Exploring Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) Investor Profile: Who’s Buying and Why?

Are you keeping a close watch on community banks and their stocks? Have you ever wondered who exactly is investing in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) and what's driving their decisions? As of April 4, 2025, the share price stood at $22.50, marking a 5.88% increase from $21.25 on April 8, 2024. Institutional investors hold a significant stake, with 189 institutions owning a total of 4,847,441 shares. Could these institutional movements signal something bigger for individual investors like you? Let's delve into the details of FMAO's investor profile and uncover the motivations behind their investment strategies, especially considering the bank's total assets reached $3.36 billion at the end of 2024 and its agricultural loan exposure was approximately 14.4% of its loan portfolio.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) Who Invests in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) and Why?

Understanding the investor profile of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) provides valuable insights into the market's perception of the company. A diverse investor base can contribute to stock stability and liquidity. Here’s a breakdown of who invests in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) and the motivations behind their investment decisions. You can also check the financial health of FMAO by clicking here: Breaking Down Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors.

Key Investor Types:

The investor base of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) can be broadly categorized into:

• Institutional Investors: These include investment firms, mutual funds, insurance companies, and pension funds.
• Retail Investors: Individual investors who buy and sell securities for their own accounts.
• Insiders: Company executives and board members who own shares of the company.

Institutional Investors

As of April 2025, institutional investors hold a significant portion of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO)'s shares. According to Fintel, institutional investors hold approximately 35.80% of the company's shares, excluding 13D/G filings. This indicates a 4.12% increase in shares held during the most recent quarter, representing an increase of 0.19 million shares.

Some of the top institutional investors include:

• BlackRock, Inc.
• Vanguard Group Inc
• IWM - iShares Russell 2000 ETF
• VTSMX - Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares
• Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, The
• Geode Capital Management, Llc
• State Street Corp
• VEXMX - Vanguard Extended Market Index Fund Investor Shares
• Dimensional Fund Advisors Lp
• FRBAX - Regional Bank Fund Class A

According to MarketBeat, other institutional investors include Fort Washington Investment Advisors Inc. OH (0.25%), GAMMA Investing LLC (0.19%), Rhumbline Advisers (0.13%), and Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. (0.05%).

Retail Investors

Retail investors participate in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) stock through online brokerage accounts. Popular platforms like Charles Schwab, ETRADE, Fidelity, and Vanguard Brokerage Services provide access to FMAO shares.

Insiders

Insiders also hold a portion of the company's stock. However, insider ownership is relatively small, with only 7.30% of the stock held by insiders. Notable insiders include David P Vernon, Jo Ellen Hornish, Steven J Planson, Eugene N Burkholder, David R Gerken, and Ian D Boyce.

Investment Motivations:

Several factors attract investors to Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO):

• Dividend Payments: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) is known for its consistent dividend payments. As of January 31, 2025, the company's dividend yield was 3.19%. The company has a history of increasing dividends for 19 consecutive years. In March 2025, the company declared a first-quarter cash dividend of $0.22125 per share, payable on April 20, 2025, to shareholders of record as of April 4, 2025. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the company declared cash dividends of $0.8825 per share, representing a 3.8% increase over the same period last year.
• Earnings Growth: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) has demonstrated consistent profitability. The company reported $0.61 earnings per share for the fourth quarter of 2024, beating analysts' estimates by $0.13.
• Stable Financial Performance: Total assets increased 2.5% to $3.36 billion, and deposits increased 3.0% to a record $2.69 billion as of December 31, 2024.
• Low P/E Ratio: Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) has been noted to have a remarkably low P/E ratio of 8.5x, indicating it may be undervalued.

Investment Strategies:

The investment strategies employed by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) investors vary depending on their investment goals and risk tolerance:

• Long-Term Holding: Many institutional investors adopt a long-term holding strategy, driven by the company's consistent dividend payouts and stable financial performance.
• Value Investing: Some investors may be attracted to Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO)'s low P/E ratio, viewing it as an undervalued stock with potential for long-term appreciation.
• Dividend Investing: Given the company's history of increasing dividends, dividend-focused investors may find Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) an attractive option.

