Landmark Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share of $0.48

Rhea-AI Summary

Landmark Bancorp, Inc. reported diluted earnings per share of $0.48 for Q4 2023, compared to $0.53 per share in Q3 2023 and $0.22 per share in Q4 2022. Net earnings for Q4 2023 amounted to $2.6 million, compared to $2.9 million in Q3 2023 and $1.2 million in Q4 2022. The return on average assets was 0.67%, return on average equity was 9.39%, and efficiency ratio was 71.9% for Q4 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2023, diluted earnings per share totaled $2.23 compared to $1.79 during 2022. Net earnings for 2023 totaled $12.2 million, compared to $9.9 million in 2022, an increase of 23.9%. Landmark's Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share, to be paid February 28, 2024.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The financial results reported by Landmark Bancorp, Inc. show a mixed performance, with diluted earnings per share decreasing from the third quarter to the fourth quarter of 2023 but showing a significant increase when compared year-over-year. The net earnings follow a similar pattern, indicating a decline from the previous quarter but an overall increase from the same quarter last year. These fluctuations could suggest a level of volatility in earnings, which may concern some investors seeking stability.

The report of increased net interest income and controlled expenses contributing to a 23.9% increase in net earnings for the year is a positive signal of efficient management and could be attractive to investors. The return on average assets and equity are crucial metrics for assessing a bank's profitability. The figures provided, 0.80% for assets and 10.70% for equity, although not exceptional, are solid within the banking sector. An increase in the net interest margin indicates improving profitability in Landmark's core business activities.

The declaration of a cash dividend and the continuation of a 5% stock dividend for the 23rd consecutive year reflect a commitment to shareholder returns, which could be perceived positively in the market. However, the sale of lower rate investment securities at a loss to reduce higher cost funding sources may raise questions about the bank's investment strategy and its impact on future earnings.

Market Research Analyst

Landmark's strategic decisions, such as reducing reliance on borrowed funds and selling lower rate investment securities, demonstrate a focus on optimizing its balance sheet amidst a changing interest rate environment. The growth in deposits and loans, particularly in residential mortgage and agriculture, indicates a healthy demand for Landmark's services and could signal strength in these sectors.

The increase in the book value per share to $23.17 and the equity to assets ratio are indicators of the bank's financial health and could enhance investor confidence. However, the decrease in non-interest income due to securities losses and the reduction in non-interest expense due to non-recurring acquisition costs from the previous year warrant a closer examination to understand the underlying performance and sustainability of cost management.

Landmark's liquidity position, with multiple sources of funding and a strong loan to deposit ratio, suggests that the bank is well-prepared to manage short-term obligations and fund future loan growth. The bank's ability to maintain a low ratio of net loan charge-offs to loans and a solid allowance for credit losses speaks to the quality of its loan portfolio, which could be reassuring to stakeholders.

Economist

The banking industry has faced challenges with rapidly rising interest rates throughout the year. Landmark's response, as indicated by its fourth-quarter performance, shows resilience and adaptability. The Federal Reserve's stabilization of short-term rates and the decline in long-term interest rates have allowed Landmark to adjust its strategy, which could be indicative of broader economic trends that may impact the banking sector.

The growth in residential mortgage and agriculture loans reflects sector-specific economic activity and Landmark's performance in these areas could be a microcosm of regional economic health. The increase in net interest income despite rising interest rates suggests that Landmark has navigated the rate environment effectively, which could be of interest to stakeholders looking for indicators of sound financial management in uncertain economic times.

The bank's strategic moves, such as reducing higher cost funding sources and managing its investment portfolio against interest rate risk, are reflective of broader economic conditions and the need for financial institutions to maintain flexibility in their operations to safeguard against market volatility.

