LYNCHBURG, Va., April 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ:BOTJ), the parent company of Bank of the James, a full-service commercial and retail bank serving Region 2000 (Greater Lynchburg MSA), and the Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, and Roanoke, Virginia markets, today announced unaudited results for the three months ended March 31, 2020.
First Quarter 2020 HighlightsNet income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $995,000 or $0.23 per diluted share, compared with $1.23 million or $0.28 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2019. This decrease was due primarily to an increase in loan loss provision related to uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.Weighted average shares outstanding (diluted) were 4,348,040 at March 31, 2020 compared with 4,380,959 a year earlier, reflecting a repurchase of 39,000 shares of stock since March 31, 2019. The Company has temporarily suspended stock repurchases under its stock repurchase plan.Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses, were $570.66 million compared with $573.27 million at December 31, 2019 and $535.96 million at March 31, 2019.Commercial real estate loans, commercial & industrial loans, construction loans and multi-family mortgage loans increased compared with a year earlier. In light of potential risks to loan quality associated with COVID-19 and associated economic trends, the Company anticipates expanded disclosure related to business sectors and credit quality in its Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for quarter ended March 31, 2020 to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.Loans held for sale (primarily closed residential mortgage originations) were $6.13 million at March 31, 2020 compared with $4.22 million at December 31, 2019. Management noted the secondary market that purchases the majority of the Company’s originated conventional mortgages has continued to be strong and active.Total assets were $746.06 million at March 31, 2020, up from $725.39 million at December 31, 2019 and $684.39 million at March 31, 2019.Asset quality remained strong at March 31, 2020, with a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans of 0.25%. The Company increased its allowance for loan losses primarily based on our evaluation of qualitative (environmental) factors present and their contribution to our estimate of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. At March 31, 2020, the allowance for loan losses to total loans increased to 0.95%, and the allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 376%.On April 21, 2020 the Company’s board of directors approved a $0.07 per share dividend payable to stockholders of record on June 5, 2020, to be paid on June 19, 2020.COVID-19 UpdateThe Company has fully implemented its Business Continuity Plan.All branches remain open, with routine banking services offered through online banking, drive-thru, ATMs, and limited lobby access.Implemented a number of actions to support a healthy workforce, including:
— Flexible work practices such as work-from-home options, working in shifts and placing greater distances between employees;
— Discontinuation of non-essential business travel and meetings; and
— Use of online meeting platforms.Actively addressing customer needs, including loan payment relief where appropriate.The Bank has not experienced any unusual pressure on deposit balances or liquidity positions as a result of COVID-19. As of March 31, 2020, the Bank had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $64 million. As of April 24, 2020, the Bank has access to approximately $71 million through existing credit arrangements. In addition, the Bank has been accepted to the Payroll Protection Program Liquidity Facility pursuant to which the Bank may borrow 100% of the face value of PPP loans it has originated.Robert R. Chapman III, President and CEO, commented: “As our nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia and our communities address the challenges and uncertainties presented by COVID-19, we salute the women and men in our hospitals and first responders and are grateful for their service. We also want to extend our heartfelt thoughts to the families that have been affected by this virus and wish them the very best. We have focused on protecting the health and safety of our employees and the citizens of the communities we serve by positioning daily operations to respond to the needs of our customers with safety and security. We stand ready to serve, as we have throughout the history of our Company, and will do everything in our power to help our region of the Commonwealth.“We implemented remote work procedures, staffing adjustments and branch bank emphasis on drive-up banking and ATMs to protect customers and employees. Electronic and mobile banking capabilities for individuals and businesses have supported necessary banking activities. Our banking team has maintained a high level of responsiveness, providing personalized attention and financial solutions to customers.“Our primary focus has been to help customers and communities navigate challenging and ever-changing economic and financial circumstances. We dedicated much of our human capital in April to helping our community’s small businesses, receiving well over 500 applications beginning April 3rd under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and have received approvals from the SBA impacting more than 6,000 employees in our served markets.“As a community bank with a traditional focus on meeting the needs of small business both in times of opportunity and challenge, we believe Bank of the James is well-positioned to provide support to our communities. We remain well-capitalized and with the liquidity to meet the needs of our customers. We are prepared to coordinate any additional federal assistance that becomes available.“Consistent with Bank of the James’ longstanding commitment to support the civic and charitable organizations in our communities, and the many not-for-profit organizations that bank with us, we have accelerated support to organizations that provide critical necessities such as shelter, food and clothing. Although social distancing has limited the usual participation of our employees in charitable activities, we are working hard to provide financial and logistical support wherever and whenever possible.