Farmers Merchant Stock Price, News & Analysis

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB) announced the resignation of Calvin ('Kelly') Suess, its longest-serving current Board member, effective January 14, 2025. Suess served on the board for 35 years, bringing significant agricultural expertise and agri-business connections to the bank.

Chairman, President and CEO Kent A. Steinwert acknowledged Suess's contributions, particularly highlighting his role in establishing a strong community reinvestment culture that earned the bank numerous awards and an outstanding rating from regulators.

The Board's nominating committee is finalizing the appointment of a new board member, with an announcement expected before the end of January 2025. The new appointee will be subject to shareholder approval at the 2025 annual shareholders meeting.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (FMCB) announced the retirement of Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Deborah Skinner, effective December 31, 2024, after 24 years of service. The company has appointed Troy D. Harper as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, effective December 9, 2024.

Harper brings over 30 years of financial services operational expertise, including more than 20 years in commercial and retail banking. He previously served as Executive Vice President, Chief Information & Operations Officer at HomeStreet Bank. Skinner will assist with the transition through year-end to ensure continuity.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (FMCB) has announced a year-end cash dividend of $9.30 per share, representing a 5.68% increase from previous dividends. The dividend will be paid on January 2, 2025, to shareholders of record as of December 4, 2024. Total cash dividends for 2024 increased 5.85% to $18.10 per share. The company reported strong financial performance with net income of $88.0 million over the trailing twelve months, or $118.46 per share. FMCB has repurchased 47,989 shares worth $45.4 million in 2024, reducing outstanding shares by 6.42%. The company maintains strong capital ratios with a total risk-based capital ratio of 14.95% and holds $1.5 billion in cash and investment securities.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB) reported record third quarter 2024 earnings with net income of $22.1 million, or $29.96 per diluted common share, up 2.50% on a per share basis from Q3 2023. The company achieved a return on average assets of 1.65% and a return on average equity of 15.03%. FMCB maintained a strong liquidity position with $1.5 billion in cash and investment securities and a $2.1 billion borrowing capacity. The company's total risk-based capital ratio was 14.95%, with a common equity tier 1 ratio of 13.47%. Credit quality remained robust with a total allowance for credit losses of 2.11%. Total assets were $5.4 billion, with loans and leases outstanding at $3.7 billion, up 4.13% year-over-year. Deposits remained stable at $4.7 billion.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB) has authorized a new $55 million share repurchase program through December 31, 2026, replacing the previous $25 million program. Since January 2021, FMCB has repurchased 51,596 shares, about 6.5% of outstanding shares. The company's strong financial performance allows for share repurchases, increased cash dividends, and maintaining a robust capital position. As of June 30, 2024, FMCB reported a tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 10.66%, a common equity tier 1 ratio of 13.09%, and a total capital ratio of 14.58%, classifying it as "well capitalized". The total allowance for credit losses stood at 2.13%.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB) reported strong second quarter 2024 earnings, with net income of $21.8 million, or $29.39 per share, up 4.85% from Q2 2023. The company achieved a return on average assets of 1.58% and a return on average equity of 15.33%. FMCB maintained a solid liquidity position with $296.0 million in cash and $1.0 billion in investment securities. Credit quality remained strong with no non-accrual loans and a total allowance for credit losses of 2.13%. The company declared a mid-year cash dividend of $8.80 per share, continuing its 89-year streak of dividend payments and 59 consecutive years of dividend increases.

For the first six months of 2024, FMCB reported net income of $44.5 million, with a return on average assets of 1.65% and return on average equity of 15.82%. The loan portfolio grew by 5.46% year-over-year, while total deposits remained stable at $4.6 billion.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (FMCB) announced a mid-year cash dividend increase to $8.80 per share, a 6% rise from the previous year's $8.30. This marks FMCB's 59th consecutive year of dividend increases. The dividend will be paid on July 1, 2024, to shareholders recorded by June 11, 2024. The company's net income for the trailing twelve months through Q1 2024 was $116.37 per share, a 10.15% increase from $105.65 a year earlier. FMCB repurchased and retired 5,201 shares in Q1 2024, reducing outstanding shares by approximately 0.70%. Net income for Q1 2024 was $22.7 million, down from $23.5 million in Q1 2023. As of March 31, 2024, FMCB's total assets were $5.7 billion, with a return on average assets of 1.71% and a return on average equity of 16.33%. The company's tier 1 leverage capital ratio was 10.83%, and its total risk-based capital ratio was 14.21%.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB), the parent company of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, announced that it has been ranked 6th on Forbes Magazine's list of 'America's Best Banks' for 2023. The ranking evaluates metrics like growth, credit quality, profitability, and capital for the 2023 calendar year, as well as stock performance through March 18, 2024. CEO Kent A. Steinwert emphasized the bank's conservative business practices and consistent financial performance, noting their 58 consecutive years of cash dividend increases, earning them the title of 'Dividend King'. Steinwert also highlighted the bank's strong liquidity, solid credit quality, and overall portfolio performance.

Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California (FMCB) has been ranked 4th on S&P Global Market Intelligence's 'Top 50 List of Best-Performing Community Banks' in the US for 2023. The bank's strong financial performance, growth, and balance sheet risk profile contributed to this recognition. With a history of conservative business practices, the bank has maintained consistent growth in net profits, leading to a 58-year streak of increasing cash dividend payouts. This acknowledgment solidifies the bank's position as a 'Dividend King' and reflects its commitment to financial stability and community trust over its 108-year history.