Declares Cash Dividend of $0.21 per Share

Manhattan, KS, Jan. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (“Landmark”; Nasdaq: LARK) reported diluted earnings per share of $0.48 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $0.53 per share in the third quarter of 2023 and $0.22 per share in the same quarter last year. Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2023 amounted to $2.6 million, compared to $2.9 million in the prior quarter and $1.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2022. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the return on average assets was 0.67%, the return on average equity was 9.39%, and the efficiency ratio was 71.9%.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, diluted earnings per share totaled $2.23 compared to $1.79 during 2022. Net earnings for 2023 totaled $12.2 million, compared to $9.9 million in 2022 or an increase of 23.9% which was mainly driven by increased net interest income and flat expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the return on average assets was 0.80% and the return on average equity was 10.70%.

In making this announcement, Michael E. Scheopner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Landmark, said, “While the banking industry has been challenged this year through the third quarter with rapidly rising interest rates, in the fourth quarter the Federal Reserve started to stabilize short-term rates and long-term interest rates declined. This enabled us to grow deposits, reduce investment securities and fund continued loan growth. We also reduced our reliance on borrowed funds as we sold some lower rate investment securities at a pre-tax loss of $1.2 million and reduced higher cost funding sources. Lower rates overall effectively increased our book value per share to $23.17 while also increasing equity to assets. Compared to the third quarter of 2023, total gross loans increased by $11.2 million, or 4.8% on an annualized basis mainly due to growth in residential mortgage and agriculture loans. Deposits also increased $6.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. Our loan to deposit ratio totaled 71.3% in the fourth quarter reflecting ample liquidity for future loan growth. Net interest income this quarter totaled $10.9 million and an increase of 2.4% from the prior quarter, as growth in interest income on loans outpaced increased interest costs on deposits. Our net interest margin increased to 3.11% during the fourth quarter of 2023 from 3.06% in the prior quarter. Non-interest income decreased $1.4 million compared to the third quarter of 2023 mostly due to the securities losses mentioned above while non-interest expense declined due to acquisition costs incurred last year in the fourth quarter that did not reoccur.”

Mr. Scheopner continued, “The credit quality of our loan portfolio remains solid. Landmark recorded net loan charge-offs of $362,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to net loan charge-offs of $67,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022 and net loan recoveries of $521,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The ratio of net loan charge-offs to loans totaled 0.15% this quarter and remains low. Non-accrual loans totaled $2.4 million, or 0.25%, of gross loans at December 31, 2023 and declined $2.0 million from the prior quarter while the balance of loans past due 30 to 89 days remained low at $1.6 million, or 0.17%, of gross loans at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses totaled $10.6 million at December 31, 2023, or 1.12% of period end gross loans, while our equity to assets ratio totaled 8.13%.”

Landmark’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share, to be paid February 28, 2024, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 14, 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2023 the Company also distributed a 5% stock dividend to common shareholders representing the 23^rd consecutive year the Board of Directors has declared a 5% stock dividend.

Management will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial results at 10:00 a.m. (Central time) on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Investors may participate via telephone by dialing (833) 470-1428 and using access code 731415. A replay of the call will be available through February 29, 2024, by dialing (866) 813-9403 and using access code 252619.

SUMMARY OF FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS

Net Interest Income

Net interest income in the fourth quarter of 2023 amounted to $10.9 million representing an increase of $260,000, or 2.4%, compared to the previous quarter. This increase in net interest income was due mainly to growth in interest income on loans which was partially offset by higher interest expense on deposits. The net interest margin increased 5 basis points to 3.11% during the fourth quarter. Compared to the previous quarter, interest income on loans increased $692,000, or 5.1%, to $14.2 million due to both higher rates and balances while the average tax-equivalent yield on the loan portfolio increased 11 basis points to 6.04%. Interest expense on deposits increased $495,000 in the fourth quarter 2023, compared to the prior quarter, mainly due to higher rates and average balances on interest-bearing deposits. The average rate on interest-bearing deposits increased in the fourth quarter to 2.13% compared to 1.93% in the prior quarter. Interest on borrowed funds decreased $63,000 mainly due to lower borrowed balances.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income totaled $2.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, a decrease of $558,000, or 19.8%, compared to the same period last year and a decrease of $1.4 million, or 38.3%, from the previous quarter. The decrease in non-interest income during the fourth quarter of 2023 was primarily due to losses on sales of investment securities, which increased from $750,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022 to $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. These losses in the current quarter were related to the sale of lower yielding investment securities. The third quarter of 2023 did not include any sales of investment securities. Gains on sales of one-to-four family residential real estate loans declined $162,000 from the same period last year and $236,000 from the prior quarter, due to lower fixed rate mortgage loan originations while fees and service charges increased 7.4% compared to the same period last year.

