Bank of the James Announces Fourth Quarter, Full Year 2020 Financial Results and Declaration of Dividend

LYNCHBURG, Va., Jan. 22, 2021 (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 (the greater Lynchburg MSA), and the Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Lexington, and Roanoke, Virginia markets, today announced unaudited results for the three and 12 month periods ended December 31, 2020.
Net income for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $1.71 million or $0.39 per diluted share, compared with $1.52 million or $0.35 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2019. Net income for the 12 months ended December 31, 2020 was $4.98 million or $1.15 per diluted share, compared with $5.61 million or $1.28 per diluted share for the 12 months ended December 31, 2019.Robert R. Chapman III, President and CEO, commented: “In 2020, our Company’s primary areas of focus were ensuring the health and safety of our employees and our customers, providing responsive service and operating efficiently with robust technological capabilities, and maintaining asset quality and liquidity in a fast-changing and challenging marketplace. While adapting to a more digital and socially distanced environment, our experienced bankers demonstrated flexibility and dedication as they met the challenges and provided the financial guidance, services and products customers needed.“Our Company’s response to unprecedented economic and operating conditions enabled Bank of the James to deliver a positive financial performance, which included the best fourth quarter earnings in the Company’s history. We strengthened the balance sheet by enhancing liquidity, increasing the allowance for loan losses, lowering total nonperforming assets, and increasing total assets compared with a year earlier. Our financial performance continued a longstanding history of building shareholder value, including the continuation of a quarterly cash dividend. As we enter 2021, we continue to be on alert in a still-evolving and challenging economic environment.”HighlightsNet income in 2020 reflected strong noninterest income, which included record revenue from the gain on sale of originated residential mortgages to the secondary market. For the year ended December 31, 2020, total noninterest income was $11.0 million, up 53% compared with $7.2 million a year earlier. In addition to gains on sales of residential mortgages, noninterest income also reflected increased year-over-year income from gains on sales of available-for-sale securities, higher revenue from corporate treasury services, and loan processing and other fees.Net interest income was $6.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020, up from $6.1 million a year earlier. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net interest income was $25.1 million compared with $24.6 million a year earlier. As a result of reduced commercial loan demand and activity due to the pandemic, interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 was slightly lower than 2019. The decrease was more than offset by lower interest expense during the same period.Loans, net of the allowance for loan losses, were $601.9 million at December 31, 2020, compared with $573.3 million at December 31, 2019. The increase primarily reflects the addition of government-guaranteed Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans. Net loans declined from the end of the third quarter of 2020 as government PPP loans were forgiven.Asset quality remained sound at 0.34% of nonperforming loans to total loans. The allowance for loan losses to total loans increased to 1.17% at December 31, 2020 (approximately 1.27% excluding government-guaranteed PPP loans) from 0.84% at December 31, 2019, primarily reflecting increased reserves related to the impact of COVID-19.Total deposits increased sharply to $765.0 million at December 31, 2020 from $649.5 million at December 31, 2019. The increase reflects core deposit growth (noninterest-bearing demand, NOW, savings and money market accounts) as customers maintained higher balances, attributable in part to government economic stimulus funds not yet deployed, and also organic growth from increased deposit relationships.Total stockholders’ equity was $66.7 million at December 31, 2020 compared with $61.4 million at December 31, 2019. Book value per share rose to $15.38 per share from $14.10 the prior year.On January 19, 2021 the Company’s board of directors approved a $0.07 per share dividend payable to stockholders of record on March 5, 2021, to be paid on March 19, 2021.The Company’s board of directors has also authorized a share repurchase program extending through January 18, 2022, which authorizes the Company to buy back up to 47,000 shares on such terms and conditions as the Company deems favorable and in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.“The pandemic and economic uncertainty in 2020 impacted our normal commercial lending activity and growth; however, we did earn new customers and help meet the capital needs of business customers with our wide variety of lending products and capabilities. Driven in part by PPP lending, commercial lending was up significantly year-over year. Both residential and commercial construction lending continued at a brisk pace. Our participation in the PPP was a positive experience, helping many small and medium-sized businesses throughout the region. We are ready to provide further assistance as a subsequent round of government-backed financing has just become available.