Bank of the James Announces Third Quarter, Nine Months of 2022 Financial Results and Declaration of Dividend
Bank of the James Financial Group (BOTJ) reported record earnings for Q3 2022, with net income of $2.57 million ($0.55 per share), a 37% increase year-over-year. For the nine-month period, net income rose 22% to $7.01 million ($1.48 per share). Total interest income increased by 15%, driven by commercial real estate lending and rising interest rates. The company repurchased 2% of its shares and increased its quarterly dividend by 14% to $0.08 per share. Despite strong asset quality, concerns about declining commercial lending activity were noted due to rising interest rates.
- Record net income of $2.57 million in Q3 2022, up 37% YoY.
- Total interest income increased by 15% in Q3 2022.
- Net interest income rose 16%, reflecting strong growth in commercial real estate loans.
- Repurchased approximately 2% of outstanding shares.
- Quarterly dividend increased by 14% to $0.08 per share.
- Commercial lending activity slowed due to rising interest rates.
- Total stockholders' equity decreased to $48.3 million from $69.4 million since December 2021.
Record Quarterly Earnings, Strong Financial Ratios, Asset Quality
LYNCHBURG, Va., Oct. 21, 2022 (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 nine month periods ended September 30, 2022. The Bank serves Region 2000 (the greater Lynchburg MSA), and the Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Roanoke, and Wytheville, Virginia markets.
Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was a record
Robert R. Chapman III, CEO, commented: “The Company’s record third quarter earnings and continued strong financial performance underscored the importance of balanced income contributions from a broad range of commercial and retail banking products and expanded wealth management services. Maintaining high asset quality, focusing on operational efficiency and interest rate management supported strong bottom-line performance.
“In the third quarter, productivity as measured by return on average assets exceeded
“Asset quality remained strong, with few nonperforming loans, further reduction of the Company’s Other Real Estate Owned (OREO), and strong asset quality ratios. As in the past two quarters, we recorded a recovery of loan losses as there was no requirement to provide for loan losses. Productivity, efficiency and asset quality have greatly contributed to record earnings.
“Loan growth and the Company’s prompt response to rising interest rates led to
“The Company’s consistent earnings and capital strength positioned us to enhance shareholder value by repurchasing approximately
“The communities and customers we serve continue to demonstrate financial strength and stability. Rising interest rates and concerns about inflation and the economy have understandably slowed activity in commercial lending. Our residential mortgage origination business, which has been exceptionally brisk in the past several years, also experienced the impact of rising interest rates on demand – particularly mortgage refinancings. We expect Bank of the James’ reputation for loan processing, service and pricing will support our continued leadership in purchase mortgage originations.
“As we progress toward year-end, we look forward to providing superior financial solutions for customers and growth in value which shareholders expect.”
Highlights
- Net income in the third quarter of 2022 increased
37% from a year earlier, while net income in the nine months of 2022 rose22% compared with the nine months of 2021. Income growth in both periods of 2022 reflected balanced contributions from commercial and retail banking, residential mortgage originations, wealth management, and loan loss recoveries. - Total interest income in the third quarter of 2022 increased
15% from the prior year’s third quarter as commercial real estate lending continued to grow and rate-adjusted loans reflected the rising interest rate environment. - Net interest income was
$7.9 million in the third quarter of 2022, up16% from a year earlier, primarily reflecting increased interest income and continuing low interest expense. Net interest income in the nine months of 2022 grew6% compared with the nine months of 2021. - Total noninterest income in the third quarter of 2022 rose
37% compared with a year earlier as slowing income from gain on sale of residential mortgage loans was more than offset by wealth management fees and interchange income on card activity. Noninterest income in the nine months of 2022 increased27% compared with the same period of 2021. - Loans, net of the allowance for loan losses, increased
7% to$614.11 million at September 30, 2022 compared with$576.50 million at December 31, 2021, primarily reflecting commercial loan growth. - Asset quality remained strong, reflected in a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans of
0.13% at September 30, 2022 compared with0.16% at December 31, 2021. The Company continued to trim OREO, writing down a significant portion of OREO based on its recently contracted sales price. - Total deposits declined marginally at September 30, 2022 compared with December 31, 2021 and reflected continued strength of lower-cost core deposits (noninterest-bearing demand, NOW, savings and money market accounts), which were
85% of total deposits. - In both periods of 2022, Return on Average Assets (ROAA) and Return on Average Equity (ROAE) ratios improved significantly from 2021.
