Exhibit 99.1

 

 

fmfglogo.jpg

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

April 24, 2026

 

Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc.

Contact:

Mr. Gary A. Harris

4510 Lower Beckleysville Rd, Suite H

President and Chief Executive Officer

Hampstead, Maryland 21074

(410) 374-1510, ext. 1104

 

FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANCSHARES, INC. REPORTS EARNINGS OF $1.8 MILLION, OR $0.56 PER SHARE, FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED

MARCH 31, 2026

 

HAMPSTEAD, MARYLAND (April 24, 2026) – Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”), the parent company of Farmers and Merchants Bank (the “Bank” and, together with the Company, “we”, “us” and “our”), announced that net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was $1.8 million, or $0.56 per common share (basic and diluted), compared to $1.2 million, or $0.37 per common share (basic and diluted), for the same period in 2025, representing a 57% increase in net income. The Company’s return on average equity during the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was 11.03% compared to 8.22% for the same period in 2025. The Company’s return on average assets during the quarter ended March 31, 2026 was 0.84% compared to 0.57% for the same period in 2025.

 

Net interest income was $6.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of $1.3 million, or 23%, over the $5.5 million reported for the same period in 2025. The increase was due to a 34 basis point increase in the yield on earning assets to 5.37% for the three months ended March 31, 2026 compared to 5.03% for the same period in 2025. Average earning assets increased $44.5 million to $835.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Average loans increased to $637.9 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, an increase of $44.2 million over the $593.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The combination of higher yields on earning assets plus higher average earning asset balances was the primary reason for the increase. Also contributing to the increase in net interest income was the lower cost of funds in 2026. The average interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities was 2.65% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, compared to 2.70% for the same period in 2025. Average interest bearing liabilities increased to $659.9 million, an increase of $9.9 million when compared to the $650.0 million reported for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

 

There was no provision for credit losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 versus a $30 thousand provision for credit losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company’s loan portfolio continues to perform at a high level with zero non-accrual loans at March 31, 2026.

 

Noninterest income decreased to $431 thousand for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 compared to $514 thousand for the same period in 2025. The majority of the decrease was due to the non-recurring gain on the settlement of a fair value hedge in 2025 of $94 thousand.

 

Noninterest expense was $244 thousand higher for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 when compared to the same period in 2025. This increase was due primarily to a $312 thousand increase in employee benefits, a $147 thousand increase in occupancy and furniture and equipment costs, and a $39 thousand increase in other real estate owned expenses. These increases were offset by a $98 thousand decrease in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums and a $30 thousand decrease in professional services.

 

 

 

Income taxes increased by $320 thousand during the quarter ended March 31, 2026 when compared to the same period in 2025 due to higher earnings before taxes. The effective tax rate increased to 25.8% for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 from 21.3% for the same period last year due to a lower amount of tax exempt income year over year.

 

Total assets were $863.4 million at March 31, 2026 compared to $872.0 million at December 31, 2025. The decrease is attributable to a net decrease in loans of $4.8 million and a decrease in securities available for sale (“AFS”) of $6.3 million. The decrease was offset by a $2.1 million increase in cash and cash equivalents.

 

Deposits decreased by $9.2 million to $711.3 million at March 31, 2026 from $720.5 million at December 31, 2025. The decrease is attributed to the repayment of $8.5 million in brokered CDs.

 

The book value of the Company’s common stock increased to $20.43 per share at March 31, 2026 from $20.02 per share at December 31, 2025. Book value per share at March 31, 2026 was inclusive of the $13.2 million unrealized loss, net of income taxes, on the Bank’s AFS investment portfolio. Changes in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio, net of income taxes, are reflected in the Company’s equity, but are not included in the income statement. The Company’s tangible equity was $59.1 million at March 31, 2026 compared to $57.6 million at December 31, 2025.

 

Our Federal Home Loan Bank facility, other borrowing lines available, unpledged securities, brokered deposit access, and cash and cash equivalents provided us with access to approximately $360 million of liquidity as of March 31, 2026.

