Loan Growth, Asset Quality, Declaration of Quarterly Dividend LYNCHBURG, Va., Aug. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. (the "Company") (NASDAQ:BOTJ), the parent company of Bank of the James (the "Bank"), a full-service commercial and retail bank, and Pettyjohn, Wood & White, Inc. ("PWW"), an SEC-registered investment advisor, today announced unaudited results of operations for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2025. The Bank serves Region 2000 (the greater ...

Core Viewpoint - Landmark Bancorp reported a net income of $4.4 million and diluted EPS of $0.75 for Q2 2025, showing strong year-over-year growth but a slight decline from Q1 2025 highs. The bank's loan growth and net interest income remained robust, although deposit trends and asset quality require close monitoring [1][2]. Financial Performance - EPS (GAAP) for Q2 2025 was $0.75, up 44.2% year-over-year from $0.52 in Q2 2024, but down from $0.81 in Q1 2025 [2]. - Net interest income increased to $13.7 million, a 24.7% rise from $10.97 million in Q2 2024 and up from $13.1 million in Q1 2025 [2][5]. - Net earnings were $4.4 million, a 46.1% increase from $3.0 million in Q2 2024, but a slight decrease from $4.7 million in Q1 2025 [2]. - Return on average assets was 1.11%, up 0.33 percentage points year-over-year [2]. Business Overview - Landmark Bancorp operates as a community-oriented bank, providing a range of loan products including residential, commercial real estate, and agricultural loans across Kansas and the Kansas City metro area [3][4]. Loan Portfolio and Growth - The loan portfolio expanded by $42.9 million during the quarter, with significant growth in residential real estate loans ($21.5 million), commercial real estate loans ($10.9 million), and commercial loans ($13.4 million) [6]. - Total gross loans reached $1.12 billion, with strong demand noted in commercial and mortgage segments [6]. Deposit Trends - Deposit balances were $1.27 billion, reflecting a decline of $61.9 million from the previous quarter but an increase of $23.4 million year-over-year [7]. - The loan-to-deposit ratio increased to 86.6%, up from 79.5% in Q1 2025, as total borrowings rose by $105.9 million to support loan growth [7]. Asset Quality - Non-performing loans grew to $17.0 million, or 1.52% of gross loans, up from 1.24% in Q1 2025, although early-stage delinquencies improved [9]. - A provision for credit losses of $1.0 million was recorded, reflecting growth in the loan book and increased reserves for non-accrual loans [9]. Capital Strength - Equity to assets increased to 9.13%, up from 9.04% in the previous quarter, and tangible book value per share improved to $19.66 [10]. - The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share, up from $0.20 in Q2 2024, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns [10]. Future Outlook - Management did not provide formal financial guidance but emphasized a focus on growing higher-yielding loans, maintaining expense control, and upholding credit discipline [11]. - Ongoing monitoring of deposit trends, asset quality, and competitive landscape in regional markets is expected [12].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 net profit reported at KRW 1,738.4 billion, with first half cumulative profit at KRW 3,435.7 billion, representing a 23.8% year-over-year increase [4][9] - ROE for the first half stood at 13.03%, with a CET1 ratio of 13.74% as of June [4][19] - Total shareholder return for 2025 is projected at KRW 3,100 billion, a significant year-over-year increase [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - First half net interest income posted KRW 6,368.7 billion, with a 4.8% quarter-over-quarter decrease due to temporary expenses from consolidated fund liquidation [12] - Noninterest income increased by 10.9% year-over-year, driven by improved performance in securities and derivatives [10][15] - Nonbank operations accounted for 39% of the group's first half net profit, indicating a diversified business portfolio [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bank loans in won reached KRW 372 trillion, growing 2.4% year-to-date and 1.4% quarter-over-quarter [13] - Q2 bank NIM was reported at 1.73%, reflecting a contraction due to market rate cuts [14] - Group NPL ratio improved to 0.72%, with NPL coverage ratio at 138.5%, indicating strong loss absorption capacity [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to focus on capital discipline, managing risk-weighted assets with greater precision, and balancing ROE and capital ratio [7][8] - Emphasis on expanding shareholder returns and maintaining a commitment to transparency in shareholder return plans [6][7] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects asset quality conditions to