2025’s events raise funds to support organizations focused on family health, veterans, disability services, and child advocacyARCHBOLD, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO), recently celebrated the success of its 8th Annual Ohio Charity Golf Classic and 4th Annual Indiana Charity Golf Classic. Together, these events raised $48,500 for local charities, thanks to the extraordinary participation and gen ...

Core Insights - Five Star Bancorp has opened a new full-service office in Walnut Creek, California, on September 29, 2025, to enhance its concierge banking services for local businesses [1][4] - The new location aims to capitalize on Walnut Creek's growth as a regional commerce hub, with nearly 55,000 jobs and a vibrant business environment [2][5] - The expansion is part of Five Star Bank's strategy to deepen relationships with East Bay businesses and provide personalized banking services [6] Company Overview - Five Star Bancorp operates through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank, and has eight branches in Northern California [7] - The bank has been recognized as a Top Three Best-Performing Community Bank in the nation for banks with assets between $3 billion to $10 billion by S&P Global Market Intelligence [5] Strategic Importance of Walnut Creek - Walnut Creek is emerging as a premier destination for businesses due to its central location, high quality of life, and strong community management [2][5] - The city is experiencing economic momentum, making it an attractive location for Five Star Bank to establish its presence [3][5] - The new branch is expected to serve various sectors, including technology, nonprofit, professional services, and construction [5][6]

Core Points - Lake City Bank opened its newest branch in Westfield, Indiana, on September 2, 2025, marking the bank's 55th office overall and ninth in the Indianapolis Region [1][2] - The new branch is located at 170 Jersey St. within The Union at Grand Junction development, which includes apartments, retail and office space, restaurants, and public parking [2] - The bank's community banking model emphasizes building long-term customer relationships while providing technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients [7] Company Overview - Lake City Bank is a $7 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, founded in 1872, serving Central and Northern Indiana communities with 55 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform [7] - The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation, listed on Nasdaq Global Select under the ticker LKFN [8] Management and Community Engagement - Stacy R. Oswald, Vice President and Retail Banking Officer, has moved to the Westfield office from the Fishers office and has 23 years of experience in financial services [4] - The bank aims to expand its relationships in Westfield and engage with the community, reflecting its commitment to local economic development [2][3]

Core Insights - Ponce Financial Group reported strong Q2 2025 results, with GAAP EPS of $0.25, surpassing analyst estimates of $0.17, and reflecting a 78.6% year-over-year increase [1][2] - Net income for common stockholders rose to $5.8 million from $3.1 million in the same period last year, indicating robust financial performance [1][5] - The bank's net interest income reached $24.4 million, a 36.3% increase from $17.9 million in Q2 2024, driven by strong loan and deposit growth [2][5] Financial Metrics - The net interest margin improved to 3.27%, up from 2.62% in the prior-year quarter, reflecting better profitability on lending [2][6] - Non-interest expense was reported at $16.9 million, a slight increase of 1.8% year-over-year, while the efficiency ratio improved significantly to 63.7% from 80.1% in the prior-year quarter [2][8] - Return on common equity increased to 7.88%, up 3.28 percentage points from 4.60% in Q2 2024 [2] Business Overview and Strategy - Ponce Financial Group focuses on serving minority and immigrant communities, holding designations as a Minority Depository Institution and Community Development Financial Institution [3] - The bank's strategy emphasizes increasing core lending, expanding stable deposit relationships, and maintaining strong capital [4] - The lending portfolio is heavily concentrated in mortgage loans, particularly in construction and multifamily properties [3][7] Recent Developments - Total net loans receivable increased by 7.5% since year-end 2024, with deposits also rising significantly, up 8.4% since December 2024 [6][7] - Non-interest income was reported at $2.1 million, experiencing some volatility, with grant income providing partial offset [7] - The provision for credit losses rose to $1.6 million, indicating a cautious approach to potential credit risks [8] Capital and Regulatory Position - Capital levels remain strong, with total capital to risk-weighted assets at 22.65% as of Q2 2025, well above required minimums [9] - Management highlighted ongoing progress on regulatory commitments, which may provide access to favorable preferred stock dividends [10] Future Outlook - No formal forward-looking financial guidance was provided, but management emphasized resilience amid a turbulent banking environment [10] - Key areas to monitor include expense management, deposit and lending momentum, and asset quality metrics [11]

