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Overview of Potomac Bancshares Inc
Potomac Bancshares Inc (PTBS) is a bank holding company that operates through its longstanding banking subsidiary, Bank of Charles Town (BCT). With a rich heritage dating back to the 19th century, the company has established a strong regional presence by serving communities in West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. As a community bank, it focuses on delivering personalized, localized financial services while maintaining disciplined risk management and a diversified portfolio of lending activities.
Core Business and Operational Model
The company offers a broad range of financial products and services designed to meet the needs of individuals, small to mid-sized businesses, and local governments. Its primary business segments include:
- Commercial Lending: Providing tailored solutions for commercial enterprises, including term loans, construction loans, and real estate financing.
- Residential Lending: Offering a suite of mortgage products such as portfolio and secondary market mortgage loans, construction-to-permanent loans, and home equity lending options.
- Wealth Management: Delivering comprehensive financial planning, trust services, and investment management through BCT Wealth Advisors, which has grown into a trusted resource for personal financial management and estate planning.
- Deposit and Treasury Services: Facilitating secure and convenient access to banking through checkable deposits, online platforms, and a broad network of ATMs.
Market Position and Competitive Landscape
Positioned strategically within its operational regions, Potomac Bancshares Inc leverages its deep community ties and robust local knowledge to differentiate itself from larger, more impersonal financial institutions. Its commitment to personalized service is evident in its approach to client relationships and risk management practices. The bank's strategic branch renovations and planned office relocations are a testament to its ongoing efforts to maintain a modern, community-focused banking environment.
Diversification and Financial Expertise
The company employs a diversified approach to revenue generation that includes interest income from its wide-ranging loan portfolio and fee-based income from its wealth management services. This dual focus allows Potomac Bancshares Inc to cater to various segments of the market while mitigating risks associated with economic fluctuations. Innovative pricing strategies in loan and deposit products further highlight the firm's dedication to maintaining financial integrity and operational efficiency.
Operational Initiatives and Client Focus
Recent operational initiatives, such as branch renovations and the enhancement of its lending offices, underline the company’s commitment to improving client experiences and expanding its market presence. Its community-first approach not only reinforces trust but also supports sustainable local growth. By continuously adapting its services and embracing modern financial technologies, the company ensures that its offerings remain relevant and efficient in a constantly evolving banking landscape.
Risk Management and Quality Controls
Risk management is a critical component of Potomac Bancshares Inc's operational philosophy. The firm maintains rigorous credit standards and employs a conservative approach to managing its loan portfolio and asset quality. A proactive stance on market changes and a commitment to qualitative risk assessment have helped the company sustain its performance amid dynamic economic environments, ensuring robust asset quality through disciplined pricing and credit loss management.
Community Impact and Regional Integration
As a community bank, Potomac Bancshares Inc plays an integral role in the financial ecosystem of the regions it serves. Its emphasis on local decision-making, personalized service, and community reinvestment highlights how the bank integrates itself into the fabric of local economies. The strategic initiatives undertaken by the company further echo its long-term commitment to providing accessible, responsive, and efficient banking services to its customers.
Summary
In summary, Potomac Bancshares Inc is a dynamic bank holding company that marries traditional community banking values with modern financial expertise. Its diversified product and service offerings, spanning commercial and residential lending to comprehensive wealth management, position it as an essential financial partner within its community. With an unwavering focus on client service, risk management, and operational excellence, the company continues to strengthen its reputation as a trusted financial institution in the regional banking landscape.
Potomac Bancshares (OTC: PTBS), the holding company for Bank of Charles Town, participated in the VirtualBankConference.com online conference on March 13, 2025. The event featured presentations from several banks and included a keynote address by Melissa Roberts from Stephens, Inc. on Russell Index impacts on bank stocks.
The company was represented by President and CEO Alice Frazier and EVP/CFO Shane Bell, who delivered a presentation now available on the bank's website. The conference, founded by Julienne Cassarino and Ian Green, aimed to connect banks with investors and industry professionals.
BCT-Bank of Charles Town (OTC:PTBS) announced that President and CEO Alice P. Frazier has been elected chairman-elect of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) for 2025-26, effective March 14 at ICBA LIVE in Nashville.
Frazier currently serves on the ICBA Executive Committee, board of directors, Federal Delegate Board, and Policy and Nominating Committees. She is also the Executive Committee liaison for the Minority Bank Advisory Council and Safety and Soundness Subcommittee. Her local leadership roles include positions on the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Board and treasurer roles at WVU East Hospital System and Loudoun Economic Development Authority.
ICBA is the nation's exclusive advocacy organization for community banks and savings institutions, focusing on promoting locally operated banking services that combine high-tech solutions with personalized service for consumers, small businesses, and agricultural enterprises.
