Landmark Bancorp Inc.

Thank you for standing by. My name is Carly, and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to the landmark Bancorp Inc. second quarter earnings call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speaker's remarks, there will be a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question during this time, simply press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. If you would like to withdraw your question, press star 1 again. Thank you. I would now like to turn the conference over to Shelly Reed, Head of Investor Relations. You may begin.

Thanks, Carly. Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Landmark Bancorp's second quarter earnings conference call. My name is Shelly Reed. I'm the Head of Corporate Strategy and Development in Investor Relations. Joining me today are several members of our executive leadership team, including our president and CEO, Abby Wendel, Chief Financial Officer, Mark Herpich, and Chief Private Officer, Raymond McGlanahan. During today's call, we may make statements that constitute projections, plans, objectives, future performance, beliefs, expectations, or similar forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We caution that such statements are predictions only and that actual results may differ materially. We include more information on these factors in our earnings release furnished with our Form 8K yesterday, as well as our Form 10K and Form 10Q filings and subsequent filings with the SEC. Additionally, all statements, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they're made, and Landmark undertakes no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. Also, our remarks may reference certain non-GAAP financial metrics we believe provide useful information to investors. Additional disclosures regarding non-GAAP metrics, including the reconciliation of those non-GAAP metrics to GAAP, are contained in our earnings release, which we filed yesterday with the SEC and are also available on the investor section of our website at banklandmarks.com. We caution that these non-GAAP financial metrics should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP as contained in our earnings release and other filings with the FDC. A replay of this call will be available through August 6, 2026. Access information can be found in our earnings release. I will now turn the conference call over to our President and Chief Executive Officer, Abby Wendel.

Thanks, Shelley. Good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I am pleased to report that Landmark delivered strong second quarter 2026 financial results. Highlights from these results included record revenue and increased profitability, driven by continued execution of our discipline growth strategy. Second quarter revenue increased to a record 19.2 million, driven by higher net interest income and increased gain on sale revenue. Earnings per share increased to $0.88, return on average assets improved to 1.35%, and return on average equity increased to 13.23%. I am pleased with these results, which reflect the strength of our relationship-based banking model, disciplined pricing strategies, and prudent balance sheet management. Landmark's commercial lending teams found opportunities to win new and expand existing customer relationships within markets we serve in the second quarter. Their efforts resulted in positive loan growth in commercial and agricultural-related portfolios. Compared to the first quarter of 2026, commercial loan payoffs moderated during the second quarter, also contributing to the quarter-over-quarter growth in these portfolios. We remain cautiously optimistic, however, about our growth outlook for the second half of the year. Competition remains strong across the markets we serve, not only for customer relationships, but also for talent. As part of our growth initiatives, we are investing in practices to acquire, develop, and retain exceptional talent to strengthen our portfolio management capabilities and drive future relationship-based growth. During the quarter, for example, we elevated an internal candidate to lead commercial banking in our central, western, and southeastern Kansas region, who's reporting directly to me. These regions represent important markets for Landmark, and this investment reinforces our long-term commitment to the customers and communities we serve. These investments in leadership and talent are supporting growth across our footprint, including in larger metro areas like the Kansas City metropolitan market, where we continue to successfully expand our customer base. Moving to deposits, total deposits declined $17.7 million from the end of the first quarter, primarily due to a $28.7 million reduction in broker deposits. Core deposits, which represents total deposits excluding broker deposits, increased $11.0 million during the quarter, representing an annualized link quarter growth rate of 3.4%. Non-interest-bearing deposits represented 29.2% of total deposits at June 30, while our total cost of deposits improved to 1.3%, reflecting the benefits of our disciplined adjustments to our funding strategy. Growing our core deposit franchise remains a strategic priority, and we are focused on acquiring new customers and expanding full-service banking relationships across all business lines. Turning to asset quality, which Mark and Raymond will discuss in greater detail later in the call, non-performing loans increased by $2.7 million during the second quarter to $13.1 million, yet net charge-offs remained low at 0.17% of average loans compared to 0.13% of average loans in the first quarter of 2026. As we monitor our loan portfolio, we are doing so with a bias toward action and proactively addressing deteriorating credits. As we elevate expectations across the board, we are strengthening our credit culture simultaneously. We are proactively addressing credits that no longer meet our credit risk profile and strengthening the overall quality of the loan portfolio. Before turning the call over to Mark, I would also like to highlight the continued strength of our balance sheet and the growth in our tangible equity. During the quarter, tangible book value per share increased to $21.76, representing annualized late quarter growth of 16.8%. And tangible common equity to assets increased to 8.44%. The Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of 21 cents per share payable on August 27, 2026 to shareholders of record as of August 13, 2026. This dividend marks the company's 100th consecutive quarterly cash dividend since the formation of the holding company in 2001, underscoring our longstanding commitment to delivering value to shareholders. I will now turn the call over to Mark Herpich, our Chief Financial Officer, who will discuss our financial results in greater detail.