Core Viewpoint - Zacks Investment Research has initiated coverage of Blue Ridge Bankshares, Inc. (BRBS) with an "Outperform" recommendation, indicating a positive outlook on the company's recovery and cost management efforts [1] Company Overview - Blue Ridge Bankshares, based in Richmond, VA, operates as a bank holding company providing a range of services including commercial and consumer banking, mortgage lending, and investment services through its subsidiary, Blue Ridge Bank, National Association, and BRB Financial Group, Inc. As of December 31, 2024, BRBS had 27 full-service branches in Virginia and central North Carolina [2] Financial Health - The capital profile of Blue Ridge Bankshares has improved significantly due to equity raises and balance sheet adjustments, with tangible common equity at 12.5% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 20.83%, exceeding regulatory requirements [3] - The company has achieved a nearly $10 million year-over-year reduction in non-interest expenses and is focusing on community banking by exiting non-core business lines, which is expected to drive future growth [4] Operational Performance - Blue Ridge Bankshares has seen a rebound in its net interest margin, which increased to 2.90% from 2.75% the previous year, alongside strong liquidity, with available resources covering over 180% of uninsured deposits [4] - The stock has outperformed industry peers and the broader market over the past year, reflecting recognition of the company's operational improvements and enhanced fundamentals [6] Market Positioning - The modest market capitalization of Blue Ridge Bankshares is $358.3 million, and the company is positioned in a promising yet risky segment of the market, with ongoing regulatory and profitability challenges [7]

Core Viewpoint - Bank First Corporation has announced a merger agreement with Centre 1 Bancorp, Inc., aiming to enhance service capabilities and expand its market presence in Wisconsin and northern Illinois through an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $174.3 million [2][3]. Group 1: Transaction Details - Bank First will acquire 100% of Centre's common stock, with each Centre shareholder receiving 0.9200 of a share of Bank First's common stock for each share of Centre common stock [3]. - The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approval and shareholder consent [6]. Group 2: Financial Impact - As of June 30, 2025, First National Bank and Trust Company had approximately $1.55 billion in consolidated assets, $994.9 million in gross loans, and $1.29 billion in deposits [7]. - Post-merger, the combined entity will have total assets of approximately $5.91 billion, loans of approximately $4.58 billion, and deposits of approximately $4.89 billion [7]. Group 3: Strategic Benefits - The merger combines two community-focused banks, enhancing their ability to serve customers with greater resources and capabilities [5][8]. - The strategic geographic alignment allows Bank First to expand into new markets without overlap, supporting long-term value creation [8]. - The merger is expected to enhance shareholder value through combined financial strength and a focus on disciplined growth [8]. Group 4: Leadership and Advisory - Following the merger, Steve Eldred, CEO of Centre, will join the Board of Directors of Bank First [5]. - Piper Sandler & Co. and Hovde Group, LLC served as financial advisors for Bank First and Centre, respectively [9].

Core Insights - CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. reported a net income of $3.0 million for Q2 2025, reflecting a 2.8% increase from $2.9 million in Q2 2024, driven by higher net interest income and noninterest income, particularly from Wealth Management [1] - Basic earnings per share rose to $1.48 in Q2 2025, up $0.13 from $1.35 in Q2 2024, while net income for the first half of 2025 remained stable at $5.7 million compared to the same period in 2024 [2] - The annualized return on average assets (ROA) decreased to 0.95% in Q2 2025, down from 0.96% in Q2 2024, and the return on average equity (ROE) also declined to 11.71% from 11.98% [3] Financial Performance - Total assets increased by $32.3 million, or 2.6%, to $1.28 billion year-over-year, while net loans rose by $47.8 million, or 4.7%, to $1.06 billion [7] - Total deposits grew by $56.3 million, or 5.4%, to $1.10 billion compared to $1.05 billion a year earlier [7] - Book value per share increased by $5.01, or 10.9%, to $51.15 as of June 30, 2025, compared to $46.14 a year prior [7] Management Commentary - The President and CEO emphasized the company's financial strength in navigating economic challenges, highlighting the ability to gather deposits and lend within communities [4] - The company maintains a solid capital position, allowing for recent dividend increases to shareholders, reinforcing its commitment to providing quality returns [4] Company Overview - CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. is a one-bank holding company established in 2005, with its subsidiary, County National Bank, providing full-service banking since 1934 [6]

Core Viewpoint - Unity Bank is expanding its community banking presence with the opening of a new branch in Madison, NJ, bringing the total number of branches to 22, thereby enhancing its retail banking footprint in New Jersey and Pennsylvania [3][6]. Group 1: Branch Expansion - The new 2,000-square-foot branch features onsite parking, drive-up banking, and a full-service ATM, aimed at providing a seamless and convenient banking experience for customers [4]. - The branch previously operated under another bank and is being updated to meet Unity Bank's high standards for a welcoming environment [4]. Group 2: Leadership and Management - Linda Kemper, Vice President/Area Manager, leads the new branch sales team, bringing extensive experience in community banking and a strong dedication to customer service [5]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Unity Bank manages approximately $2.6 billion in total assets and holds $2.0 billion in deposits, reflecting its commitment to providing exceptional financial services tailored to retail, corporate, and small business customers [7]. Group 4: Company Overview - Unity Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTY) is the parent company of Unity Bank, which operates 22 branches across New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, offering community-focused commercial banking services [8].