Non-Interest Expense

During the fourth quarter of 2023, non-interest expense totaled $10.6 million, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 24.3%, over the same period in 2023 and a decrease of $167,000, or 1.6%, compared to the prior quarter. The decrease in non-interest expense compared to the fourth quarter of 2022 was primarily due to acquisition costs of $3.0 million in the 4^th quarter of 2022 that did not reoccur this year. Also contributing to the decline in other non-interest expense in the fourth quarter 2023 were lower losses associated with our captive insurance subsidiary and a decline in the valuation allowance on other real estate owned which declined from $354,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022 to $6,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Compensation and benefits declined this quarter compared to the prior quarter while data processing costs were relatively flat.

Income Tax Expense

Landmark recorded an income tax benefit of $111,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to an income tax benefit of $466,000 in the fourth quarter of 2022 and income tax expense of $671,000 in the third quarter of 2023. The effective tax rate was (4.4%) in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to (62.5%) in the fourth quarter of 2022 and 18.9% in the third quarter of 2023. The fourth quarter of 2023 included the recognition of $517,000 of previously unrecognized tax benefits compared to the recognition of $465,000 of previously unrecognized tax benefits in the fourth quarter of 2022, which reduced the effective tax rate in the periods.

Liquidity Highlights

In addition to local retail, commercial and public fund deposits, the Company has access to multiple sources of brokered deposits that can be utilized for liquidity. Landmark also has diverse sources of liquidity available through both secured and unsecured borrowing lines of credit. At December 31, 2023, Landmark had collateral pledged to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) that would allow for an additional $153.1 million of FHLB borrowings. Additionally, investment securities were pledged to the Federal Reserve discount window that provides borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve of $60.7 million. Landmark also had various other federal funds agreements, both secured and unsecured with correspondent banks totaling approximately $30.0 million in available credit at December 31, 2023.

As of December 31, 2023, Landmark had unpledged available-for-sale investment securities with a fair value of $75.0 million as well as approximately $44.0 million of pledged investment securities in excess of required levels. The average life of the Company’s investment portfolio is approximately 4.2 years and is projected to generate cash flow through maturities of $83.4 million over the next 12 months.

Balance Sheet Highlights

As of December 31, 2023, gross loans totaled $948.7 million, an increase of $11.2 million, or 4.8% annualized since September 30, 2023. During the quarter, loan growth was primarily comprised of one-to-four family residential real estate (growth of $13.0 million), agriculture (growth of $5.1 million) and municipal (growth of $1.3 million). The increase in one-to-four family residential real estate loans is primarily related to continued demand in adjustable-rate mortgage loans which are retained in our portfolio. Investment securities decreased $4.1 million, during the fourth quarter of 2023, while pre-tax unrealized net losses on these investment securities decreased from $42.8 million at September 30, 2023 to $21.9 million at December 31, 2023. During the fourth quarter of 2023, approximately $26.9 million of U.S. treasury securities were sold at a pre-tax loss of $1.2 million. The proceeds from the sale of the low yield investment securities were used to reduce higher cost FHLB borrowings.