Thanks Abby, and good morning to everyone. While Abby has just provided a highlight of our overall strong financial performance this year, I'll provide some further detail on our second quarter results. Net income in the second quarter of 2026 totals $5.4 million compared to $5.1 million in the first quarter of 2026 mainly due to continued growth in net interest income and gain on sale of loans income. In the second quarter of 2026, net interest income totals $15.1 million, an increase of $57,000 compared to the first quarter of 2026. driven by increased investment portfolio yields and lower funding costs. Net interest income also grew $1.4 million compared to the same period of the prior year. Total interest income on investments increased $124,000 as compared to the prior quarter to $3.1 million due to higher yields on investments, improving from 3.55% to 3.66%. Average loans decreased by $3.2 million in the second quarter of 2026, while tax equivalent yields on the loan portfolio declined slightly to 6.31%, due in part to the $2.7 million increase in non-accrual loans. Interest expense on deposits in the second quarter of 2026 decreased $262,000 from the prior quarter due to lower costs of deposits, while average deposit balances The decline in deposits relates to a reduction in the level of broker deposits as we strategically elected to utilize our federal home loan bank borrowing line more heavily during the second quarter. Excluding these broker deposits, our core deposits actually grew by 11.0 million. The average rate on interest-bearing deposits decreased eight basis points to 1.82%, compared to the prior quarter, mainly due to lower rates on deposits. Interest expense on borrowed funds increased by $208,000 compared to the prior quarter due to higher average balances, which were partially offset by lower borrowing rates. The average rate on other borrowed funds decreased 31 basis points to 4.54% in the second quarter as a result of the lower short-term rates. Landmarks net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis declined two basis points to 4.22% in the second quarter of 2026 as compared to the first quarter of 2026 and improved 39 basis points as compared to the second quarter of 2025. Non-interest income totaled $4.1 million this quarter, an increase of $331,000 compared to the prior quarter and an increase of $469,000 compared to the second quarter of 2025. The increase in comparison to the prior quarter resulted primarily from a $356,000 increase in gains on sale of loans due to an increase in the volume of loans sold in the secondary market during the second quarter of 2026. Non-interest expense for the second quarter of 2026 totaled $12.0 million. An increase of $63,000 compared to the prior quarter. This increase related primarily to increases of $487,000 in professional fees and $246,000 in compensation and benefits expense, which were partially offset by decreases of $364,000 in other expense and $243,000 in occupancy and equipment expense. The increase in professional fees related primarily to forensic accounting and one-time legal costs associated with previously disclosed fraudulent activity by a non-executive officer, along with an increase in talent recruitment and development costs. The decrease in other expenses primarily related to $433,000 of fraud losses recognized during the first quarter, as previously disclosed. The recorded fraud loss excludes any potential insurance recoveries we may receive. This quarter, we recorded tax expense of $1.3 million, resulting in an effective tax rate of 19.7%, as compared to tax expense of $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2026, or an effective tax rate of 19.8%. Gross loans, including net deferred fees and loans in process, increased $4.4 million in the current quarter compared to the previous quarter and totaled $1.1 billion at quarter end. Average loans declined by $3.2 million in the current quarter as compared to the prior quarter. As of June 30, 2026, we experienced increases in our construction and land development portfolio of $4.5 million, our commercial loan portfolio of $2.8 million, and our ag Bancorp Inc. Bancorp Inc. Our investment portfolio has an average duration of 4.2 years with projected 12-month cash flow of $78.6 million and a roll-off yield of less than 3%, which is lower than current yields available on new investments purchased. Unrealized net losses on our investment portfolio decreased by $1.0 million during the quarter to $7.6 million as a result of lower interest rates. Deposits totaled $1.3 billion at June 30, 2026, a decrease of $17.7 million in the second quarter compared to the prior quarter. This quarter, certificates of deposits declined by $33.5 million, of which $28.8 million was related to lower-brokered CDs, as we were able to leverage slightly lower costs of funding from other borrowing sources like the Federal Home Loan Bank. The broker deposit decreases were offset by growth in core customer deposits, most notably a $12.8 million increase in non-interest-bearing deposits and $6.7 million growth in money market and checking account balances. Our total borrowings increased by $15.7 million during the quarter as we reduced our broker deposit balances in connection with the previously discussed transition to less expensive short-term borrowing sources. Our loan-to-deposit ratio totaled 83.5% at June 30th and continues to provide sufficient liquidity to fund expected future loan growth. Stockholders' equity increased $5.2 million during the second quarter to $166.9 million at June 30th, 2026, and our book value increased to $27.35 per share at June 30th, compared to $26.50 at March 31. The increase in stockholders' equity this quarter mainly resulted from net earnings from the quarter, along with a decrease in other comprehensive losses. Our consolidated and bank regulatory capital ratios as of June 30, 2026, are strong and exceed the regulatory levels required to be considered well capitalized. Now let me turn the call over to Raymond to review highlights of our loan portfolio and credit risk outlook.

