanding abilities and to motivate them through a combination of base salary, annual incentives and deferred compensation. The Committee uses the Virginia Bankers Association Salary Survey of Virginia Banks and compensation data contained in filings by companies that are SEC registrants for comparison of salaries paid for similar positions and responsibilities. The Board, on at least an annual basis, also reviews qualitative factors, such as Return on Average Assets (ROAA) and Return on Average Equity (ROAE) relative to peer banks. A subjective approach is used in this evaluation and therefore the committee does not rely on a formula or weights of specific factors.


Compensation for executive officers other than the President and Chief Executive Officer is determined by the Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, with the input of the President and Chief Executive Officer. As with the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee attempts to provide competitive levels of compensation, which will attract and retain corporate officers and key employees with outstanding abilities and to motivate them through a combination of base salary, annual incentives and deferred compensation. The Committee uses the same process for executive officers as it does for the President and Chief Executive Officer.


Compensation Committee

Robert L. Halterman

Richard S. Myers

Michael W. Pugh

Ronald E. Wampler




Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation


During 2004, no former or current executive officer of the Company or the Bank served on the Compensation Committee.



Indebtedness and Other Transactions


The Company’s directors and officers, and other corporations, business organizations, and persons with whom some of the Company’s directors and officers are associated, had loan transactions at December 31, 2004 with the Bank totaling approximately $4,312,535 or about 13.00% of average shareholders' equity for the year. All such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time in comparable transactions with others and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.


10



Stock Performance


The following graph compares the cumulative total return to the shareholders of the Company for the last five fiscal years with the total return on the Russell 2000 Index and the Pink Banks ($100M to $500M) Index, as reported by SNL Financial LC, assuming an investment of $100 in the Common Stock on December 31, 1999, and the reinvestment of dividends.


[graph002.gif]


  

Period Ending

 

Index

12/31/99

12/31/00

12/31/01

12/31/02

12/31/03

12/31/04

F & M Bank Corp.

100.00

99.45

78.04

83.96

103.66

124.75

Russell 2000

100.00

96.98

99.39

79.03

116.38

137.71

SNL $100M-$500M OTC-BB & Pink Banks

100.00

84.53

97.38

116.81

158.66

191.77




PROPOSAL TWO

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


S. B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. of Harrisonburg, Virginia, was the auditor for the Company for 2004. On January 20, 2005, the Company determined that, effective after its completion of the audit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, S. B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P would serve as the internal auditor of the Company and would not be reappointed as the Company’s independent auditor for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2005. On February 17, 2005, the Company engaged Larrowe & Company, P.L.C. as the Company’s independent auditor for the year ending December 31, 2005 and that firm is being recommended to the Company’s shareholders for the ratification of its appointment as independent auditors for 2005. Representatives of S. B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. and Larrowe & Company, P.L.C. are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if he/she desires to do so, and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders.


During the Company’s two fiscal years ended December 31, 2003, and during the subsequent period through January 20, 2005, there was no disagreement between the Company and S.B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of S.B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P., would have caused them to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement in connection with its reports on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  The audit reports of S.B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. on the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the two fiscal


11



years ended December 31, 2003 did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were these opinions qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.


In addition, during the two most recent fiscal years and through February 17, 2005, the Company did not consult with Larrowe & Company, P.L.C. regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements or any other matters or events that are required to be disclosed by applicable securities laws.


A majority of the votes cast by holders of common stock is required for the ratification of the appointment of the independent public accountants.


The Board recommends a vote for Proposal Two.




AUDIT INFORMATION


Audit Committee


The Audit Committee operates under a written charter that the Board has adopted. The five members of the Audit Committee are independent as that term is defined in Nasdaq’s listing standards.


Fees of Independent Public Accountants


Audit Fees


The aggregate fees billed by S. B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. for professional services rendered for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003, and for the review of the financial statements included in the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory filings and engagements, for those fiscal years were $40,250 for 2004 and $35,500 for 2003.


Audit Related Fees


The aggregate fees billed by S. B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. for professional services for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements and not reported under the heading “Audit Fees” above for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were $1,880 and $1,685 respectively. During both years, these services included FHLB collateral verification audits and consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards and other related issues.


Tax Fees


The aggregate fees billed by S. B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 were $3,000 and $3,000, respectively. During both years, these services included preparation of federal and state income tax returns.


All Other Fees


There were no fees billed by S. B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. for any other services rendered to the Company for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003.


Pre-Approval Policies


All audit related services and tax services  were pre-approved by the Audit Committee, which concluded that the provision of such services by S. B. Hoover & Company, L.L.P. was compatible with the maintenance of that firm’s independence in the conduct of its auditing functions. The Audit Committee’s Charter provides for pre-approval of audit, audit-related and tax services. The Charter authorizes the Audit Committee to delegate to one or more of its members pre-approval authority with respect to permitted services.