- The Company repurchased 112,000 shares of its common stock during the quarter for an aggregate of
$1,402,000 , which equates to an average price of approximately$12.51 per share. - On October 18, 2022 the Company’s board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of
$0.08 per share (up from$0.07 last quarter) to stockholders of record as of November 25, 2022, to be paid on December 9, 2022.
Third Quarter, Nine Months of 2022 Operational Review
Net interest income after recovery of loan losses for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 was
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, net interest income after recovery of loan losses was
Total interest income increased to
Total interest expense in the third quarter of 2022 was
J. Todd Scruggs, Executive Vice President and CFO, commented: “Improvements in net interest margin and net interest spread in the third quarter of 2022 reflected adjustments to our investment strategy based on our expectation that interest rates would be rising, and our ability to successfully manage our deposit costs.
“Earlier in the year, the Company’s actions included shifting a significant amount of investment funds from Fed Funds into its fixed income portfolio as yields became more attractive. We have also adjusted loan rates upward to be consistent with the rising interest rate environment with the expectation it might lead to somewhat slower commercial loan activity. Although some borrowers have sought lower-rate loans from other lenders or delayed borrowing decisions, most of our clients continue to appreciate the value of their full-service relationship with Bank of the James.”
The net interest margin in the third quarter of 2022 was
Noninterest income in the third quarter of 2022 was
Growth in fee income in the third quarter of 2022 primarily reflected increased interchange income earned on card activity and overdraft fees, as well as a
Noninterest expense in the third quarter of 2022 was
For the three months ended September 30, 2022, ROAE was
Balance Sheet Reflects Organic Loan Growth, Strong Asset Quality
Total assets were
Michael A. Syrek, President of the Bank, commented: “We have had several years of strong, steady growth in CRE lending, which we believe reflects the outstanding financial solutions Bank of the James offers and superior service from skilled relationship managers. Residential housing construction lending showed continued year-over-year growth, and commercial construction lending slowed year-over-year.
“As expected, we did experience a slowing of loan demand in the third quarter. In light of interest rate increases and economic uncertainties, we anticipate continuing softening in commercial loan demand, although we continue to have an attractive loan pipeline and good loan activity. Importantly, the quality of our loan portfolio has remained exceptionally high – a very positive indication of customers’ continued financial strength.”
Commercial loans (primarily C&I loans) were
A decline in historical loss experience, improved delinquency trends, and other net improvements in qualitative factors resulted in a reduction of the Company’s allowance for loan losses since December 31, 2021. Asset quality has been consistently strong and stable, with a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans of
Total nonperforming loans of
Total deposits at September 30, 2022 were
The Company’s total retained earnings increased to
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the value of the Bank’s available-for-sale securities portfolio has decreased by
About the Company
Bank 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, Rustburg, and Wytheville. 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. The Company provides investment advisory services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pettyjohn, Wood & White, Inc., an SEC-registered investment advisor. 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 Statements
This 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, changes in the value of real estate securing loans made by the Bank as well as the potential for the resurgence of COVID-19 and geopolitical conditions. 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.
CONTACT: J. Todd Scruggs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (434) 846-2000.