Thank you, Mark, and good morning to everyone. As discussed, overall loan balances grew modestly during the second quarter. Total growth loans, including net deferred fees and loans in process, ended the quarter at approximately $1.1 billion, increasing $4.4 million from the prior quarter. As you can see in our earnings release, and as Mark mentioned earlier during this call, we enjoyed growth in construction and land, commercial, and agricultural loans. Excluding the decline in one to four family residential real estate loan balances, the portfolio grew 4% annualized over the length quarter. We continue to thrive in working with high quality operators and remain focused on discipline growth, strong underwriting standards, and pursuit of opportunities that align with our long-term credit strategy. Turning to credit quality, Non-performing loans increased during the quarter to $13.1 million, or 1.18% of gross loans, compared to $10.4 million, or 0.94% of gross loans, at the end of the first quarter. The increase was largely attributed to two borrower relationships that migrated to non-accrual status during the quarter. These credits continue to receive heightened attention from management as we work toward the resolution of each relationship. Loans delinquent 30 to 89 days and still accruing interest totaled $6.3 million, or 0.57% of gross loans at June 30th, compared to $7.4 million, or 0.68% at March 31st. While we continue to monitor these relationships closely, the decline in early stage delinquencies is an encouraging trend and reflects progress on several borrower-specific situations. Net loan charge-offs during the second quarter totaled $452,000 compared to $349,000 during the first quarter. On an annualized basis, net charge-offs represented approximately 0.17% of average loans compared to 0.13% of average loans during the prior quarter. Historically, we have enjoyed low net charge-off rates, and while charge-offs increased modestly during the quarter, They remain manageable relative to the size of the portfolio. Allowance for credit losses totaled $12.7 million, or 1.15% of gross loans at June 30th, consistent with the prior quarter. We recorded a $500,000 provision for credit losses during the quarter, and believe it or not, the allowance remains appropriate based on the composition of the portfolio, identified credit trends, and our ongoing review process. While non-performing loans increased during the quarter due to a limited number of borrower-specific situations that we have been actively monitoring and managing, the increases were partially offset by progress made on other credits. Our focus remains on timely identification of emerging issues, proactive portfolio management, and working toward the resolution of challenged credits. With that, I thank you. I'll turn the call back over to Abby.