Summary of Key Metrics (2024 Fiscal Year):

In conclusion, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) attracts a mix of institutional and retail investors, as well as insiders. The company's strong financial performance, consistent dividend payments, and stable growth prospects make it an appealing investment for various investment strategies.

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) Institutional Ownership and Major Shareholders of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO)

Understanding the institutional ownership of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) provides valuable insights into the company's stock dynamics and investor confidence. Institutional investors, which include entities like mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds, often hold significant stakes in publicly traded companies, and their trading activities can influence stock prices.

Here’s a detailed look at the institutional ownership of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO), changes in ownership, and the potential impact of these large investors.

Top Institutional Investors

As of the latest available data, the following are some of the top institutional investors in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO):

• BlackRock Fund Advisors: BlackRock is one of the world's largest asset managers, and they typically hold a significant number of shares in FMAO.
• The Vanguard Group, Inc.: Vanguard is another major institutional investor known for its extensive holdings across various sectors.
• Dimensional Fund Advisors LP: Dimensional Fund Advisors employs a systematic investment approach and often holds substantial positions in value-oriented stocks like FMAO.

While specific shareholding numbers fluctuate, these firms consistently appear among the top holders. For instance, BlackRock Fund Advisors might hold approximately 80,000 shares, while The Vanguard Group, Inc. could possess around 70,000 shares. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP may have holdings in the vicinity of 60,000 shares. These figures are approximate and based on the analysis of past and present ownership trends, reflecting their substantial interest in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO).

Changes in Ownership

Institutional ownership in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) can vary over time as firms adjust their portfolios. Recent trends indicate the following:

• Increased Stakes: Some institutional investors may have increased their positions in FMAO, signaling confidence in the company’s future performance. This could be due to positive earnings reports, strategic initiatives, or favorable industry trends.
• Decreased Stakes: Conversely, other institutions might have reduced their holdings, possibly due to portfolio rebalancing, risk management strategies, or concerns about the company’s prospects.

These changes are usually reflected in quarterly filings, providing a glimpse into the evolving sentiment of major investors. Monitoring these shifts can offer insights into the potential trajectory of the stock.

Impact of Institutional Investors

The presence and activities of institutional investors can have a notable impact on Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) in several ways:

• Stock Price: Large purchases by institutional investors can drive up the stock price, while significant sales can exert downward pressure. The collective trading activity of these firms often contributes to the stock’s volatility and overall market performance.
• Company Strategy: Institutional investors often engage with company management to influence strategic decisions. Their feedback can shape corporate policies, investment strategies, and governance practices. Companies like Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) may consider the views of their major shareholders when making key decisions.
• Stability: High institutional ownership can sometimes provide stability to the stock, as these investors tend to have a longer-term investment horizon compared to retail investors. This can reduce short-term price fluctuations and promote a more stable valuation.

Here’s a look at how different categories of institutional investors might view Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO):

Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors looking to gauge the potential risks and rewards associated with Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO). Keeping an eye on institutional ownership trends can provide a more informed perspective on the company's market behavior.

For further insights into the financial health of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO), check out: Breaking Down Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) Key Investors and Their Impact on Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO)

Understanding the investor profile of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) offers valuable insights into the company's stability, growth potential, and strategic direction. Examining who holds significant stakes in FMAO, their recent activities, and their potential influence can provide a clearer picture for prospective investors and stakeholders.

While specific details on all individual investors might not be publicly available, we can analyze the general ownership structure and identify notable institutional investors. These entities often have substantial holdings and can exert considerable influence on company decisions.

Institutional investors play a crucial role in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO)'s stock performance and corporate governance. Their investment decisions can drive stock prices and influence strategic initiatives.

Here's what we can explore regarding FMAO's investor landscape:

• Notable Investors: Identifying key institutional investors with significant holdings in FMAO.
• Investor Influence: Assessing how these investors might impact company decisions or stock movements.
• Recent Moves: Examining recent buying or selling activity by major investors.

As of December 31, 2024, Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. had 9,479,577 shares of common stock outstanding, with approximately 54.5% held by its approximately 777 registered shareholders and 45.5% held in brokerage accounts by individuals with shares held of record by Cede & Co. as nominee for Depository Trust Company (DTC).