improve in the second half due to government economic stimulus efforts [18] - The company anticipates credit costs to stabilize and potentially decrease, with a guidance of mid-forty basis points for the second half [30] Other Important Information - The company plans to implement interim dividend payouts from subsidiaries to secure distributable income for the upcoming year [26][42] - The group aims to enhance productivity through AI and explore new business opportunities while rationalizing costs [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Size of second half shareholder return and plans for distributable profit - Management confirmed the second half shareholder return size at KRW 850 billion and discussed options for ensuring ample distributable profit [22][25][26] Question: Provisioning levels despite improved asset quality metrics - Management explained that provisioning levels were increased as a precautionary measure to ensure loss absorption capability [23][28][30] Question: Loan growth guidance in light of government measures - Management indicated that household loan growth is expected to decelerate to about 3%, while corporate loans are targeted for 6% to 7% growth [36][38] Question: Potential interim dividends from subsidiaries - Management clarified that interim dividends from securities and brokerage subsidiaries are being considered, while insurance subsidiaries may not contribute this year [40][42] Question: PBR and dividend policy adjustments - Management stated that adjustments to the cash dividend payout ratio will be considered based on PBR levels, with a range of 0.8x to 1x being discussed [33][43]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net income for Q2 2025 was $15.1 million or $0.50 per diluted share, down from $17.7 million and $0.58 in Q1 2025, primarily due to increased credit loss expense [6][7] - Return on average assets was 0.79% and return on average equity was 7.8% [7] - Pre-provision net revenues grew 3.7% or $1 million, indicating strength in core business [7] - Net interest margin increased by five basis points to 3.07%, driven by lower funding costs [7][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loans increased by $6.31 billion, or 0.4% on a linked quarter basis, with higher contributions from commercial and industrial (C&I) and residential mortgage loans [8] - C&I production increased by $11 million or 26% to $503 million, while residential mortgage loan production rose by 52% to $84 million [18] - SBA loan production decreased to $47 million but still exceeded the high end of the target range, with year-to-date production up 20% [16][18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Non-interest bearing demand deposits increased by over 7% from 2024, representing 31.3% of total deposits [9] - USKC loan and deposit portfolios remained steady, with USKC loans at $842 million, approximately 13% of total loans [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to drive loan growth in the low to mid single-digit range, focusing on expanding SBA activities and C&I portfolios while reducing exposure to commercial real estate (CRE) [11][28] - The strategy includes strengthening relationships in select deposit-rich markets and driving growth in key regions [28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about long-term growth potential despite current economic conditions, emphasizing proactive portfolio management and strong asset quality [10][11][28] - The company is well-positioned for growth, leveraging strong liquidity and maintaining robust credit metrics [11] Other Important Information - Asset quality improved significantly, with criticized loans decreasing by 72% and non-accruals down 27% [21] - The allowance for credit losses stood at 1.06% of loans at the end of Q2 2025 [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth expectations for the second half of the year - Management indicated a strong pipeline for new loans, suggesting potential to reach mid-single-digit growth [31][32] Question: Insights on deposit costs and time deposit repricing - Average interest-bearing deposit costs were 3.64%, with expectations for net interest margin to continue increasing, albeit at a slowing rate [35][37] Question: Credit quality and criticized asset levels - Management noted significant reductions in criticized assets due to proactive management, with confidence in the overall credit quality [39][41] Question: Future C&I production and loan growth - C&I production is expected to drive loan growth in the latter half of the year, supported by a strong pipeline [47][49] Question: Plans for share buybacks and expenses - Management indicated that buyback decisions are made quarterly, with expectations for expenses to remain stable [50][51]