ARCHBOLD, Ohio, April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: FMAO) today reported financial results for the 2016 first quarter ended March 31, 2016.

2016 First Quarter Financial Highlights Include (on a year-over-year basis unless noted):

• 52 consecutive quarters of profitability
• Total assets were over $1 billion for the first time in the company's 119-year history
• Total loans increased 15.1% to $707,660,000
• Net interest income after provision for loan losses increased 7.2% to $7,731,000
• Net income increased 5.5% to $2,481,000
• Earnings per basic and diluted shares increased 5.9% to $0.54
• Noninterest income improved 4.4% to $2,670,000
• Ft. Wayne, Indiana branch opened April 7, 2016

Paul S. Siebenmorgen, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We ended the 2016 first quarter with total assets over $1 billion, which represents a significant milestone in F&M's 119-year history.  This growth is the direct result of the valuable financial products and solutions we offer our local communities and the hard work and dedication of our associates.  In addition, F&M now ranks in the top 15 of Ohio banking institutions based on total assets.  We are well positioned for continued, long-term growth as a result of our size, scale, and commitment to our local communities.  To this end, I am pleased to announce on April 7, 2016 we opened a full service bank in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, which represents our 23rd office, and fourth location in Indiana. We are excited about our potential in this attractive and growing market." 

Income Statement
Net income for the 2016 first quarter ended March 31, 2016 was $2,481,000, or $0.54 per basic and diluted share compared to $2,351,000, or $0.51 per basic and diluted share for the same period last year. The 5.5% improvement in net income for the 2016 first quarter was primarily due to a 7.2% increase in net interest income after provision for loan losses, and a 4.4% increase in noninterest income, partially offset by a 6.4% increase in noninterest expense. 

Loan Portfolio and Asset Quality
Total loans at March 31, 2016 increased 15.1% to a record $707,660,000, compared to $614,709,000 at March 31, 2015, and up 3.2% from $685,878,000 at December 31, 2015.  The year-over-year improvement resulted primarily from a 27.1% increase in commercial real estate loans, a 15.7% increase in agricultural real estate loans, a 9.0% increase in agricultural, and an 8.2% increase in commercial and industrial loans, offset by a 9.0% reduction in consumer real estate loans. 

Asset quality remains strong as the company's provision for loan losses for the 2016 first quarter was $277,000, compared to $114,000 for the 2015 first quarter.  The allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans was 310.5% at March 31, 2016, compared to 245.6% at March 31, 2015.  Net charge-offs for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 were $49,000, or 0.01% of average loans, compared to $42,000 or 0.01% of average loans, at March 31, 2015.  

Stockholders' Equity and Dividends
Tangible stockholders' equity increased to $117,627 at March 31, 2016, compared to $114,960 at December 31, 2015, and $111,153 at March 31, 2015.  On a per share basis, tangible stockholders' equity at March 31, 2016 was $25.54, compared with $24.92 at December 31, 2015, and $24.12 at March 31, 2015. The increase in tangible stockholders' equity is the result of growth in retained earnings due to increased profitability.  At March 31, 2016, the company had a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 11.72%, compared to 11.70% at March 31, 2015. 

For the 2016 first quarter, the company declared cash dividends of $0.22 per share, which represents a dividend payout ratio of 40.5% compared to 42.8% for the same period last year.

Mr. Siebenmorgen concluded, "I am pleased with the favorable financial results we were able to achieve in the 2016 first quarter and we are starting the year with strong operating momentum.  Profitability during the 2016 first quarter increased year-over-year as we experienced improvements in return on average equity, net interest margin, efficiency ratio, and earnings per share. Our loan portfolio grew 15.1% in the first quarter driven by increased demand for commercial real estate, and commercial and industrial loans, as a result of stable economic trends in of our local markets.  We have developed a strong team of lenders focused on providing their customers valuable localized services.  As a result, we believe we are growing faster than our markets and improving our local market share, while managing our overall risk and portfolio yield.  As we grow our earning assets and proactively manage expenses, we are optimistic we will continue to grow earnings in 2016."    

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 23 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.

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SOURCE Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.