BANK OF THE JAMES FINANCIAL GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2023 June (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

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Form 10-Q

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(Mark one)

☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2023

☐TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from

BANK OF THE JAMES FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

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(434) 846-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common equity, as of the latest practicable date: 4,543,338 shares of Common Stock, par value $2.14 per share, were outstanding at August 11, 2023.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Consolidated Financial Statements

Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (2023 unaudited)

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Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

(dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)

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Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(dollar amounts in thousands) (unaudited)

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Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(dollar amounts in thousands) (unaudited)

Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

For the Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 – Basis of Presentation

Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc.’s (“Financial” or the “Company”) primary market area consists of the area commonly referred to as Region 2000 which encompasses the seven jurisdictions of the Town of Altavista, Amherst County, Appomattox County, the Town of Bedford, Bedford County, Campbell County, and the City of Lynchburg. Recently, the Company has expanded into Charlottesville, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Harrisonburg, Lexington, Rustburg, and Wytheville.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In management’s opinion the accompanying financial statements, which unless otherwise noted are unaudited, reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring accruals, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial information as of June 30, 2023 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Additional information concerning the organization and business of Financial, accounting policies followed, and other related information is contained in Financial’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes for the year ended December 31, 2022 included in Financial’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. Results for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2023 is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023.

Note 2 – Use of Estimates

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses for loans.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

Application of the principles of GAAP and practices within the banking industry requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements may reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain policies inherently rely more extensively on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and as such may have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported.

The Company’s significant accounting policies followed in the preparation of the unaudited consolidated financial statements are disclosed in Note 1 of the audited financial statements and notes for the year ended December 31, 2022 and are contained in the Company’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes to the application of significant accounting policies since December 31, 2022, except for the following:

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2023

ASU 2016-13: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASC 326”). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. The CECL methodology requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost are presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses.

In addition, CECL made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available-for-sale debt securities if management does not intend to sell and does not believe that it is more likely than not, they will be required to sell.

The Company adopted ASC 326 and all related subsequent amendments thereto effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. At adoption, the after

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Note 2 – Use of Estimates (continued)

tax impact to retained earnings was an approximate reduction of $1.6 million based on our evaluation as of that date. This adjustment consisted of increases to the allowance for credit losses on loans, as well as the Company’s allowance for unfunded loan commitments.

The Company adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment had been recognized prior to January 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any other-than-temporarily impaired investment securities. The Company did not record an allowance for credit losses for securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity upon adoption.

The Company elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable and instead elected to reverse interest income on loans or securities that are placed on nonaccrual status, which is generally when the instrument is 90 days past due, or earlier if the Company believes the collection of interest is doubtful. The Company has concluded that this policy results in the timely reversal of uncollectible interest.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity Securities

The primary indicators of credit quality for the Company’s held-to-maturity portfolio are security type and credit rating, which are influenced by a number of factors including obligor cash flow, geography, seniority, among other factors. Currently, the Company’s held-to-maturity securities consist completely of securities covered by the explicit or implied guarantee of the United States government or one of its agencies.

Changes in the allowance for credit loss are recorded as provision for (or recovery of) credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company did not have an allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity securities as of June 30, 2023 or upon adoption of ASC 326.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Available-for-Sale Securities

Management evaluates all available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. If the Company has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security, the security is written down to fair value and the entire loss is recorded in earnings.

If either of the above criteria is not met, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value is the result of credit losses or other factors. In making the assessment, the Company may consider various factors including the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, downgrades in the ratings of the security by a rating agency, the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments and adverse conditions specific to the security. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security and any deficiency is recorded as an allowance for credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any amount of unrealized loss that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the allowance for credit loss are recorded as a provision for (or recovery of) credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Losses are charged against the allowance for credit loss when management believes an available-for-sale security is confirmed to be uncollectible or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. At June 30, 2023, there was no allowance for credit loss related to the available-for-sale portfolio.

