Farmers & Merchants Bancorp (OTCQX: FMCB), the parent company of Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California, recently reached a significant milestone by paying its 90th consecutive annual cash dividend, a distinction shared by only a handful of companies nationwide. Headquartered in Lodi, California, FMCB has a long tradition of providing financial services across the Central Valley and Bay Area, supporting families, small businesses, and especially the agricultural sector that is vital to the region’s economy.
For over a century, FMCB has built its reputation on conservative banking, community engagement, and consistent performance. The bank offers a traditional mix of personal and business banking services, including lending, deposits, cash management, and wealth services. FMCB’s close ties to local farmers and agri-businesses set it apart, helping generations of growers finance land, equipment, and seasonal operations. In parallel, the bank is a key resource for local entrepreneurs, family-run operations, and non-profits, guiding clients through every stage of their financial journey.
Recent years have seen FMCB attract national attention for both its financial health and its customer-focused model. In 2025, Bank Director Magazine named it the third best-performing bank in America. The bank’s leadership attributes this recognition to their disciplined approach, long-standing customer relationships, and steady risk management. Unlike many larger institutions, FMCB is known for keeping decision-making local and personal, with bankers and customers often know each other by name.
Financially, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp continues to post outstanding results. In the first half of 2025, the bank achieved record net income of $23.1 million for the second quarter, a 5.9 percent increase over the previous year, and saw diluted earnings per share jump by more than 12 percent compared to the same period in 2024. Core deposits have continued to climb, reflecting the trust local customers place in the institution. In addition to these strong earnings, FMCB extended its remarkable track record of rewarding shareholders, declaring its 60th consecutive annual dividend increase, now $9.30 per share. With a balance sheet that remains sturdy and credit quality among the best in the industry, FMCB’s success is built not just on financial discipline but also on a deeper commitment to supporting local communities, consistently reinvesting in customers and relationships rather than focusing solely on profit.
CEO Kent Steinwert and his team remain focused on stability, customer trust, and supporting the needs of California’s communities, values that have powered FMCB’s operations since its founding in 1916. Through industry challenges and economic cycles, FMCB’s approach has offered a blueprint for sustainable banking. Whether financing a new tractor, protecting family savings, or supporting local schools and charities, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has made itself a cornerstone of the region and a respected example in the national banking world.