Deposit balances increased $6.8 million, or 2.1% on an annualized basis, to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in deposits was mainly driven by increases in money market and checking (increase of $25.6 million) and certificate of deposit accounts (increase of $13.9 million) in the fourth quarter but partly offset by lower non-interest-bearing demand and savings accounts, which decreased in total by $32.7 million. The increase in money market and checking accounts was mainly driven by seasonal growth in public fund deposit account balances. Total borrowings, including FHLB advances and repurchase agreements decreased $17.8 million this quarter. At December 31, 2023, the loan to deposits ratio was 71.3% compared to 70.8% in the prior quarter and 64.7% in the same period last year.

Estimated uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public fund deposits, totaled $197.2 million and $202.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and September 30, 2023, respectively. This represents approximately 15% of total deposits at December 31, 2023 and compares favorably with other similar community banking organizations. Over 93% of Landmark’s total deposits were considered core deposits at December 31, 2023. These deposit balances are from retail, commercial and public fund customers located in the markets where the Company has bank branch locations. Brokered deposits are considered non-core and totaled $83.2 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $72.4 million at September 30, 2023 and are utilized as an additional source of liquidity.

Stockholders’ equity increased to $126.9 million (book value of $23.17 per share) as of December 31, 2023, from $109.6 million (book value of $19.99 per share) as of September 30, 2023, primarily due to a decrease in other comprehensive losses during the fourth quarter of 2023 related to lower market interest rates which decreased the unrealized losses on the Company’s investment securities portfolio. The ratio of equity to total assets increased to 8.13% on December 31, 2023, from 7.03% on September 30, 2023.

The allowance for credit losses totaled $10.6 million, or 1.12% of total gross loans on December 31, 2023, compared to $11.0 million, or 1.17% of total gross loans on September 30, 2023. Net loan charge-offs totaled $362,000 in the fourth quarter of 2023, compared to $67,000 during the same quarter last year and net loan recoveries of $521,000 during the third quarter of 2023. The ratio of annualized net loan charge-offs to total average loans was 0.15% in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 0.03% in the fourth quarter of 2022, while the ratio of annualized net loan recoveries to total average loans was 0.23% in the third quarter of 2023. The net loan recoveries in the third quarter of 2023 included $626,000 related to a construction loan previously charged-off in 2011. A provision for credit losses of $50,000 was made in the fourth quarter of 2023 related to an increase in unfunded loan commitments. No provision for credit losses was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2022 or the third quarter of 2023.

Non-performing loans totaled $2.4 million, or 0.25% of gross loans and decreased $2.0 million from the prior quarter, while loans 30-89 days delinquent totaled $1.6 million, or 0.17% of gross loans, as of December 31, 2023. Real estate owned totaled $0.9 million at December 31, 2023.

About Landmark

Landmark Bancorp, Inc., the holding company for Landmark National Bank, is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “LARK.” Headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Landmark National Bank is a community banking organization dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services. Landmark National Bank has 31 locations in 24 communities across Kansas: Manhattan (2), Auburn, Dodge City (2), Fort Scott (2), Garden City, Great Bend (2), Hoisington, Iola, Junction City, Kincaid, La Crosse, Lawrence (2), Lenexa, Louisburg, Mound City, Osage City, Osawatomie, Overland Park (2), Paola, Pittsburg, Prairie Village, Topeka (2), Wamego and Wellsville, Kansas. Visit www.banklandmark.com for more information.