As set forth under “Interest receivable” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $1.02 million at June 30, 2023 and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

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Note 2 – Use of Estimates (continued)

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

The allowance for loan credit losses represents an amount which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb the lifetime expected losses that may be sustained on outstanding loans at the balance sheet date based on the evaluation of the size and current risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, past events, current conditions, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and prepayment experience. The allowance for loan credit losses is measured and recorded upon the initial recognition of a financial asset. The allowance for loan credit losses is reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries of previous losses, and is increased or decreased by a provision for (or recovery of) credit losses, which is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company is utilizing a discounted cash flow model to estimate its current expected credit losses. For the purposes of calculating its quantitative reserves, the Company has segmented its loan portfolio based on loans which share similar risk characteristics. Within the quantitative portion of the calculation, the Company utilizes at least one or a combination of loss drivers, which may include unemployment rates and/or gross domestic product (“GDP”), to adjust its loss rates over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of one year. A straight-line reversion technique is used for the following four quarters, at which time the Company reverts to historical averages. To further adjust the allowance for credit losses for expected losses not already included within the quantitative component of the calculation, the Company may consider qualitative factors, including but not limited to: variability in the economic forecast, changes in volume and severity of adversely classified loans, changes in concentrations of credit, changes in the nature and volume of the loan segments, factors related to credit administration, and other idiosyncratic risks not embedded in the data used in the model.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. The Company designates individually evaluated loans on nonaccrual status as collateral dependent loans, as well as other loans that management of the Company designates as having higher risk and loans for which the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. These loans do not share common risk characteristics and are not included within the collectively evaluated loans for determining the allowance for credit losses. Under CECL, for collateral dependent loans, the Company has adopted the practical expedient to measure the allowance for credit losses based on the fair value of collateral. The allowance for credit losses is calculated on an individual loan basis based on the shortfall between the fair value of the loan’s collateral, which is adjusted for liquidation costs/discounts, and amortized cost. If the fair value of the collateral exceeds the amortized cost, no allowance is required.

The adoption of CECL did not result in a significant change to any other credit risk management and monitoring processes, including identification of past due or delinquent borrowers, nonaccrual practices or charge-off policy.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Unfunded Commitments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

The Company records an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable, through a charge to provision for (or recovery of) credit losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the current expected credit loss model using the same methodology as the loan portfolio, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur as well as any third-party guarantees. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Accrued Interest Receivable

The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis in its determination of the allowance for credit losses for both loans and held-to-maturity securities, as well as elected the policy to write-off accrued interest receivable directly through the reversal of interest income. Accrued interest totaled approximately $1.49 million on loans and $16 thousand on held-to-maturity securities at June 30, 2023, and is included in “Interest Receivable” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

ASU 2022-02: On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures.” ASU 2022-02 addresses areas identified by the FASB as part of its post-implementation review of the credit losses standard (ASU 2016-13) that introduced the CECL model. The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) by creditors that have adopted the CECL model and enhance the disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the amendments require that the Company disclose current-period gross write-offs for financing receivables and net investment in leases by year of origination in the vintage disclosures. The Company adopted the standard prospectively and it did not have a material impact on the financial statements.

Note 3 – Earnings Per Common Share (EPS)

The following is a summary of the earnings per share calculation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022.

In 2022, all restricted stock units (RSUs) were excluded from calculating diluted earnings per share as the Company elected to settle units vesting in 2022 wholly in cash. There are currently no outstanding RSUs as of June 30, 2023. There were no potentially dilutive shares outstanding in 2023 and 2022. Consequently, the weighted average shares and weighted average diluted shares were identical.

Note 4 – Stock Based Compensation

Accounting standards require companies to recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments, such as stock options and restricted stock, based on the fair value of those awards.

At the annual meeting of shareholders held on May 15, 2018, the shareholders approved the Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2018 Incentive Plan”). The 2018 Incentive Plan permits the issuance of up to 250,000 shares of common stock for awards to key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries in the form of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards and performance units.

On January 2, 2019, the Company granted its first block of equity compensation under the 2018 Incentive Plan consisting of 24,500 restricted stock units. The recipients of restricted stock units do not receive shares of the Company’s stock immediately, but instead may receive shares, cash in lieu of shares, or a combination thereof upon satisfying the requisite service period specified by the terms and conditions of the grant. Additionally, the recipients of restricted stock units do not enjoy the rights of holder of the Company’s common stock until the units have vested and as such, they do not have voting rights or rights to nonforfeitable dividends. The related compensation expense is based on the fair value of the Company’s stock. The RSUs granted in 2019 vested over 3 years in thirds. The first one-third vested on January 2, 2020, the second one-third vested on January 2, 2021 and the final one-third vested January 2, 2022. The value of all of the vested portions of the grant were settled with cash payments and no shares were issued.