“Our mortgage business had an exceptional year as demand for homes throughout our served region was very strong. Our mortgage team, working with advanced technology, credit analysis and loan processing tools, were able to communicate and work with customers quickly and efficiently in a digitally driven environment. Residential mortgage origination activity drove significant noninterest income growth.“While we remain cautious and watchful, we were last year, and continue to be encouraged by the relative economic strength of our region despite the appropriately cautious approach taken by businesses and individuals. Unemployment rates in the markets we serve have trended below national averages, housing demand has been strong, in part caused by low home inventories, and there continues to be generally stable business activity.“We continue to focus on protecting the health and safety of employees and customers while effectively conducting business. We have continued our tradition of supporting the community through financial support of charitable and civic organizations, and we express unwavering gratitude for the services being provided by community outreach organizations, healthcare professionals, first-responders, and essential workers.”Fourth Quarter, Full Year 2020 Operational ReviewTotal interest income was $7.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $7.6 million a year earlier, despite moderate declines in commercial lending activity and continuing pressure on interest rates. Interest expense declined sharply to $890,000 in the fourth quarter of 2020 from $1.5 million a year earlier.Despite a larger deposit base and increased core deposits (noninterest-bearing demand, NOW, savings and money market accounts) interest expense during the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020 decreased as compared to the same periods last year due to a decrease in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities from 1.04% in the fourth quarter of 2019 down to 0.55% in the fourth quarter of 2020. This decrease in rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities also reflected a private placement of unregistered debt securities used to retire an earlier private placement at a higher rate.Net interest income after the provision for loan losses was $6.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020 compared with $6.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The loan loss provision for the fourth quarter 2020 was $200,000 compared with $89,000 a year earlier.For the full year of 2020, net interest income after the provision for loan losses was $22.6 million compared with $24.0 million a year earlier, primarily reflecting an increase in the provision as the Company adjusted qualitative allocations related to uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the effect on economic conditions, loan concentrations in sectors adversely affected by the pandemic, and loans granted payment deferrals or interest-only payment status in the short term. At year-end 2020, four loans were in payment deferral and/or interest-only status and the total principal amount of these four loans was approximately $7 million.The average rate earned on loans was 4.68% in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared with 4.92% in the fourth quarter of 2019. The net interest margin was 3.42% in the fourth quarter of 2020 and the interest rate spread was 3.35%. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the average rate on loans was 4.57% compared with 4.97% a year earlier. The net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 3.32% and the interest rate spread was 3.17%.J. Todd Scruggs, Executive Vice President and CFO, commented: “While the reduction in the year-over-year margin and spread was disappointing, because of the challenges presented by the operating environment, we consider the reduction acceptable. Throughout the year, pressure on interest rates, the addition of low-interest PPP loans, which had a negative impact on rates earned, and carrying additional contingent liquidity in the form of Fed funds contributed to net interest margin compression.“We received some PPP forgiveness payments in the fourth quarter of 2020, and while some PPP fees were accreted into interest income, the fees did not offset a decline in loan yields. In 2021 we anticipate that we will realize additional fees related to the PPP loans of approximately $850,000, which should have a positive impact on the margin. Our primary focus continues to be preserving margins and managing credit quality as the environment has stabilized somewhat but remains far from normalized.”In the fourth quarter of 2020, noninterest income, including gains from the sale of residential mortgages to the secondary market and income from the Bank’s line of treasury management services for commercial customers was $2.9 million, up from $2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2019. The Company recorded $2.2 million in gains from the sale of loans held-for-sale in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared with $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2019.Noninterest income growth was a major factor in the Company’s full year 2020 financial results. Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $11.0 million compared with $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The growth primarily reflected gains on sale of loans held-for-sale, which were $7.8 million in 2020 compared with $4.3 million a year earlier, driven primarily by brisk residential mortgage originations and mortgage refinancings.Noninterest expense for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2020 increased compared with a year earlier, reflecting increased personnel expenses that included performance-based compensation for residential mortgage production and costs related to an early retirement program. Noninterest expense in the full year of 2020 included approximately $750,000 in one-time costs related to the early retirement program and additional employee compensation of approximately $245,000 related to PPP loan originations. The recognition of the origination fees and costs related to the PPP loans will be accelerated and recognized upon forgiveness or repayment of the PPP loans.For the year ended December 31, 2020, Return on Average Assets (ROAA) was 0.62% compared with 0.80% a year earlier, primarily reflecting asset growth and lower earnings, impacted by a higher provision for loan losses. Return on Average Equity (ROAE) was 8.01% compared with 9.52% a year earlier. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 75.84% in the year ended December 31, 2020 compared with 76.51% in the prior year, reflecting a continued companywide focus on operating expense management and an effort to shift resources towards additional digital operations.Balance Sheet Review: Asset Quality, Prudent Reserves, LiquidityTotal assets were $851.4 million at December 31, 2020 compared with $725.4 million at December 31, 2019. Asset growth primarily reflected increased loans, net of allowance for loan losses, including PPP loans, increased loans held-for-sale related to the Company’s mortgage originations, higher cash reserves, and an increase in the securities available-for-sale portfolio. The Company has maintained higher levels of cash and liquid assets consistent with economic conditions and the potential impact of COVID-19 on customers.Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $7.2 million, were $601.9 million at December 31, 2020 compared with loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $4.8 million, of $573.3 million at December 31, 2019. Of the $68 million in PPP loans originally made, approximately $46 million remained on the balance sheet at year-end 2020.Commercial lending, excluding PPP lending, decreased in 2020. The Company approved and closed new loans, but not at a sufficient pace to offset payoffs and normal amortization. The Company has increased the allowance for loan and lease losses (ALLL) throughout 2020 to reflect the Company’s ongoing consideration of the pandemic in the development of the allowance estimate.Residential mortgage origination was strong throughout 2020, generating fee income and gains from sale to the secondary market. The Company maintained a relatively stable portfolio of retained residential mortgages, which was $46.9 million at December 31, 2020, down slightly from 2019.Total commercial loans were $145.1 million at December 31, 2020 compared with $114.3 million at December 31, 2019 and down from $174.8 million at September 30, 2020, which primarily reflected forgiven PPP loans. At December 31, 2020, commercial mortgages (owner occupied) were $108.2 million and commercial mortgages (non-owner occupied) were $171.1 million compared with $104.8 million and $182.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019. Commercial construction loans rose to $30.3 million from $16.9 million a year earlier. Residential mortgages and residential construction were essentially flat compared with a year earlier. Consumer lending was relatively stable in 2020 compared with 2019.Asset quality has remained strong, with a ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans of 0.34% at December 31, 2020. The allowance for loan losses to total loans was 1.17% (approximately 1.27%, excluding guaranteed PPP loans) at December 31, 2020. Total nonperforming loans at December 31, 2020 were $2.1 million compared with $1.3 million at December 31, 2019.Chapman noted that diligently managing credit quality and promptly working with customers to address credit issues contributed to what management believes was a relatively modest increase in nonperforming loans given the economic conditions. The Company’s allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans increased to 347% at December 31, 2020, reflecting current economic uncertainties. Other real estate owned declined sharply year-over-year, reflecting sales and a partial write-down of a foreclosed commercial property.Total deposits at December 31, 2020 were $765.0, compared with $649.5 at December 31, 2019. Increased demand deposits accounted for a significant portion of the growth, in part due to increased balances held by businesses during the pandemic, but also reflecting organic growth in the Bank’s markets. Core deposits (noninterest bearing demand, NOW, money market and savings) were 78% of total deposits at December 31, 2020.The Company continued to build measures of shareholder value, with total stockholders’ equity of $66.7 million at December 31, 2020, up from $61.4 million at December 31, 2019 and retained earnings of $24.7 million compared with $20.9 million in the same periods respectively. Book value per share was $15.38 as compared to $14.10 at December 31, 2019.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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