Contacts:

Michael E. Scheopner

President and Chief Executive Officer

Mark A. Herpich

Chief Financial Officer

(785) 565-2000

Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Landmark. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this press release, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and Landmark undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. A number of factors, many of which are beyond our ability to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local, national and international economies, including the effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints on such economies; (ii) changes in state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning banking, securities, consumer protection, insurance, monetary, trade and tax matters, including any changes in response to the recent failures of other banks; (iii) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of our assets; (iv) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers, including from non-bank competitors such as credit unions and “fintech” companies; (v) timely development and acceptance of new products and services; (vi) changes in technology and the ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (vii) our risk management framework; (viii) interruptions in information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party services; (ix) changes and uncertainty in benchmark interest rates, including the elimination of LIBOR and the development of a substitute and the recent and potential additional rate increases by the Federal Reserve; (x) the effects of severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), or other external events; (xi) the loss of key executives or employees; (xii) changes in consumer spending; (xiii) integration of acquired businesses; (xiv) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation; (xv) changes in accounting policies and practices, such as the implementation of the current expected credit losses accounting standard; (xvi) the economic impact of past and any future terrorist attacks, acts of war, including the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the conflict in Ukraine, or threats thereof, and the response of the United States to any such threats and attacks; (xvii) the ability to manage credit risk, forecast loan losses and maintain an adequate allowance for loan losses; (xviii) fluctuations in the value of securities held in our securities portfolio; (xix) concentrations within our loan portfolio, large loans to certain borrowers, and large deposits from certain clients; (xx) the concentration of large deposits from certain clients who have balances above current FDIC insurance limits and may withdraw deposits to diversify their exposure; (xxi) the level of non-performing assets on our balance sheets; (xxii) the ability to raise additional capital; (xxiii) cyber-attacks; (xxiv) declines in real estate values; (xxv) the effects of fraud on the part of our employees, customers, vendors or counterparties; and (xxvi) any other risks described in the “Risk Factors” sections of reports filed by Landmark with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning Landmark and its business, including additional risk factors that could materially affect Landmark’s financial results, is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)		December 31,				September 30,				June 30,				March 31,				December 31,
		2023				2023				2023				2023				2022
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	27,101			$	23,821			$	20,038			$	23,764			$	23,156
Interest-bearing deposits at other banks			4,918				5,904				8,336				8,586				9,084
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
U.S. treasury securities			95,667				118,341				121,480				121,759				123,111
U.S. federal agency obligations			-				-				-				1,993				1,988
Municipal obligations, tax exempt			120,623				115,706				124,451				128,281				127,262
Municipal obligations, taxable			79,083				73,993				77,713				73,468				67,244
Agency mortgage-backed securities			157,396				148,817				160,734				164,669				169,701
Total investment securities available-for-sale			452,769				456,857				484,378				490,170				489,306
Investment securities held-to-maturity			3,555				3,525				3,496				3,467				3,524
Bank stocks, at cost			8,123				8,009				9,445				6,876				5,470
Loans:
One-to-four family residential real estate			302,544				289,571				259,655				246,079				236,982
Construction and land			21,090				21,657				22,016				23,137				22,725
Commercial real estate			320,962				323,427				314,889				316,900				304,074
Commercial			180,942				185,831				181,424				172,331				173,415
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)			-				-				-				21				21
Agriculture			89,680				84,560				84,345				80,499				84,283
Municipal			4,507				3,200				2,711				2,004				2,026
Consumer			28,931				29,180				28,219				28,835				26,664
Total gross loans			948,656				937,426				893,259				869,806				850,190
Net deferred loan (fees) costs and loans in process			(429	)			(396	)			(261	)			2				(250	)
Allowance for credit losses			(10,608	)			(10,970	)			(10,449	)			(10,267	)			(8,791	)
Loans, net			937,619				926,060				882,549				859,541				841,149
Loans held for sale, at fair value			853				1,857				3,900				1,839				2,488
Bank owned life insurance			38,333				38,090				37,764				37,541				37,323
Premises and equipment, net			19,709				23,911				24,027				24,241				24,327
Goodwill			32,377				32,377				32,199				32,199				32,199
Other intangible assets, net			3,241				3,414				3,612				3,809				4,006
Mortgage servicing rights			3,158				3,368				3,514				3,652				3,813
Real estate owned, net			928				934				934				934				934
Other assets			28,988				29,459				25,148				24,198				26,088
Total assets		$	1,561,672			$	1,557,586			$	1,539,340			$	1,520,817			$	1,502,867
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Liabilities:
Deposits:
Non-interest-bearing demand			367,103				395,046				382,410				421,971				410,142
Money market and checking			612,243				586,651				606,474				588,366				626,659
Savings			152,382				157,112				160,426				169,504				170,570
Certificates of deposit			183,154				169,225				131,661				114,189				93,278
Total deposits			1,314,882				1,308,034				1,280,971				1,294,030				1,300,649
FHLB and other borrowings			64,662				74,567				76,185				37,804				8,200
Subordinated debentures			21,651				21,651				21,651				21,651				21,651
Repurchase agreements			12,714				20,592				22,293				28,750				38,402
Accrued interest and other liabilities			20,849				23,185				20,887				20,864				22,532
Total liabilities			1,434,758				1,448,029				1,421,987				1,403,099				1,391,434
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock			55				52				52				52				52
Additional paid-in capital			89,208				84,568				84,475				84,413				84,273
Retained earnings			54,282				57,280				55,498				53,231				52,174
Treasury stock, at cost			(75	)			-				-				-				-
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income			(16,556	)			(32,343	)			(22,672	)			(19,978	)			(25,066	)
Total stockholders’ equity			126,914				109,557				117,353				117,718				111,433
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,561,672			$	1,557,586			$	1,539,340			$	1,520,817			$	1,502,867

LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)		Three months ended,												Year ended,
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2023				2022				2023				2022
Interest income:
Loans		$	14,223			$	13,531			$	11,101			$	51,753			$	33,473
Investment securities:
Taxable			2,453				2,445				2,267				9,594				6,414
Tax-exempt			761				772				786				3,094				3,018
Interest-bearing deposits at banks			49				46				89				242				321
Total interest income			17,486				16,794				14,243				64,683				43,226
Interest expense:
Deposits			4,879				4,384				1,452				15,254				2,776
FHLB and other borrowings			1,203				1,251				478				4,048				584
Subordinated debentures			422				417				318				1,590				840
Repurchase agreements			96				116				109				499				146
Total interest expense			6,600				6,168				2,357				21,391				4,346
Net interest income			10,886				10,626				11,886				43,292				38,880
Provision for credit losses			50				-				-				349				-
Net interest income after provision for credit losses			10,836				10,626				11,886				42,943				38,880
Non-interest income:
Fees and service charges			2,763				2,618				2,572				10,220				9,651
Gains on sales of loans, net			255				491				417				2,269				3,444
Bank owned life insurance			242				230				214				913				780
Losses on sales of investment securities, net			(1,246	)			-				(750	)			(1,246	)			(1,103	)
Other			240				313				359				1,074				928
Total non-interest income			2,254				3,652				2,812				13,230				13,700
Non-interest expense:
Compensation and benefits			5,756				5,811				5,626				22,681				20,405
Occupancy and equipment			1,429				1,373				1,373				5,565				5,118
Data processing			462				458				495				1,940				1,580
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights and other intangibles			437				474				481				1,844				1,446
Professional fees			730				624				554				2,452				1,892
Acquisition costs			-				-				3,043				-				3,398
Other			1,748				1,989				2,380				7,501				7,431
Total non-interest expense			10,562				10,729				13,952				41,983				41,270
Earnings before income taxes			2,528				3,549				746				14,190				11,310
Income tax expense			(111	)			671				(466	)			1,954				1,432
Net earnings		$	2,639			$	2,878			$	1,212			$	12,236			$	9,878
Net earnings per share (1)
Basic		$	0.48			$	0.53			$	0.22			$	2.23			$	1.80
Diluted			0.48				0.53				0.22				2.23				1.79
Dividends per share (1)			0.20				0.20				0.19				0.80				0.76
Shares outstanding at end of period (1)			5,477,595				5,481,805				5,473,894				5,477,595				5,473,894
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (1)			5,481,119				5,479,909				5,475,433				5,477,700				5,492,286
Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted (1)			5,481,119				5,482,633				5,489,915				5,480,800				5,508,053
Tax equivalent net interest income		$	11,017			$	10,809			$	12,089			$	44,040			$	39,680

(1

)

Share and per share values at or for the periods ended September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividend paid during December 2023.

LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Select Ratios and Other Data (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)		As of or for the three months ended,												As of or for the year ended,
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2023				2022				2023				2022
Performance ratios:
Return on average assets (1)			0.67	%			0.74	%			0.32	%			0.80	%			0.73	%
Return on average equity (1)			9.39	%			9.87	%			4.50	%			10.70	%			8.25	%
Net interest margin (1)(2)			3.11	%			3.06	%			3.53	%			3.17	%			3.21	%
Effective tax rate			-4.4	%			18.9	%			-62.5	%			13.8	%			12.7	%
Efficiency ratio (3)			71.9	%			73.8	%			66.8	%			71.2	%			69.4	%
Non-interest income to total income (3)			24.3	%			25.6	%			23.1	%			25.1	%			27.4	%
Average balances:
Investment securities		$	463,763			$	486,706			$	504,495			$	486,268			$	474,732
Loans			934,333				906,289				832,285				891,487				702,247
Assets			1,555,742				1,549,724				1,507,454				1,535,694				1,357,479
Interest-bearing deposits			910,610				902,727				850,041				892,373				804,146
FHLB and other borrowings			84,408				89,441				43,870				74,210				15,061
Subordinated debentures			21,651				21,651				21,651				21,651				21,651
Repurchase agreements			13,785				15,387				31,533				18,361				13,239
Stockholders’ equity		$	111,560			$	115,644			$	106,782			$	114,339				119,792
Average tax equivalent yield/cost (1):
Investment securities			2.86	%			2.77	%			2.56	%			2.76	%			2.15	%
Loans			6.04	%			5.93	%			5.29	%			5.81	%			4.77	%
Total interest-bearing assets			4.97	%			4.81	%			4.22	%			4.71	%			3.56	%
Interest-bearing deposits			2.13	%			1.93	%			0.68	%			1.71	%			0.35	%
FHLB and other borrowings			5.65	%			5.55	%			4.32	%			5.45	%			3.88	%
Subordinated debentures			7.73	%			7.64	%			5.83	%			7.34	%			3.88	%
Repurchase agreements			2.79	%			2.97	%			1.37	%			2.72	%			1.10	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities			2.54	%			2.38	%			0.99	%			2.13	%			0.51	%
Capital ratios:
Equity to total assets			8.13	%			7.03	%			7.41	%
Tangible equity to tangible assets (3)			5.98	%			4.85	%			5.13	%
Book value per share		$	23.17			$	19.99			$	20.36
Tangible book value per share (3)		$	16.67			$	13.46			$	13.74
Rollforward of allowance for credit losses (loans):
Beginning balance		$	10,970			$	10,449			$	8,858			$	8,791			$	8,775
Adoption of CECL			-				-				-				1,523				-
Charge-offs			(442	)			(142	)			(101	)			(850	)			(336	)
Recoveries			80				663				34				894				352
Provision for credit losses for loans			-				-				-				250				-
Ending balance		$	10,608			$	10,970			$	8,791			$	10,608			$	8,791
Allowance for unfunded loan commitments		$	250			$	200			$	170
Non-performing assets:
Non-accrual loans		$	2,391			$	4,440			$	3,326
Accruing loans over 90 days past due			-				-				-
Real estate owned			928				934				934
Total non-performing assets		$	3,319			$	5,374			$	4,260
Loans 30-89 days delinquent		$	1,582			$	6,173			$	738
Other ratios:
Loans to deposits			71.31	%			70.80	%			64.67	%
Loans 30-89 days delinquent and still accruing to gross loans outstanding			0.17	%			0.66	%			0.09	%
Total non-performing loans to gross loans outstanding			0.25	%			0.47	%			0.39	%
Total non-performing assets to total assets			0.21	%			0.35	%			0.28	%
Allowance for credit losses to gross loans outstanding			1.12	%			1.17	%			1.03	%
Allowance for credit losses to total non-performing loans			443.66	%			247.07	%			264.31	%
Net loan charge-offs to average loans (1)			0.15	%			-0.23	%			0.03	%			0.00	%			0.00	%