tscruggs@bankofthejames.com
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOLLOWS
Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited) | |||||||
Assets | 9/30/2022 | 12/31/2021 | |||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 38,622 | $ | 29,337 | |||
Federal funds sold | 42,398 | 153,816 | |||||
Total cash and cash equivalents | 81,020 | 183,153 | |||||
Securities held-to-maturity (fair value of | 3,643 | 3,655 | |||||
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value | 191,131 | 161,267 | |||||
Restricted stock, at cost | 1,387 | 1,324 | |||||
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of | 614,117 | 576,469 | |||||
Loans held for sale | 3,239 | 1,628 | |||||
Premises and equipment, net | 18,250 | 18,351 | |||||
Interest receivable | 2,382 | 2,064 | |||||
Cash value - bank owned life insurance | 19,123 | 18,785 | |||||
Customer relationship Intangible | 7,986 | 8,406 | |||||
Goodwill | 3,819 | 3,001 | |||||
Other real estate owned | 566 | 761 | |||||
Income taxes receivable | - | 77 | |||||
Deferred tax asset | 7,431 | 1,371 | |||||
Other assets | 8,476 | 7,322 | |||||
Total assets | $ | 962,570 | $ | 987,634 | |||
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity | |||||||
Deposits | |||||||
Noninterest bearing demand | $ | 155,984 | $ | 162,286 | |||
NOW, money market and savings | 598,964 | 582,000 | |||||
Time | 128,121 | 142,770 | |||||
Total deposits | 883,069 | 887,056 | |||||
Capital notes, net | 10,037 | 10,031 | |||||
Other borrowings | 10,596 | 10,985 | |||||
Income taxes payable | 374 | - | |||||
Interest payable | 37 | 46 | |||||
Other liabilities | 10,118 | 10,087 | |||||
Total liabilities | $ | 914,231 | $ | 918,205 | |||
Stockholders' equity | |||||||
Common stock | |||||||
9,905 | 10,145 | ||||||
Additional paid-in-capital | 36,068 | 37,230 | |||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (27,084 | ) | (1,386 | ) | |||
Retained earnings | 29,450 | 23,440 | |||||
Total stockholders' equity | $ | 48,339 | $ | 69,429 | |||
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | $ | 962,570 | $ | 987,634 | |||
Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
For the Three Months | For the Nine Months | ||||||||||||
Ended September 30, | Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||
Interest Income | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||
Loans | $ | 6,830 | $ | 6,605 | $ | 18,909 | $ | 20,089 | |||||
Securities | |||||||||||||
US Government and agency obligations | 331 | 230 | 911 | 640 | |||||||||
Mortgage backed securities | 437 | 138 | 1,196 | 299 | |||||||||
Municipals | 289 | 243 | 867 | 599 | |||||||||
Dividends | 5 | 4 | 36 | 39 | |||||||||
Other (Corporates) | 144 | 55 | 395 | 155 | |||||||||
Interest bearing deposits | 101 | 7 | 135 | 26 | |||||||||
Federal Funds sold | 262 | 33 | 463 | 67 | |||||||||
Total interest income | 8,399 | 7,315 | 22,912 | 21,914 | |||||||||
Interest Expense | |||||||||||||
Deposits | |||||||||||||
NOW, money market savings | 133 | 146 | 374 | 419 | |||||||||
Time Deposits | 143 | 239 | 467 | 890 | |||||||||
Finance leases | 24 | 26 | 73 | 80 | |||||||||
Other borrowings | 117 | - | 339 | - | |||||||||
Capital notes | 82 | 82 | 245 | 245 | |||||||||
Total interest expense | 499 | 493 | 1,498 | 1,634 | |||||||||
Net interest income | 7,900 | 6,822 | 21,414 | 20,280 | |||||||||
Recovery of loan losses | (300 | ) | - | (900 | ) | - | |||||||