“I want to thank our total bank team for their steadfast support of our customers and our communities providing the highest level of service in rising to meet their needs. We will meet this latest challenge and get through it together.”J. Todd Scruggs, Executive Vice President and CFO, stated: “Bank of the James recognizes the future may hold unprecedented challenges for the Company and its customers. We would like to assure customers and shareholders that we are focused on maintaining capital strength, prudently and promptly reserving for credit risk, and working closely with our customers to educate and guide them on options for financial solutions to manage ongoing challenges.”First Quarter 2020 Operational ReviewNet income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 decreased to $995,000 from $1.23 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase in provision for loan losses in the current year, which includes our evaluation of the COVID-19 pandemic at March 31, 2020, contributed significantly to this decline and is discussed in more detail below.Total interest income was $7.49 million at March 31, 2020 compared with $7.23 million at March 31, 2019. Interest expense increased to $1.35 million from $1.10 million, which reflected a larger deposit base and rate increases in demand and time deposits. Interest rates paid on total interest-bearing liabilities in the first quarter of 2020 were 0.90% compared with 0.85% in the first quarter of 2019.“As in past quarters, we funded our loan portfolio with deposits and not through wholesale funding, which has contributed to efficient operation and margin stability,” said Scruggs. “We recognize that while current uncertainty and economic conditions will likely impact demand for growth-oriented borrowing, we are focused on helping commercial clients manage their working capital and helping individuals meet their financial obligations and manage their finances to continue moving forward.”Net interest income before provision for loan losses in the first quarter of 2020 was $6.14 million compared with $6.13 million a year earlier. The Company increased its provision for loan losses to $888,000 in the first quarter of 2020 compared with $210,000 a year earlier. This increase was due primarily to an increase in the general reserve related to conditions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, in determining its March 31, 2020 estimate of the allowance for loan losses, the Company considered unemployment trends, market conditions, social distancing, the potential impact on real estate values in our service areas, loans with actual or requested payment deferrals, and loan concentrations within industries most vulnerable to effects of the pandemic.Net interest margin was 3.63% in the first quarter of 2020 compared with 3.92% in the first quarter of 2019, and net interest spread declined to 3.49% from 3.77% a year earlier.Noninterest income, including gains from the sale of residential mortgages to the secondary market, gains on sales of available-for-sale securities, revenue contributions from BOTJ Investment Services, and income from the Bank’s line of treasury management services for commercial customers was $2.19 million compared with $1.22 million in the first quarter of 2019, primarily reflecting increased gains on sales of residential mortgage loans and securities available-for-sale.Noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $6.20 million compared to $5.60 million a year earlier. The increase primarily reflected increased personnel expenses from variable compensation expenses related to the volume of mortgage loan production, higher occupancy and equipment expenses related to new offices, and an increase in professional expenses.First Quarter 2020 Balance Sheet ReviewTotal assets were $746.06 million March 31, 2020 compared to $725.39 million at December 31, 2019. This increase was due primarily due to an increase in cash caused by an increase in deposits. Cash and cash equivalents increased from $39.11 million on December 31, 2019 to $64.20 million on March 31, 2020. On March 31, 2020 loans held for investment, net of the allowance for loan losses, which totaled $570.66 million, Loans held-for-sale were $6.13 million, and the Fair value of securities available-for-sale was $54.99 million.The Company’s commercial loan portfolio provided balanced performance and a diversified risk profile. At March 31, 2020, owner occupied commercial real estate (CRE) was $103.37 million, up 3.94% from a year earlier, non-owner occupied CRE was $182.46 million, up 4.67% from a year earlier, commercial construction & land loans rose 3.29 % to $16.73 million, while commercial & industrial loans rose 16.31% to $115.53 million. Retained residential mortgages and consumer construction loans were essentially flat compared with a year earlier, and consumer loans increased to $91.33, an increase of 7.08%. As noted earlier, the Company anticipates providing expanded disclosure regarding specific lending sectors in its upcoming SEC Form 10-Q filing.Total deposits at March 31, 2020 were a Company-record $668.3 million. During the past year, the majority of deposit growth has been core deposits (noninterest and interest-bearing checking, NOW, money market and savings accounts).The Bank’s regulatory capital ratios continued to exceed accepted regulatory standards for a well-capitalized institution. The Company’s shareholder value measurements at March 31, 2020 included total stockholders’ equity increasing to $63.3 million from $61.4 million at December 31,2019, retained earnings of $21.6 million and book value per share of $14.59.About the CompanyBank of the James, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. opened for business in July 1999 and is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia. The bank currently services customers in Virginia from offices located in Altavista, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Forest, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Roanoke, and Rustburg. The bank offers full investment and insurance services through its BOTJ Investment Services division and BOTJ Insurance, Inc. subsidiary. The bank provides mortgage loan origination through Bank of the James Mortgage, a division of Bank of the James. Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. common stock is listed under the symbol “BOTJ” on the NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC. Additional information on the Company is available at www.bankofthejames.bank.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “plan” and similar expressions and variations thereof identify certain of such forward-looking statements which speak only as of the dates on which they were made. Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, competition, general economic conditions, potential changes in interest rates, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes in the value of real estate securing loans made by Bank of the James (the “Bank”), a subsidiary of the Company. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to materially differ from those in the forward-looking statements is contained in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and previously filed by the Bank (as predecessor of the Company) with the Federal Reserve Board.J. Todd Scruggs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (434) 846-2000.
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Unaudited
Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
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