(1	)	Information is annualized.
(2	)	Net interest margin is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate.
(3	)	Non-GAAP financial measures. See the “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section of this press release for a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP equivalent.

LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Non-GAAP Finacials Measures (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)		As of or for the three months ended,												As of or for the year ended,
		December 31,				September 30,				December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
		2023				2023				2022				2023				2022
Non-GAAP financial ratio reconciliation:
Total non-interest expense		$	10,562			$	10,729			$	13,952			$	41,983			$	41,270
Less: foreclosure and real estate owned expense			(40	)			(1	)			(393	)			(61	)			(457	)
Less: amortization of other intangibles			(174	)			(196	)			(200	)			(765	)			(248	)
Less: acquisition costs			-				-				(3,043	)			-				(3,398	)
Adjusted non-interest expense (A)			10,348				10,532				10,316				41,157				37,167
Net interest income (B)			10,886				10,626				11,886				43,292				38,880
Non-interest income			2,254				3,652				2,812				13,230				13,700
Less: losses (gains) on sales of investment securities, net			1,246				-				750				1,246				1,103
Less: gains on sales of premises and equipment and foreclosed assets			-				(1	)			-				(1	)			(114	)
Adjusted non-interest income (C)		$	3,500			$	3,651			$	3,562			$	14,475			$	14,689
Efficiency ratio (A/(B+C))			71.9	%			73.8	%			66.8	%			71.2	%			69.4	%
Non-interest income to total income (C/(B+C))			24.3	%			25.6	%			23.1	%			25.1	%			27.4	%
Total stockholders’ equity		$	126,914			$	109,557			$	111,433
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets			(35,618	)			(35,791	)			(36,205	)
Tangible equity (D)		$	91,296			$	73,766			$	75,228
Total assets		$	1,561,672			$	1,557,586			$	1,502,867
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets			(35,618	)			(35,791	)			(36,205	)
Tangible assets (E)		$	1,526,054			$	1,521,795			$	1,466,662
Tangible equity to tangible assets (D/E)			5.98	%			4.85	%			5.13	%
Shares outstanding at end of period (F)			5,477,595				5,481,805				5,473,894
Tangible book value per share (D/F)		$	16.67			$	13.46			$	13.74

FAQ

What was Landmark Bancorp, Inc.'s diluted earnings per share for Q4 2023?

Landmark Bancorp, Inc. reported diluted earnings per share of $0.48 for Q4 2023.

What was the return on average assets for Q4 2023?

The return on average assets was 0.67% for Q4 2023.

What was the cash dividend declared by Landmark Bancorp, Inc.?

Landmark Bancorp, Inc.'s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.21 per share.

When will the cash dividend be paid?

The cash dividend will be paid on February 28, 2024.

What was the net earnings for Q4 2023?

Net earnings for Q4 2023 amounted to $2.6 million.

What was the efficiency ratio for Q4 2023?

The efficiency ratio was 71.9% for Q4 2023.

What was the total net earnings for 2023?

Net earnings for 2023 totaled $12.2 million.

What was the total cash dividend declared by Landmark Bancorp, Inc.?

The cash dividend declared was $0.21 per share.

What was the return on average equity for Q4 2023?

The return on average equity was 9.39% for Q4 2023.

When will the cash dividend be paid to common stockholders?

The cash dividend will be paid on February 28, 2024, to common stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 14, 2024.