ARCHBOLD, Ohio, April 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX:FMAO) today reported financial results for the 2017 first quarter ended March 31, 2017.

2017 First Quarter Financial Highlights Include (on a year-over-year basis unless noted):

• 56 consecutive quarters of profitability
• Total assets were $1,067,551,000
• Total loans increased 9.1% to $772,273,000
• Net interest income after provision for loan losses increased 9.5% to $8,469,000
• Net income increased 14.4% to $2,839,000
• Earnings per basic and diluted share increased 13.0% to $0.61
• Noninterest income was $2,584,000
• Return on average assets was 1.07%, up from 0.99%
• Return on average equity was 8.97%, up from 8.18%

Paul S. Siebenmorgen, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “The 2017 first quarter financial results demonstrate the continued strength and favorable momentum of F&M’s expanding banking franchise.  Over the past five years, we have invested in expanding our physical presence by opening four F&M locations in higher growth markets, while also investing in digital banking channels such as online and mobile resources.  Most recently, we launched a new website to enhance our online presence.  We also expanded our customer statements that have additional account information, F&M branding, and the ability to communicate new marketing offerings.  These investments make it easier for F&M’s customers to interact with the bank, and we remain committed to building robust, modern, and personalized financial products and services.  F&M’s record first quarter profitability and outstanding loan balances are directly tied to our relationship building which is the foundation of our future success.  I am pleased with the favorable start to 2017 and look forward to another good year of growth and profitability.” 

Income Statement
Net income for the 2017 first quarter ended March 31, 2017 was $2,839,000, or $0.61 per basic and diluted share, compared to $2,481,000, or $0.54 per basic and diluted share for the same period last year. The 14.4% improvement in net income for the 2017 first quarter was primarily due to a 9.5% increase in net interest income after provision for loan losses, partially offset by a 3.2% decrease in noninterest income and a 1.2% increase in noninterest expense. 

Loan Portfolio and Asset Quality
Total loans at March 31, 2017 increased 9.1% to a record $772,273,000, compared to $707,660,000 at March 31, 2016, and up 1.6% from $760,149,000 at December 31, 2016.  The year-over-year improvement resulted primarily from a 10.9% increase in commercial real estate loans, a 12.2% increase in commercial and industrial loans, an 11.6% increase in agricultural, a 20.9% increase in consumer loans, and a 6.8% increase in agricultural real estate loans, offset by a 4.1% reduction in consumer real estate loans. 

Asset quality remains strong as the company’s provision for loan losses for the 2017 first quarter was $73,000, compared to $277,000 for the 2016 first quarter.  The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 479.0% at March 31, 2017, compared to 310.5% at March 31, 2016.  Net charge-offs for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 were $7,000, or 0.00% of average loans, compared to $49,000 or 0.01% of average loans, for the quarter ended March 31, 2016.

Stockholders’ Equity and Dividends
Tangible stockholders’ equity increased to $122,984,000 at March 31, 2017, compared to $120,763,000 at December 31, 2016, and $117,627,000 at March 31, 2016.  On a per share basis, tangible stockholders’ equity at March 31, 2017 was $26.61, compared with $26.13 at December 31, 2016, and $25.54 at March 31, 2016. The increase in tangible stockholders’ equity is the result of growth in retained earnings due to increased profitability. At March 31, 2017, the company had a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.81%, compared to 11.72% at March 31, 2016. 

For the 2017 first quarter, the company declared cash dividends of $0.23 per share, which represents a dividend payout ratio of 37.1% compared to 40.5% for the same period last year.

Mr. Siebenmorgen concluded, “Economic trends remain stable within our local communities.  Loan demand and asset quality was strong for the 2017 first quarter, as total loans increased 9.1%, while non-performing assets declined 28.1%.  The year-over-year growth in loans was a result of higher commercial, agricultural, and consumer demand.  Total interest income was up 8.0% during the 2017 first quarter, driven by loan growth, while total loans to total assets increased 220 basis points to 72.3% from 70.1% for the same period last year.  Overall, we are pleased with the direction we are headed and optimistic favorable financial and business trends will continue in 2017, as we focus on proactively managing risk with asset growth, expanding market share in our Ft. Wayne and Toledo markets, and executing our de-novo and acquisition growth strategies.”

About Farmer & Merchants State Bank:
The Farmers & Merchants State Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana since 1897. The Farmers & Merchants State Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services through its 24 offices. Our locations are in Fulton, Defiance, Henry, Lucas, Williams, and Wood counties in Northwest Ohio. In Northeast Indiana we have offices located in DeKalb, Allen and Steuben counties.

Safe harbor statement
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. ("F&M") wishes to take advantage of the Safe Harbor provisions included in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management's expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions or capital market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M's SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC's website, www.sec.gov.

Company Contact:
Marty Filogamo
Senior Vice President – Marketing Manager
Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
(419) 445-3501 ext. 15435
mfilogamo@fm-bank.com.

Investor and Media Contact:
Andrew M. Berger
Managing Director
SM Berger & Company, Inc. 
(216) 464-6400
andrew@smberger.com