 

Gary A. Harris, President and CEO, commented “After coming off of a strong 2025, we are pleased to have carried that momentum into the first quarter of 2026. Year over year, our first quarter earnings increased 57%; reflecting improving yields on earning assets and widening interest margins. Asset quality remains high with zero non-accrual loans as of March 31, 2026. We are making meaningful investments in the future of the Bank, including modernizing our technology, equipping our team with stronger tools, and attracting top talent to help lead our next chapter of growth. We are confident that 2026 will be another strong year for our shareholders, customers, and communities."

 

About the Company

 

The Company is the financial holding company for Farmers and Merchants Bank, a Maryland-chartered community bank headquartered in Hampstead, Maryland. Founded in 1919, the Bank has served the deposit, lending, and financial needs of consumers and businesses across Carroll and Baltimore Counties for more than a century. The Bank operates eight locations along Route 30, 795, 140, 26, and 45 corridors, including offices in Hampstead, Upperco, Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Westminster, Eldersburg, Greenmount, and Towson. Certain broker-dealers make a market in the common stock of Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc., and trades are reported through the OTCID Basic Market under the symbol “FMFG”. For more information, visit fmb1919.bank.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

The statements contained herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements (as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) based on management's current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company. Such statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of the Company. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be the same as those anticipated by management. These statements are evidenced by terms such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “should,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” and similar expressions. Although these statements reflect management’s good faith beliefs and projections, they are not guarantees of future performance and they may not prove true. These projections involve risk and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those addressed in the forward-looking statements. For a discussion of these risks and uncertainties, see the section of the periodic reports filed by Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. with the Securities and Exchange Commission entitled “Risk Factors”.

 

 

 

Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited)

 

   

March 31,

   

December 31,

 
Dollars in thousands except per share data  

2026

   

2025 *

 
                 

Assets

         
                 

Cash and due from banks

  $ 48,162     $ 46,113  

Federal funds sold and other interest-bearing deposits

    571       566  

Cash and cash equivalents

    48,733       46,679  

Certificates of deposit in other banks

    100       100  

Securities available for sale, at fair value

    112,456       118,730  

Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost less allowance for credit

               

losses of $88 and $79

    21,227       21,055  

Equity security, at fair value

    551       550  

Restricted stock, at cost

    3,713       3,693  

Mortgage loans held for sale

    344       714  

Loans, less allowance for credit losses of $4,458 and $4,361

    628,298       633,144  

Premises and equipment, net

    7,042       7,141  

Accrued interest receivable

    2,467       2,535  

Deferred income taxes, net

    6,510       6,277  

Other real estate owned, net

    1,673       1,673  

Bank owned life insurance

    15,453       15,353  

Goodwill and other intangibles, net

    7,016       7,018  

Other assets

    7,811       7,296  

Total Assets

  $ 863,394     $ 871,958  
                 

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

               
                 

Deposits

               

Noninterest-bearing

  $ 122,965     $ 117,098  

Interest-bearing

    588,331       603,361  

Total deposits

    711,296       720,459  

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

    3,452       4,317  

Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta advances

    62,700       62,700  

Long-term debt, net of issuance costs

    12,048       12,036  

Accrued interest payable

    762       1,278  

Other liabilities

    7,035       6,508  

Total liabilities

    797,293       807,298  
                 

Stockholders' equity

               

Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,235,707 shares in 2026 and 3,229,795 shares in 2025

    32       32  

Additional paid-in capital

    32,253       32,148  

Retained earnings

    47,035       45,210  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (13,219 )     (12,730 )

Total Stockholders' equity

    66,101       64,660  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 863,394     $ 871,958  

* Derived from audited consolidated financial statements        

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

 

   

Three Months Ended March 31,

 
Amounts in thousands except per share data  

2026

   

2025

 
                 

Interest income

               

Loans, including fees

  $ 9,762     $ 8,366  

Investment securities - taxable

    845       1,051  

Investment securities - tax exempt

    141       156  

Federal funds sold and other interest earning assets

    402       313  

Total interest income

    11,150       9,886  
                 

Interest expense

               