The total expense recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 in connection with the restricted stock unit awards was $0. At June 30, 2023, there is no further unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the restricted stock units granted on January 2, 2019 as all units have vested and have been settled.

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Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements

Determination of Fair Value

The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. In accordance with the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures topic of FASB ASC, the fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market and in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is best determined based upon quoted market prices. However, in many instances, there are no quoted market prices for the Company’s various financial instruments. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Accordingly, the fair value estimates may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.

The fair value guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value, which focuses on exit price in the principal or most advantageous market and in an orderly transaction (that is, not a forced liquidation or distressed sale) between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. If there has been a significant decrease in the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability, a change in valuation technique or the use of multiple valuation techniques may be appropriate. In such instances, determining the price at which willing market participants would transact at the measurement date under current market conditions depends on the facts and circumstances and requires the use of significant judgment. The fair value is a reasonable point within the range that is most representative of fair value under current market conditions.

Fair Value Hierarchy

In accordance with this guidance, the Company groups its financial assets and financial liabilities generally measured at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.

Level 1 inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Securities Available-for-Sale

Fair values of securities available-for sale are based on quoted prices available in an active market. If quoted prices are available, these securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 securities would include highly liquid government bonds, mortgage products and exchange traded equities. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, or discounted cash flow.

Level 2 securities would include U.S. agency securities, mortgage-backed agency securities, obligations of states and political subdivisions and certain corporate, asset backed and other securities. In certain cases where there is limited activity or less transparency around inputs to the valuation, securities are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy. Currently, all of the Company’s securities are considered to be Level 2 securities.

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Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Derivatives Assets/Liabilities – Interest Rate Lock Commitments (IRLCs)

The Company recognizes IRLCs at fair value based on the price of the underlying loans obtained from an investor for loans that will be delivered on a best efforts basis while taking into consideration the probability that the rate lock commitments will close. All of the Company’s IRLCs are classified as Level 3.

The below tables summarize the Company’s financial assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period.

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Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements (continued)

The following table provides additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and for which we have utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value:

(1)    Weighted based on the relative value of the instruments

(1)    Weighted based on the relative value of the instruments

Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis

Collateral Dependent Loans with an ACLL

In accordance with ASC 326, we may determine that an individual loan exhibits unique risk characteristics which differentiate it from other loans within our loan pools. In such cases, the loans are evaluated for expected credit losses on an individual basis and excluded from the collective evaluation. Specific allocations of the allowance for credit losses are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk grade of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower’s industry, among other things. A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when, based upon management’s assessment, the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. In such cases, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date, adjusted for estimated selling costs if satisfaction of the loan depends on the sale of the collateral. We reevaluate the fair value of collateral supporting collateral dependent loans on a quarterly basis. The fair value of real estate collateral supporting collateral dependent loans is evaluated by appraisal services using a methodology that is consistent with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. As of June 30, 2023, we had no collateral dependent loans with an ACLL.

Loans held for sale

Loans held for sale are carried at cost which approximates estimated fair value. These loans currently consist of one-to-four family residential loans originated for sale in the secondary market. Fair value is based on the price secondary markets are currently offering for similar loans using observable market data which is not materially different than cost due to the short duration between origination and sale (Level 2). As such, the Company records fair value adjustments on a nonrecurring basis. No nonrecurring fair value adjustments were recorded on loans held for sale during the period ended June 30, 2023. Gains and losses on the sale of loans are recorded within gains on sales of loans held for sale on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other real estate owned

Certain assets such as other real estate owned (OREO) are measured at fair value less cost to sell. We believe that the fair value component in its valuation follows the provisions of ASC 820.

Real estate acquired through foreclosure is transferred to OREO. The measurement of loss associated with OREO is based on the fair value of the collateral compared to the unpaid loan balance and anticipated costs to sell the property. The value of OREO property is determined utilizing an income or market valuation approach based on an appraisal conducted by an independent, licensed appraiser outside of the Bank using observable market data (Level 2).

Note 5 – Fair Value Measurements (continued)

Any fair value adjustments are recorded in the period incurred and expensed against current earnings. However, in situations where the collateral is a house or building in the process of construction, the appraisal is more than 12 months old, management has determined the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value, or the appraisal is not based solely on market comparables adjusted for observable inputs, the value is considered Level 3.

The following table summarizes the Company’s collateral dependent loans and OREO measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the period (in thousands):