OVBC Stock Up Post Q4 Earnings on Strong Loan Growth, Margin Expansion

Core Viewpoint - Ohio Valley Banc Corp. (OVBC) reported strong earnings growth for the quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, with significant increases in net income and earnings per share, outperforming the S&P 500 Index during the same period [1][2]. Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, OVBC's net income reached $3.9 million, a 57.3% increase from $2.5 million in Q4 2024, with EPS rising 58.5% to $0.84 from $0.53 [2]. - Full-year net income for 2025 was $15.6 million, up 41.8% from $10.9 million in 2024, while EPS climbed 42.7% to $3.31 from $2.32 [2]. - Total interest income for Q4 increased 14.1% to $22.9 million from $20 million a year earlier, driven by growth in loan and securities portfolios [3]. Key Business Metrics - The quarterly net interest margin expanded to 4.18% from 3.70% year over year, and the full-year margin improved to 4.07% from 3.71% [4]. - Average earning assets increased to $1.48 billion in Q4 2025 from $1.41 billion, supported by $75 million growth in average loans and $53 million growth in average securities [4]. - Return on average assets rose to 1.00% for Q4 from 0.66% year over year, and return on average equity improved to 9.49% from 6.62% [5]. Asset Quality - The ratio of non-performing loans to total loans increased to 1.40% as of December 31, 2025, from 0.46% a year earlier, attributed to two commercial loans placed on nonaccrual status [6]. - The allowance for credit losses remained stable at 0.96% of total loans compared to 0.95% at year-end 2024 [6]. Management Commentary - Management highlighted record earnings in OVBC's 153rd year, attributing success to disciplined execution, employee commitment, and a focus on community-oriented banking [7]. - The emphasis was placed on balance sheet growth, improved margins, and cost controls as key contributors to performance [7]. Factors Influencing Earnings - Margin expansion was a key driver of earnings growth, supported by higher yields on earning assets and a decline in funding costs [8]. - Noninterest income declined sharply by 81.4% year over year in Q4, primarily due to losses on securities sales [9]. - Noninterest expense decreased 18.4% year over year, aided by lower salary and benefit costs following a voluntary early retirement program [10]. Future Outlook - OVBC did not provide explicit forward-looking financial guidance, focusing instead on current-period results and balance sheet strategy [11]. Other Developments - No acquisitions or major business restructurings were announced during the quarter, but OVBC continued participation in the Ohio Homebuyer Plus program, influencing deposit and securities balances [12].