Net interest income after provision for recovery of loan losses | 8,200 | 6,822 | 22,314 | 20,280 | |||||||||
Noninterest income | |||||||||||||
Gains on sale of loans held for sale | 1,472 | 2,091 | 4,675 | 6,175 | |||||||||
Service charges, fees and commissions | 1,313 | 612 | 2,563 | 1,803 | |||||||||
Wealth management fees | 959 | - | 2,935 | - | |||||||||
Life insurance income | 113 | 117 | 338 | 315 | |||||||||
Other income (loss) | (3 | ) | 2 | 8 | 12 | ||||||||
Total noninterest income | 3,854 | 2,822 | 10,519 | 8,305 | |||||||||
Noninterest expenses | |||||||||||||
Salaries and employee benefits | 4,529 | 4,093 | 13,051 | 11,901 | |||||||||
Occupancy | 445 | 437 | 1,348 | 1,270 | |||||||||
Equipment | 647 | 626 | 1,870 | 1,883 | |||||||||
Supplies | 116 | 120 | 380 | 354 | |||||||||
Professional, data processing, and other outside expense | 1,619 | 1,029 | 3,544 | 2,978 | |||||||||
Marketing | 222 | 209 | 661 | 720 | |||||||||
Credit expense | 244 | 309 | 765 | 869 | |||||||||
Other real estate expenses, net | 195 | 1 | 207 | 74 | |||||||||
FDIC insurance expense | 121 | 137 | 382 | 425 | |||||||||
Amortization of intangibles | 140 | - | 420 | - | |||||||||
Other | 601 | 337 | 1,491 | 950 | |||||||||
Total noninterest expenses | 8,879 | 7,298 | 24,119 | 21,424 | |||||||||
Income before income taxes | 3,175 | 2,346 | 8,714 | 7,161 | |||||||||
Income tax expense | 601 | 465 | 1,709 | 1,431 | |||||||||
Net Income | $ | 2,574 | $ | 1,881 | $ | 7,005 | $ | 5,730 | |||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted (1) | 4,683,581 | 4,740,657 | 4,721,423 | 4,750,235 | |||||||||
Net income per common share - basic and diluted (1) | $ | 0.55 | $ | 0.40 | $ | 1.48 | $ | 1.21 |
(1) Shares and per share amounts for all periods have been adjusted to reflect a
Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data
(unaudited)
Selected Data: | Three months ending Sep 30, 2022 | Three months ending Sep 30, 2021 | Change | Year to date Sep 30, 2022 | Year to date Sep 30, 2021 | Change | ||||||||||
Interest income | 14.82 | % | 4.55 | % | ||||||||||||
Interest expense | 499 | 493 | 1.22 | % | 1,498 | 1,634 | -8.32 | % | ||||||||
Net interest income | 7,900 | 6,822 | 15.80 | % | 21,414 | 20,280 | 5.59 | % | ||||||||
Recovery of loan losses | (300 | ) | - | N/A | (900 | ) | - | N/A | ||||||||
Noninterest income | 3,854 | 2,822 | 36.57 | % | 10,519 | 8,305 | 26.66 | % | ||||||||
Noninterest expense | 8,879 | 7,298 | 21.66 | % | 24,119 | 21,424 | 12.58 | % | ||||||||
Income taxes | 601 | 465 | 29.25 | % | 1,709 | 1,431 | 19.43 | % | ||||||||
Net income | 2,574 | 1,881 | 36.84 | % | 7,005 | 5,730 | 22.25 | % | ||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (1) | 4,683,581 | 4,740,657 | (57,076 | ) | 4,721,423 | 4,750,235 | (28,812 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted (1) | 4,683,581 | 4,740,657 | (57,076 | ) | 4,721,423 | 4,750,235 | (28,812 | ) | ||||||||
Basic net income per share (1) | ||||||||||||||||
Fully diluted net income per share (1) |
(1) Shares and per share amounts for all periods have been adjusted to reflect a
Balance Sheet at period end: | Sep 30, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Change | Sep 30, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Change | ||||||||
Loans, net | 6.53 | % | -3.05 | % | ||||||||||
Loans held for sale | 3,239 | 1,628 | 98.96 | % | 6,462 | 7,102 | -9.01 | % | ||||||
Total securities | 194,774 | 164,922 | 18.10 | % | 155,957 | 93,856 | 66.17 | % | ||||||