Deposits

    3,505       4,249  

Securities sold under repurchase agreements

    16       17  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

    599       12  

Long-term debt

    258       113  

Total interest expense

    4,378       4,391  

Net interest income

    6,772       5,495  
                 

Provision for credit losses

    -       30  
                 

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

    6,772       5,465  
                 

Noninterest income

               

Service charges on deposit accounts

    157       165  

Mortgage banking income

    58       29  

Bank owned life insurance income

    100       105  

Fair value adjustment of equity security

    (3 )     9  

Gain on settlement of fair value hedge

    -       94  

Other fees and commissions

    119       112  

Total noninterest income

    431       514  
                 

Noninterest expense

               

Salaries

    2,077       2,207  

Employee benefits

    694       382  

Occupancy

    345       328  

Furniture and equipment

    465       335  

Professional services

    143       173  

Automated teller machine and debit card expenses

    169       168  

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums

    101       199  

Postage, delivery, and armored carrier

    66       78  

Advertising

    57       56  

Other real estate owned expense

    44       5  

Other

    581       567  

Total noninterest expense

    4,742       4,498  
                 

Income before income taxes

    2,461       1,481  

Income taxes

    636       316  

Net income

  $ 1,825     $ 1,165  
                 

Earnings per common share - basic

  $ 0.56     $ 0.37  

Earnings per common share - diluted

  $ 0.56     $ 0.37  

 

 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

 

 

 

 

Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

(Unaudited)

 

   

As of or For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 
Amounts in thousands except per share data  

2026

   

2025

   

2024

 
                         

OPERATING DATA

                       
                         

Interest income

  $ 11,150     $ 9,886     $ 9,066  

Interest expense

    4,378       4,391       3,892  

Net interest income

    6,772       5,495       5,174  

Provision for credit losses

    -       30       -  

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

    6,772       5,465       5,174  

Noninterest income

    431       514       504  

Noninterest expense

    4,742       4,498       4,112  

Income before income taxes

    2,461       1,481       1,566  

Income taxes

    636       316       346  

Net income

  $ 1,825     $ 1,165     $ 1,220  
                         

PER SHARE DATA

                       
                         

Net income (Basic and diluted)

  $ 0.56     $ 0.37     $ 0.39  

Dividends

  $ 0.00     $ 0.00     $ 0.00  

Book value

  $ 20.43     $ 18.44     $ 17.03  
                         

KEY RATIOS

                       
                         

Return on average assets

    0.84 %     0.57 %     0.61 %

Return on average equity

    11.03 %     8.22 %     9.40 %

Efficiency ratio

    65.83 %     75.23 %     72.42 %

Dividend payout ratio

    0.00 %     0.00 %     0.00 %

Net yield on interest-earning assets

    3.28 %     2.81 %     2.69 %

Tier 1 capital leverage ratio

    9.73 %     9.48 %     9.39 %

 

 

 

Farmers and Merchants Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

(Unaudited)

 

   

As of or For the Three Months Ended March 31,

 
Amounts in thousands except per share data  

2026

   

2025

   

2024

 
                         

AT PERIOD END

                       
                         

Total assets

  $ 863,394     $ 817,558     $ 794,593  

Gross loans

    632,756       604,352       541,398  

Cash and cash equivalents

    48,733       22,697       25,633  

Debt Securities

    133,683       145,569       182,325  

Deposits

    711,296       735,598       655,978  

Borrowings

    74,748       10,858       71,742  

Stockholders' equity

    66,101       58,548       53,077  
                         

SELECTED AVERAGE BALANCES

                       
                         

Total assets

  $ 867,193     $ 816,760     $ 799,841  

Gross loans

    637,922       593,653       534,566  

Cash and cash equivalents

    44,808       26,648       37,224  

Debt Securities

    154,616       169,215       208,134  

Deposits

    697,518       634,274       550,010  

Borrowings

    74,740       4,946       69,551  

Stockholders' equity

    66,193       54,127       51,928  
                         

ASSET QUALITY

                       
                         

Nonperforming assets

  $ 1,673     $ 3,789     $ 1,898  
                         

Nonperforming assets/total assets

    0.19 %     0.46 %     0.24 %
                         

Allowance for credit losses/total loans

    0.70 %     0.71 %     0.80 %