ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO), is pleased to announce the promotion of Mike Schnitkey to Agri-Finance and Northwest Ohio Market President. Mike, a respected leader within F&M Bank, has been a dedicated member of the team since September 1995. A graduate of The Ohio State University, he has built an accomplished career in agricultural finance while becoming a trusted partner to farm fa ...

ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc., (Nasdaq: FMAO) the holding company of F&M Bank, with total assets of $3.39 billion at September 30, 2025, today announced that it has approved the Company’s quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share. The fourth-quarter dividend is payable on January 20, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 29, 2025.   The $0.23 per share dividend represents a $0.00875 per share, or 4.0% increase year-ove ...

Regular quarterly dividend increased 4.0% year-over-year to $0.23 per shareARCHBOLD, Ohio, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc., (Nasdaq: FMAO) the holding company of F&M Bank, with total assets of $3.39 billion at September 30, 2025, today announced that it has approved the Company’s quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per share. The fourth-quarter dividend is payable on January 20, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 29, 2025. The $0.23 per ...

Group 1: Alpine Income Property Trust (PINE) - The company is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates a portfolio of single-tenant net lease commercial properties [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 2.3% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and offers a dividend yield of 7.1%, which is higher than the industry average of 4.7% [1] Group 2: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (FMAO) - This company is a community bank holding company providing commercial and retail banking services [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.3% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and offers a dividend yield of 3.9%, compared to the industry average of 2.6% [2] Group 3: First Financial Corporation Indiana (THFF) - The company is a multi-bank holding company offering various financial products and services across several states [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 3.9% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and offers a dividend yield of 3.7%, which is above the industry average of 3% [3]

Core Insights - Three stocks with strong income characteristics and buy rankings are highlighted for investors on November 14th Group 1: Universal Corporation (UVV) - Universal Corporation is a business-to-business agriproducts company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.5% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a dividend yield of 6.2%, significantly higher than the industry average of 3.1% [2] Group 2: Hanmi Financial Corporation (HAFC) - Hanmi Financial Corporation is a holding company for Hanmi Bank, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.4% over the last 60 days [2] - The company offers a dividend yield of 4.0%, above the industry average of 3.1% [2] Group 3: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) - Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 5.3% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a dividend yield of 3.7%, compared to the industry average of 2.6% [3]

Group 1: Suzano S.A. (SUZ) - Suzano S.A. is a pulp and paper company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 7.7% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 4.07, significantly lower than the industry average of 14.00 [1] - Suzano S.A. possesses a Value Score of A [1] Group 2: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) - Farmers & Merchants Bancorp is a bank holding company with a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its next year earnings has increased by 5.3% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 10.33, compared to the industry average of 30.40 [2] - Farmers & Merchants Bancorp possesses a Value Score of B [2] Group 3: Universal Corporation (UVV) - Universal Corporation is a business-to-business agriproducts company with a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 6.5% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.23, which is slightly lower than the industry average of 11.70 [3] - Universal Corporation possesses a Value Score of B [3]

Group 1: Investment Opportunities - Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) has a Zacks Rank 1 and a dividend yield of 3.7%, higher than the industry average of 2.6% [1] - NatWest Group plc (NWG) also holds a Zacks Rank 1 with a dividend yield of 3.1%, surpassing the industry average of 2.9% [2] - SB Financial Group, Inc. (SBFG) is another company with a Zacks Rank 1, although its dividend yield is not specified [2] Group 2: Earnings Estimates - Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. has seen its current year earnings estimate increase by 5.3% over the last 60 days [1] - NatWest Group plc's current year earnings estimate has risen by 13.8% over the last 60 days [2] - SB Financial Group, Inc. has experienced a 5.4% increase in its current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days [2]