BCT-Bank of Charles Town (OTC:PTBS) CEO Alice P. Frazier addressed the House Small Business Committee, representing the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). As ICBA Vice Chair, she advocated for regulatory and tax relief to enhance small business lending capabilities.
Frazier highlighted community banks' significant role in small-business lending through their relationship-based model. She urged policymakers to: provide relief from CFPB's 1071 data collection requirements, implement tiered regulations, extend Section 199A tax benefits, facilitate new community bank capital sources, and support new bank formation through the Promoting New Bank Formation Act (H.R. 478).
Potomac Bancshares (OTCPK: PTBS) reported strong Q4 2024 results with unaudited consolidated net income of $2.0 million and earnings per share of $0.48. The company's adjusted net income was $2.3 million with adjusted EPS of $0.55. For the full year 2024, net income reached $6.8 million with EPS of $1.65.
Key Q4 highlights include improved net interest margin of 3.37% (up 13 basis points), 10% annualized loan balance growth, 110% increase in secondary market mortgage revenue, and 13% growth in wealth management revenue. The Bank's asset quality remained stable with nonperforming assets at 0.31% of total assets.
Total assets reached $877.3 million, up 6% year-over-year, with loans totaling $704.1 million (8% increase). The company maintained strong capital ratios with a total capital ratio of 13.57% and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share.
Potomac Bancshares (OTC:PTBS), the bank holding company for Bank of Charles Town (BCT), has announced its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share. The dividend will be paid on February 13, 2025, to shareholders of record as of February 6, 2025.
BCT-Bank of Charles Town (OTC:PTBS) has unveiled its renovated Martinsburg, West Virginia branch with a public open house. The event was led by Aaron Howell, SVP and Community Banking Executive, alongside President and CEO Alice Frazier and Branch Manager Kim McGarrah. The renovation marks a significant upgrade for the branch, which opened in 2001 and has become BCT's second-largest location in terms of deposits and client accounts.
The branch's makeover was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony officiated by Randy Lewis, Interim President and CEO of the Berkeley-Martinsburg Chamber of Commerce. The location offers comprehensive banking services, including deposit accounts, retail and business lending, trust services, wealth management, and mortgage lending. Located at 9738 Tuscarora Pike, the branch operates Monday through Thursday (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), Friday (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), and Saturday (9:00 a.m. to Noon) with drive-through service available.
Potomac Bankshares (OTC: PTBS) has appointed M. Shane Bell as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, following Dean Cognetti's retirement. Bell brings over 22 years of banking experience and will oversee the company's financial activities, including financial planning, capital management, and investor relations.
Bell's extensive background includes implementing accounting standards, managing internal controls, and handling interest rate and liquidity risk. Prior to this role, he served as a Manager at Yount, Hyde & Barbour, PC. He holds a CPA license, a B.S. in Accounting from Frostburg State University, and completed coursework at prestigious institutions. Bell has been active in community service, serving on various boards and committees.
BCT-Bank of Charles Town (OTC: PTBS) has appointed Ronald B. Burley as Executive Vice President and Chief Retail Banking Officer. Burley brings over 23 years of banking experience, previously managing operations for 200+ branches in Mid-Atlantic markets. He holds an MBA from Salisbury University and a BS in Economics from Drexel University. As part of the executive team, he will oversee retail banking sales and operations, leveraging his experience in sales leadership, retail operations, and M&A to support the bank's strategic growth plans while maintaining positive client experiences.
BCT-Bank of Charles Town (OTC:PTBS) has been named a '2024 Best Banks to Work For' by American Banker, marking its fifth recognition in six years. The program, established in 2013 by American Banker and Best Companies Group, evaluates U.S. banks based on employee satisfaction through comprehensive surveys and organizational assessment.
The selection criteria emphasize engaged leadership, strong corporate culture, job training opportunities, and employee benefits including volunteer time off and appreciation events. Banks ranging from 52 to 5,200 employees were eligible for consideration.
President and CEO Alice P. Frazier highlighted the company's commitment to creating an exceptional employee experience, noting that employee feedback provides valuable insights for continuous workplace improvement.
Potomac Bancshares (OTC: PTBS) reported Q3 2024 earnings of $1.761 million ($0.42 per share), compared to $1.729 million ($0.42 per share) in Q3 2023. Total assets reached $871.4 million, up 7.6% year-over-year. Key highlights include: 20% growth in wealth management assets, stable net interest margin at 3.21%, and loan growth of $22.4 million (3.4%) in Q3. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12 per share. Year-to-date net income was $4.857 million ($1.17 per share), down from $5.554 million ($1.34 per share) in the same period of 2023.