Total deposits | 883,069 | 887,056 | -0.45 | % | 853,829 | 764,967 | 11.62 | % | ||||||
Stockholders' equity | 48,339 | 69,429 | -30.38 | % | 68,902 | 66,732 | 3.25 | % | ||||||
Total assets | 962,570 | 987,634 | -2.54 | % | 942,631 | 851,386 | 10.72 | % | ||||||
Shares outstanding | 4,628,657 | 4,740,657 | (112,000 | ) | 4,740,657 | 4,339,436 | 401,221 | |||||||
Book value per share | ) | ) |
Daily averages: | Three months ending Sep 30, 2022 | Three months ending Sep 30, 2021 | Change | Year to date Sep 30, 2022 | Year to date Sep 30, 2021 | Change | ||||||
Loans | 4.78 | % | 0.36 | % | ||||||||
Loans held for sale | 4,217 | 5,638 | -25.20 | % | 3,978 | 5,777 | -31.14 | % | ||||
Total securities | 230,986 | 142,670 | 61.90 | % | 220,863 | 118,662 | 86.13 | % | ||||
Total deposits | 885,602 | 843,452 | 5.00 | % | 895,274 | 820,517 | 9.11 | % | ||||
Stockholders' equity | 52,451 | 67,657 | -22.48 | % | 60,603 | 66,183 | -8.43 | % | ||||
Interest earning assets | 916,798 | 869,899 | 5.39 | % | 927,482 | 847,730 | 9.41 | % | ||||
Interest bearing liabilities | 752,909 | 692,709 | 8.69 | % | 749,545 | 669,535 | 11.95 | % | ||||
Total assets | 968,985 | 930,846 | 4.10 | % | 986,867 | 906,389 | 8.88 | % |
Financial Ratios: | Three months ending Sep 30, 2022 | Three months ending Sep 30, 2021 | Change | Year to date Sep 30, 2022 | Year to date Sep 30, 2021 | Change | ||||||
Return on average assets | 1.05 | % | 0.80 | % | 0.25 | 0.95 | % | 0.85 | % | 0.10 | ||
Return on average equity | 19.47 | % | 11.03 | % | 8.44 | 15.45 | % | 11.58 | % | 3.87 | ||
Net interest margin | 3.43 | % | 3.11 | % | 0.32 | 3.09 | % | 3.20 | % | (0.11 | ) | |
Efficiency ratio | 75.54 | % | 75.67 | % | (0.13 | ) | 75.53 | % | 74.95 | % | 0.58 | |
Average equity to average assets | 5.41 | % | 7.27 | % | (1.86 | ) | 6.14 | % | 7.30 | % | (1.16 | ) |
Allowance for loan losses: | Three months ending Sep 30, 2022 | Three months ending Sep 30, 2021 | Change | Year to date Sep 30, 2022 | Year to date Sep 30, 2021 | Change | ||||||||||
Beginning balance | -8.26 | % | -3.37 | % | ||||||||||||
Recovery of loan losses | (300 | ) | - | N/A | (900 | ) | - | N/A | ||||||||
Charge-offs | (1 | ) | (16 | ) | -93.75 | % | (10 | ) | (80 | ) | -87.50 | % | ||||
Recoveries | 79 | 80 | -1.25 | % | 389 | 200 | 94.50 | % | ||||||||
Ending balance | 6,394 | 7,276 | -12.12 | % | 6,394 | 7,276 | -12.12 | % |
Nonperforming assets: | Sep 30, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Change | Sep 30, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Change | ||||||
Total nonperforming loans | -17.40 | % | -7.75 | % | ||||||||
Other real estate owned | 566 | 761 | -25.62 | % | 806 | 1,105 | -27.06 | % | ||||
Total nonperforming assets | 1,354 | 1,715 | -21.05 | % | 2,710 | 3,169 | -14.48 | % | ||||
Troubled debt restructurings - (performing portion) | 431 | 372 | 15.86 | % | 376 | 392 | -4.08 | % |
Asset quality ratios: | Sep 30, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Change | Sep 30, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | Change | ||||||
Nonperforming loans to total loans | 0.13 | % | 0.16 | % | (0.03 | ) | 0.32 | % | 0.34 | % | (0.02 | ) |
Allowance for loan losses to total loans | 1.03 | % | 1.19 | % | (0.16 | ) | 1.23 | % | 1.17 | % | 0.06 | |
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans | 811.42 | % | 724.84 | % | 86.58 | 382.14 | % | 346.71 | % | 35.43 |
FAQ
What were Bank of the James' earnings for Q3 2022?
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