Bank of Botetourt exceeds budget expectations, posts profitable third quarter financial results

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BUCHANAN, Va., Oct. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Buchanan-based Bank of Botetourt (OTCPK: BORT and BORTP) announced today its unaudited financial results for the three and nine months-ended September 30, 2024. The Bank produced net income amounting to $1,967,000 or $0.94 per basic share in the third quarter. This amount compares to net income of $2,085,000 or $1.01 per share, for the same period last year.  For the nine months-ended the Bank produced net income amounting to $5,988,000 or $2.88 per basic share. This amount compares to a net income of $6,372,000 or $3.09 per share, for the same period last year.

At September 30, 2024, select financial information and key highlights include:

  • Return on average assets of 0.99%

  • Return on average equity of 10.28%

  • Book value of $38.21

  • Total deposit growth of 2.49%

  • Total asset growth of 3.41%

  • Total loan growth of 9.65%

  • Community Bank Leverage Ratio of 10.53%

The Board of Directors voted to pay the 7.00% preferred dividend, which calculates to $0.49 per share on November 8, 2024 to preferred shareholders of record November 1, 2024.  Furthermore, the Board of Directors voted to pay the $0.20 per share quarterly dividend, or $0.80 per share annualized, which is payable on November 18, 2024 to common shareholders of record November 11, 2024. CEO & Vice-Chairman, G. Lyn Hayth, III stated "As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we remain deeply committed to delivering exceptional shareholder value by consistently producing strong financial results.  Surpassing our budget is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team.  Together, we honor our legacy while looking forward to even greater success in the future."

Results of Operations

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 was $1,967,000 compared to $2,085,000 for the same period last year, representing an decrease of $118,000 or 5.66%.  Basic and diluted earnings per share decreased $0.07 from $1.01 at September 30, 2023 to $0.94 at September 30, 2024.  The decrease in net income is primarily due to $1,334,000 more interest expense on deposits and other borrowings, $428,000 more provision for credit losses, $332,000 less investment income, offset by $2,116,000 more interest and fees on loans.

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Bank recorded a provision for credit loss expense of $411,000 and a reserve for unfunded commitments of $11,000, which is included in other expenses. This compares to $(17,000) for the same period last year, representing an increase of $428,000.  The provision recorded during the quarter mainly reflected allocations necessitated by net loan growth and adjustments to historical loss factors to better represent expectations for future credit losses.  The ratio of the allowance for credit losses to total loans and leases outstanding was 1.19% at the end of the quarter, up 1 basis point from the prior quarter and down 11 basis points from one year prior.