Thank you, Raymond. We'll now pause for a brief Q&A session.

As a reminder, if you would like to ask a question at this time, please press star followed by the number one on your telephone keypad. I'll now turn the call over. I'm sorry, we do have a question from the line of John Rodas with Breen Capital.

Hey, good morning, everybody. Hope you're doing well. Good morning, Abby. Abby, in your prepared remarks, talking about loan growth, I think I wrote down you said cautiously optimistic about growth going forward. Do you think you can build on the growth you saw in the second quarter and maybe improve that a little bit in the second half of the year and Bancorp Inc., Mark Herpich, Abigail Wendel

A number of new commercial lenders out across our footprint. So those things indicate, and I'll point back to, cautious optimism around building on the growth that we enjoyed in the second quarter. And as you saw, we did have some nice activity both in the commercial space, commercial-focused mortgages, I guess you could say, too, some ags. and really it was offset by some declines which was a strategic decision allowing not putting on more mortgages on the balance sheet. So allowing those payoffs to roll down, leaving room for more opportunities on the commercial side of our business. So without giving specific numbers, I mean, I feel really good about it. You know, we just want to be steady. We want to be prudent. We want to work through the things that we have right in front of us and We think we have a really nice value proposition for owner-operated businesses across our footprint.

Okay. Makes sense. Thank you. And then I think Raymond said the increase in non-performing assets was related to two relationships. Can you maybe, to the extent you can, give any more detail as far as what type of loans those were?

Yeah, John. One of them was a... from Agbar Relationship, and the other one is a commercial relationship. Relative to both of those, you know, they've been on our radar for some time, and we're working through the resolution of both of those credits. As far as, you know, do we feel like there's any potential exposure relative to those, we're not seeing that at this time relative to those, so we feel good about where they are and our ability to work out.

Okay, thank you. And then Mark, maybe just a quick question for you on the on the margins. So the margin was down two basis points from the first quarter, but still pretty strong. Do you think you know, all things equal if the Fed does not move, you know, if the Fed does nothing, do you think you can kind of hold the margin and call it 420 area for the second half of the year?

At the risk of stealing Abby's comment of cautiously optimistic, I am cautiously optimistic that we can stay in that 420 range, John, and I think that we had some non-accruals that we kind of forced a hand on during the second quarter that impacted our decrease from Q1 to Q2, and I think we'll be able to hold in there for the rest of the year.

I might just add a little bit to that. I think Mark's comments are spot on, especially with respect to on the interest income side. And we also saw some nice growth in the second quarter, relatively speaking, on the non-interest bearing, you know, checking account acquisitions. We have a new leader in some new programming for our retail branches. And they've had some nice wins. And if we can continue on that trend, that definitely would help our margin overall or help it hang in there, I guess I would say. But that's the only thing I would add beyond what Mark was saying.

As we alluded in my comments, I guess we've got to continue to have the investment portfolio opportunity to have yields that are coming off in the 3% or lower get reinvested in the mid-4% range. It's going to be helpful the rest of the year as well.

Yep. Okay. Makes sense. Thank you, everybody. Have a nice day.

Thanks, John. There are no further questions at this time. I'll now turn the call back over to Abby Wendel for any closing remarks.

Thank you. We are pleased with our performance in the first half of 2026, which reflects continued earnings growth, strong profitability, and disciplined expense management. Looking ahead, we remain focused on strengthening customer relationships, developing our talented associates, improving operational efficiency, and pursuing strategic growth opportunities that align with our long-term objectives. Every day, I see landmark associates sharing knowledge, training coworkers, solving problems, and helping one another succeed. Those efforts may not always be highlighted on the balance sheet, but they are the foundation that drives our long-term success and long-term value creation. I want to thank our associates for their dedication and commitment to our customers, communities, and shareholders. If you have any questions regarding today's call, please refer to our earnings release for investor relations and CFO contact information. Thank you for joining us today and for your continued interest in Landmark. We look forward to updating you on our progress next quarter.

Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes today's call. Thank you for joining. You may now disconnect.