12



Audit Committee Report


Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls, financial reporting process and compliance with laws and regulations and ethical business standards. The independent auditor is responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and issuing a report thereon. The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes on behalf of the Board of Directors.


In this context, the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management and the independent auditors the audited financial statements. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (Communication with Audit Committees). In addition, the Audit Committee has received from the independent auditors the written disclosures required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees) and discussed with them their independence from the Company and its management. Moreover, the Audit Committee has considered whether the independent auditor’s provision of other non-audit services to the Company is compatible with the auditor’s independence.


In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By recommending to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be so included, the Audit Committee is not opining on the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the audited financial statements.


March 17, 2005

Audit Committee

Thomas L. Cline

Ellen R. Fitzwater

Robert L. Halterman

Daniel J. Harshman

Ronald E. Wampler




SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS


Under SEC regulations, any shareholder desiring to make a proposal to be acted upon at the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders must cause such proposal to be delivered, in proper form, to the Secretary of the Company, at its principal executive offices, P. O. Box 1111, Timberville, Virginia 22853, no later than December 9, 2005, in order for the proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Company’s Proxy Statement for that meeting. The Company anticipates holding the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders on May 13, 2006.


The Company’s Bylaws also prescribe the procedure that a shareholder must follow to nominate directors or to bring other business before shareholders’ meetings outside of the proxy statement process. For a shareholder to nominate a candidate for director at the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, notice of the nomination must be received by the Secretary of the Company not less than 60 days and not more than 90 days prior to the date of the 2006 annual meeting. The notice must describe various matters regarding the nominee and the shareholder giving the notice. For a shareholder to bring other business before the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, notice of the proposed business must be received by the Secretary of the Company not less than 60 days and not more than 90 days prior to the date of the 2006 annual meeting. The notice must include a description of the proposed business, the reasons therefor, and other specified matters. Any shareholder may obtain a copy of the Company’s Bylaws, without charge, upon written request to the Secretary of the Company. Based upon an anticipated date of May 13, 2006 for the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders, the Company must receive any notice of nomination or other business no later than March 14, 2006 and no earlier than February 12, 2006.



13



HOUSEHOLDING OF PROXY MATERIALS


SEC regulations permit the Company to send a single set of proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement and an Annual Report to shareholders, to two or more shareholders that share the same address. Each shareholder will continue to receive his or her own separate proxy. The Company will deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate set of proxy materials to a shareholder at a shared address that only received a single set of proxy materials for this year. If the shareholder would prefer to receive his or her own copy, please contact Sylvia Bowman. Ms. Bowman’s phone number is (540) 896-8941, and her address is P. O. Box 1111, Timberville, Virginia 22853. Similarly, if a shareholder would like to receive his or her own set of the Company’s proxy materials in future years or if a shareholder shares an address with another shareholder and both would like to receive only a single set of the Company’s proxy materials in future years, please contact Ms. Bowman.



By Order of the Board of Directors




Larry A. Caplinger, Secretary


April 8, 2005


14


[FORM OF PROXY]


PROXY


F & M BANK CORP.


Annual Meeting of Shareholders, May 14, 2005


THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS


The undersigned hereby appoints Thomas L. Cline, Robert L. Halterman and Ellen R. Fitzwater, any or all of whom may act, with full power of substitution, as proxies to vote, as designated below, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held May 14, 2005 at 5:30 P.M. and at any adjournment thereof, the shares of F & M Bank Corp. common stock held of record by the undersigned as of March 25, 2005.


The shares to which this proxy relates will be voted as specified. If no specification is made, such shares will be voted in favor of the proposals set forth on this proxy.


PROPOSAL ONE

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS


o FOR all nominees listed below

o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all

       (except as marked to the contrary below)

         nominees listed below


John N. Crist, Julian D. Fisher, Daniel J. Harshman and Dean W. Withers

for three-year terms to expire in 2008.


(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write that nominee’s name in the space below.)



PROPOSAL TWO


RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF LARROWE & COMPANY, P.L.C.

AS INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


o FOR

o AGAINST

o ABSTAIN


IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER BUSINESS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING.


Please complete, date and sign the proxy and return it as soon as possible in the enclosed postage prepaid envelope. Please sign the Proxy in the name or names shown on your stock certificate. If signing as a trustee, executor, etc., please so indicate.


Date Signed: ___________________________


__________________________________

______________________________________

        Print Name

        Signature


______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

        Print Name

         Signature