Acquisitions - The total consideration for the acquisition of Peoples-Sidney Financial Corporation was approximately $23.2 million, consisting of $9.8 million in cash and $13.4 million in stock[22]. - The acquisition of Peoples-Sidney Financial Corporation resulted in an increase in the deposit base in Sidney and the greater Shelby County, along with reduced transaction costs[22]. - Goodwill from the acquisition of Peoples-Sidney Financial Corporation amounted to $5.9 million, primarily due to expected synergies and economies of scale[23]. - The total consideration for the acquisition of Perpetual Federal Savings Bank was approximately $100.3 million, consisting of $59.2 million in cash and $41.1 million in stock[25]. - Goodwill from the acquisition of Perpetual Federal Savings Bank was $25.2 million, reflecting expected synergies and economies of scale[26]. - The total purchase price for the acquisition of Ossian Financial Services was approximately $20.0 million, all in cash[28]. - Goodwill from the acquisition of Ossian Financial Services was $7.9 million, which is deductible for tax purposes over 15 years[29]. - The total consideration for the acquisition of Limberlost Bancshares was approximately $78.9 million, consisting of $8.5 million in cash and $70.4 million in stock[30]. - The acquisition of Adams County Financial Resources involved a total purchase price of $825 thousand, with $800 thousand allocated to customer list intangible assets[33]. Amortization and Expenses - The amortization expense of core deposit intangible for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $1.2 million, with an estimated $1.7 million to be expensed in 2025[32]. - Amortization expense for the customer list intangible for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $92 thousand, with a total of $123 thousand to be expensed in 2025[34]. - The total amortized cost of nonaccrual loans as of September 30, 2025, was $5,155,000, with $4,104,000 in nonaccrual loans with no allowance for credit loss[47]. - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) was impacted by a one-time adjustment of $4,500,000 in 2023, which was $3,400,000 net of tax[71]. - The provision for credit losses on loans for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $557,000, compared to a recovery of $282,000 for the same period in 2024, indicating a shift from recovery to provision[76]. - The total recoveries for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $207,000, compared to $55,000 in the same period of 2024, showing a substantial increase in recoveries[76]. - The charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, totaled $587,000, compared to $587,000 in the same period of 2024, indicating no change in charge-offs year-over-year[76]. Loan Performance and Quality - Loan balances as of September 30, 2025, totaled $2,659,727 thousand, an increase from $2,562,545 thousand as of December 31, 2024[44]. - The net loans after accounting for deferred loan fees and allowance for credit losses amounted to $2,632,668 thousand as of September 30, 2025[44]. - The company employs a nine-tier risk rating system to grade its loans, which helps in assessing the credit risk associated with each loan[53]. - The company’s underwriting criteria for consumer real estate loans emphasize the borrower's income, debt level, and employment status, which are critical for repayment success[48]. - Agricultural loans are particularly vulnerable to commodity prices and weather conditions, with risk mitigated through the use of futures contracts and crop insurance[50]. - The company recognizes the importance of stress testing on higher balance loans to ensure borrowers' ability to repay in changing rate environments[51][52]. - The company’s commercial and industrial loans are subject to risks related to cash flow adequacy and economic trends, which are monitored closely[52]. - The total past due loans as of December 31, 2024, was $5,598,000, with $3,769,000 in loans 30-59 days past due, $712,000 in loans 60-89 days past due, and $1,117,000 in loans greater than 90 days past due[46]. - The company evaluates credit quality for consumer loans based on aging status and payment performance, with loans over 90 days past due classified as nonperforming[63]. Financial Performance - The net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $8,854,000, an increase of 35.8% compared to $6,516,000 for the same period in 2024[89]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $1.71, up from $1.28 for the same period in 2024, representing a growth of 33.6%[89]. - Net income for Q3 2025 was $2.3 million higher than Q3 2024 and $1.1 million higher than Q2 2025, indicating a trend towards greater profitability[148]. - The average loan balance grew by $97.5 million or 3.8%, with interest income on loans increasing by $4.1 million or 11.2% compared to the same quarter in 2024[206]. - Net interest income for the first nine months of 2025 increased by $13.4 million compared to the same period last year, with a year-to-date net interest margin improvement of 54 basis points[138]. Deposits and Securities - The total deposits as of September 30, 2025, amounted to $2.751 billion, slightly up from $2.687 billion at December 31, 2024[120]. - Interest-bearing deposits totaled $1.633 billion as of September 30, 2025, compared to $1.522 billion at December 31, 2024[120]. - The pledged investment securities totaled $267.1 million as of September 30, 2025, with an increase of $15.3 million compared to year-end 2024[199]. - The total fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2025, was $421,315,000, compared to $426,626,000 as of December 31, 2024[111]. Interest Rate Management - The Bank entered into three pay-fixed receive variable interest rate swap transactions with a combined notional value of $100 million to manage interest rate risk[91]. - The cumulative fair value hedging adjustment for loans was $221,242,000 as of September 30, 2025, compared to $249,127,000 as of December 31, 2024, indicating a decrease of 11.2%[93]. - The Bank's notional amount of interest rate swaps associated with loans was $100,000, with a fair value loss of $(1,725) compared to a fair value loss of $(976) as of December 31, 2024[97]. Strategic Developments - The Bank opened a full-service branch in Troy, Michigan, on August 1, 2025, expanding its footprint[136]. - The company is developing its next three-year strategic plan during the fourth quarter of 2025, building on its record of success[136]. - The Bank's insurance agency, F&M Insurance Agency, LLC, was established in November 2023 to offer insurance products[160].

ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Oct. 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO), is proud to announce the appointment of Amy Cover to Chief Marketing & Experience Officer (CMXO). In this expanded role, Cover will continue to lead the Bank’s marketing and brand initiatives while overseeing customer experience and internal communications to ensure a consistent, meaningful connection between F&M’s brand, employees, and customers. “Amy h ...

Financial Performance - Net income for Q3 2025 was $8.9 million, a 35.9% increase from $6.5 million in Q3 2024, with earnings per share rising to $0.64 from $0.48[6] - Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $8,854,000, an increase of 14.8% compared to $7,710,000 for the previous quarter[25] - The company reported comprehensive income of $14,076,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $8,618,000 in the previous quarter, reflecting a 63.5% increase[25] - Basic earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $0.64, up from $0.56 in the previous quarter, representing a 14.3% increase[25] Loans and Deposits - Total loans increased by $123.0 million, or 4.9%, to $2.66 billion compared to $2.54 billion at the same time last year[11] - Total deposits rose by $67.1 million, or 2.5%, to $2.75 billion year-over-year[7] - Loans, net of allowance for credit losses, stood at $2,632,668,000 as of September 30, 2025, compared to $2,599,917,000 in June 2025, showing a growth of 1.3%[27] - Total deposits increased to $2,751,911,000 as of September 30, 2025, compared to $2,710,329,000 in June 2025, reflecting a growth of 1.5%[28] Interest Income and Expenses - Total interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $44,484,000, an increase from $41,901,000 for the same period last year, representing a growth of 6.2%[24] - Total interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $17,583,000, a decrease from $20,312,000 in the same quarter last year, representing a decline of 13.5%[24] - The net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $26,901 thousand, reflecting an increase from $21,589 thousand in the previous year[35] - The overall interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $2,521,000, reflecting a yield increase of 0.09% compared to the previous year[38] Noninterest Income and Expenses - Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, totaled $4,357,000, compared to $3,960,000 in the same quarter last year, marking a growth of 10.0%[24] - Total noninterest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $19,739,000, up 2.5% from $19,260,000 in the previous quarter[25] - Total noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $12,454,000, an increase from $11,622,000 in the previous year, representing a growth of 7.2%[24] Asset and Equity Growth - Total assets as of September 30, 2025, reached $3,390,752,000, a slight increase from $3,345,763,000 in June 2025[27] - Total stockholders' equity increased by 7.9% to $361.8 million, or $26.31 per share[16] - Total stockholders' equity increased to $361.78 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $350.79 million on December 31, 2024, reflecting a growth of approximately 3.0%[29] - Stockholders' equity increased to $357,394 thousand as of September 30, 2025, up from $328,565 thousand a year prior[35] Credit Quality - Nonperforming loans were $5.2 million, or 0.19% of total loans, compared to $2.9 million, or 0.11% a year earlier[12] - Nonperforming loans increased to $5.16 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $3.75 million on June 30, 2025, marking a rise of 37.6%[32] - The allowance for credit losses on loans was $27.48 million as of September 30, 2025, up from $26.98 million on June 30, 2025, indicating a proactive stance on credit risk management[32] Operational Efficiency - The efficiency ratio improved to 63.11%, down from 67.98%[7] - The efficiency ratio improved to 63.11% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, down from 64.93% for the previous quarter, indicating enhanced operational efficiency[31] - The dividend payout ratio decreased to 34.90% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 38.91% for the previous quarter, suggesting a more conservative approach to dividend distribution[31] Strategic Initiatives - A new three-year strategic plan will be developed to define growth priorities and guide future success[15] - The company opened its second full-service office in Michigan, located in Troy[7]