While pinpointing every influential individual investor is challenging, examining major institutional holders provides a good overview. The following table shows a list of top institutional investors of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO):

Investor Influence: The concentration of ownership among institutional investors suggests that Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) is significantly influenced by these entities. Their voting power and engagement with management can shape corporate strategy, executive compensation, and capital allocation decisions. For instance, large institutional holders may push for increased dividends, strategic acquisitions, or improved environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Recent Moves: Monitoring the trading activity of these major investors can offer insights into their sentiment regarding Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO)'s prospects. Substantial increases in holdings may signal confidence in the company's future, while significant sales could indicate concerns about performance or valuation.

For further insights into Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO)'s values and long-term goals, consider exploring Mission Statement, Vision, & Core Values of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO).

Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) Market Impact and Investor Sentiment

Understanding the market impact and investor sentiment surrounding Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) requires analyzing various factors, including major shareholder actions, market reactions to these changes, and analyst perspectives. Here's a breakdown of these key areas:

Investor Sentiment:

Overall, investor sentiment appears to be improving. Short interest in Farmers & Merchants Bancorp has recently decreased by 12.75%, suggesting a more positive outlook from investors. Recent data indicates several institutional investors have been adjusting their positions in FMAO:

• BRIDGEWAY CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC reduced their holdings by 51,400 shares (-83.4%) in Q4 2024, an estimated value of $1,513,730.
• VENTURE VISIONARY PARTNERS LLC increased their stake by 36,650 shares (+147.3%) in Q4 2024, estimated at $1,079,342.
• JPMORGAN CHASE & CO. added 25,736 shares (+134.8%) in Q4 2024, valued at approximately $757,925.
• GAMMA INVESTING LLC increased their position significantly by 25,470 shares (+3065.0%) in Q1 2025, with an estimated value of $608,987.
• GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC. added 22,157 shares (+81.6%) in Q4 2024, estimated at $652,523.
• BLACKROCK, INC. increased their holdings by 20,873 shares (+2.3%) in Q4 2024, valued at $614,709.
• ELLSWORTH ADVISORS, LLC added 19,868 shares (increase of infinity %) in Q4 2024, for an estimated $585,112.

Major shareholders of Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. include BlackRock, Inc., Vanguard Group Inc, iShares Russell 2000 ETF, and Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Investor Shares.

Recent Market Reactions:

FMAO's stock has shown positive momentum, with the stock recently hitting a 52-week high of $28.76 in October 2024. This reflects a significant increase in value, with the company's stock experiencing an impressive 63.18% increase over the past year. The company also increased its quarterly cash dividend to $0.22125 per share, marking the 30th consecutive year of dividend growth.

The stock's volatility has been stable. FMAO has not had significant price volatility in the past three months compared to the US market. FMAO's weekly volatility (5%) has been stable over the past year.

Analyst Perspectives:

Analysts' opinions on Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. suggest a positive outlook. The average price target for Farmers & Merchants Bancorp Inc. is $28.00. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. has 29.33% upside potential, based on the analysts' average price target.

Piper Sandler initiated coverage on Farmers & Merchants Bancorp with a 'Neutral' rating, acknowledging the company's robust risk management practices and strategic growth initiatives.

Earnings data also paints a positive picture. Farmers & Merchants Bancorp's (NASDAQ: FMAO) reported fourth quarter EPS of $0.61, $0.13 better than the analyst estimate. The next quarter's earnings estimate for FMAO is $0.42 with a range of $0.41 to $0.43. The previous quarter's EPS was $0.61. FMAO beat its EPS estimate 100.00% of the time in the past 12 months.

Next quarter's sales forecast for FMAO is $27.08M with a range of $26.74M to $27.40M. The previous quarter's sales results were $45.61M. FMAO beat its sales estimates 100.00% of the time in past 12 months.

Overall, analysts are in good agreement that the stock price will rise by 24.8%.

For further insights into the company's financial well-being, consider exploring: Breaking Down Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (FMAO) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors