Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Basis of presentation and use of estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses. Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks and federal funds sold, all of which mature within ninety days. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods. Securities Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity” and recorded at amortized cost. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading, are classified as “available-for-sale” and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income . Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities, earlier of call or maturity date. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. 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 December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. 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 losses 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 December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there was no allowance for credit loss related to the available-for-sale portfolio. Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $1,150,000 and $1,143,000 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Accrued interest receivable is recorded under “Interest Receivable” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Restricted Stock As members of the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBA), the Bank is required to maintain certain minimum investments in the common stock of the FRB and FHLBA. Required levels of investment are based upon the Bank’s capital and a percentage of qualifying assets. The Bank also maintains stock ownership in Community Bankers’ Bank (CBB) and First National Bankers’ Bank (FNBB). The investment in these correspondent banks is minimal and is not mandated but qualifies the Bank for preferred pricing on services offered by CBB and FNBB. Based on liquidation restrictions, all of these investments are carried at cost, less impairment, if any. Loans Financial makes real estate, commercial and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by real estate loans collateralized by real estate within Region 2000. The ability of Financial’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions in the area. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Past due status Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual and potentially charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Non-accrual status Financial stops accruing interest on a loan at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of collection. At the time the loan is placed on non-accrual status, all previously accrued but not collected interest is reversed against interest income. While the loan is classified as non-accrual, any payments collected are accounted for using the cost-recovery method which requires the entire amount of the payment to be applied directly to principal, until qualifying for return to performing status. Loans may be, but are not always, returned to performing status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current (within 90 days past due), future payments are reasonably assured, and contractually required payments have been made on a timely basis for at least six consecutive months. Charge-off At the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status, it is generally reevaluated for expected loss and a specific reserve, if not already assigned, is established against the loan. Consumer term loans are typically charged-off no later than 120 days whereas consumer revolving credit loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days. Although the goal for commercial and commercial real estate loans is for charge off no later than 180 days, a commercial or commercial real Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) estate loan may not be fully charged off until there is reasonable certainty that no additional workout efforts, modification or any other types of concession can or will be made by Financial. Loans Held for Sale Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are sold, servicing released, and carried at the lower of cost or fair value, which is determined in the aggregate based on sales commitments to permanent investors or on current market rates for loans of similar quality and type. In addition, the Company requires a firm purchase commitment from a permanent investor before a loan can be closed, thus limiting interest rate risk. 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 estimates its allowance for credit losses using two primary techniques, as appropriate for each loan portfolio segment. For our agricultural loans, we use a remaining life method (also known as the WARM method). This approach calculates the weighted-average remaining life of the loan pool (taking into account contractual maturities and expected repayment speeds) and applies a historical average annual loss rate over that remaining life to estimate the pool’s lifetime credit loss rate. We then adjust this lifetime loss estimate for current economic conditions, peer data, and reasonable-and-supportable forecasts to arrive at the allowance for credit losses for the agricultural portfolio. The principal balance of loans in the agricultural portfolio, which is included within the commercial classification below, was $4,172,000 and $3,024,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. For other loan segment portfolios, the Company uses 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 include unemployment rates and gross domestic product (“GDP”), to adjust its loss rates over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of one year. In addition, peer data is incorporated into the model. 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 individually evaluated. The Company designates individually evaluated loans on non-accrual 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 Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 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 recognized. The adoption of CECL did not significantly change the Company’s existing credit risk management and monitoring processes, including policies regarding the identification of past-due or delinquent borrowers, non-accrual classification, or charge-offs. 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 receivable totaled approximately $1,912,000 and $1,688,000 on loans and $1,154,000 and $1,147,000 on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and is included in “Interest Receivable” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Premises, equipment and depreciation Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets on the straight-line basis, which range from 3 to 7 years for equipment and 10 to 39.5 years for buildings and improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over a term which is the shorter of their useful life or the remaining lease term. Land is carried at cost and is not depreciable. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized and those for maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred. Bank owned life insurance Financial has purchased life insurance policies on certain key employees. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value. ‎ Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) Other real estate owned Other real estate owned consists of properties acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. These properties are carried at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure establishing a new cost basis. These properties are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Losses from the acquisition of property in full or partial satisfaction of loans are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent write-downs, if any, are charged against expense. Gains and losses on the sales of foreclosed properties are included in determining net income in the year of the sale. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. Transfers of financial assets Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Bank – put presumptively beyond reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Bank does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absences of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. Business Segments As of December 31, 2024, we operated three business segments, community banking, mortgage banking, and investment advisory services. The community banking segment includes both commercial and consumer lending and provides customers such products as commercial loans, real estate loans, and other business financing and consumer loans. In addition, this segment provides customers with several choices of deposit products, including demand deposit accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The mortgage banking segment engages primarily in the origination of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market. The investment advisory segment provides investment management for a fee through PWW. For additional information, refer to Note 9 “Business Segments.” Retirement Plans Employee 401(k) and profit sharing expense is the amount of matching contributions. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service. Income taxes Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws. Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as additional income taxes in the consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no liabilities recorded for unrecognized tax benefits. Stock-based compensation plans Compensation cost is recognized for stock-based awards issued to employees based on the fair value of the awards. The Black-Scholes valuation model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options and the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Restricted stock units, which may be settled in stock or in cash, are a liability classified with the fair value initially measured at the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. These awards are subsequently remeasured to the fair value of the Company’s common stock in each reporting period. Compensation cost is recognized over the vesting period of the awards and the Company’s policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur. Awards under the 2018 Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan are detailed in Note 15, “Stock-based Compensation Plans”. The Company’s ability to grant awards under the Equity Incentive Plan is ongoing. Earnings per common share Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to stock options and restricted stock units outstanding during the periods, and are determined using the treasury stock method. Reclassifications Management has made certain immaterial reclassifications to the prior year financial statements to conform to the 2024 presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or stockholders’ equity. ‎ Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) Comprehensive income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities. Business Combinations Business combinations are accounted for under ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition date measured at their fair values as of that date. To determine the fair values, the Companyutilizes third party valuations based on discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques. Acquisition costs are costs the Company incurs to effect a business combination. Those costs include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees. Some other examples of costs to the Company include systems conversions, integration planning consultants, contract terminations, and advertising costs. The Company will account for acquisition costs in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received. The costs to issue debt or equity securities will be recognized in accordance with other applicable accounting guidance. These acquisition-related costs are included on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income classified within “Other” in the noninterest expense caption. Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment. Additionally, acquired intangible assets (such as customer relationship intangibles) are separately recognized if the benefit of the assets can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, and amortized over their useful lives. The cost of customer relationships, based on independent valuation, are being amortized over their estimated lives of fifteen years. The Company records as goodwill the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The Company will review the carrying value of the goodwill at least annually or more frequently if certain impairment indicators exist. In testing goodwill for impairment, the Company may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is not less than its carrying amount, then no further testing is required and the goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. If the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment or if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value to determine whether an impairment exists. The Company has selected September 1 of each year as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Based upon Financial’s qualitative assessment in September 2024, it was concluded that no impairment was present. In connection with the acquisition of PWW, the Company recorded an intangible asset for customer relationships in the amount of $8,406,000. The Company is using straight line amortization over a period of 15 years, resulting in annual amortization of $560,000. As of December 31, 2024, the intangible asset, net of amortization, was $6,725,000. Marketing The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $768,000 and $919,000 for 2024 and 2023, respectively. Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) Accounting Standards Adopted in 2024 ASU 2023-07: The Company adopted ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280) Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” on December 31, 2024. The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), an amount for other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition, all annual disclosures about a reportable segment profit or loss and assets currently required by FASB ASU Topic 280 in interim periods, and the title and position of the CODM and how the CODM uses the reported measures. Additionally, this ASU requires that at least one of the reported segment profit and loss measures should be the measure that is most consistent with the measurement principles used in an entity’s consolidated financial statements. Lastly, this ASU requires public business entities with a single reportable segment to provide all disclosures required by these amendments in this ASU and all existing segment disclosures in Topic 280. The amendments were applied retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2023-07 did not to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 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 tax impact to retained earnings was an approximate reduction of $1,599,000 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 non-accrual 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. ‎ Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued) 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.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2024

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Basis of presentation and use of estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses.

Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks and federal funds sold, all of which mature within ninety days. Generally, federal funds are purchased and sold for one-day periods.

Securities

Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held-to-maturity” and recorded at amortized cost. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value included in earnings. Securities not classified as held-to-maturity or trading, are classified as “available-for-sale” and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income . Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities, earlier of call or maturity date. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

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 December 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

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 losses 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 December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there was no allowance for credit loss related to the available-for-sale portfolio.

Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale securities totaled approximately $1,150,000 and $1,143,000 at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and was excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Accrued interest receivable is recorded under “Interest Receivable” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Restricted Stock

As members of the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLBA), the Bank is required to maintain certain minimum investments in the common stock of the FRB and FHLBA. Required levels of investment are based upon the Bank’s capital and a percentage of qualifying assets. The Bank also maintains stock ownership in Community Bankers’ Bank (CBB) and First National Bankers’ Bank (FNBB). The investment in these correspondent banks is minimal and is not mandated but qualifies the Bank for preferred pricing on services offered by CBB and FNBB. Based on liquidation restrictions, all of these investments are carried at cost, less impairment, if any.

Loans

Financial makes real estate, commercial and consumer loans to customers. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by real estate loans collateralized by real estate within Region 2000. The ability of Financial’s debtors to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions in the area.

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method.

Past due status

Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual and potentially charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

Non-accrual status

Financial stops accruing interest on a loan at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of collection. At the time the loan is placed on non-accrual status, all previously accrued but not collected interest is reversed against interest income. While the loan is classified as non-accrual, any payments collected are accounted for using the cost-recovery method which requires the entire amount of the payment to be applied directly to principal, until qualifying for return to performing status. Loans may be, but are not always, returned to performing status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current (within 90 days past due), future payments are reasonably assured, and contractually required payments have been made on a timely basis for at least six consecutive months.

Charge-off

At the time a loan is placed on non-accrual status, it is generally reevaluated for expected loss and a specific reserve, if not already assigned, is established against the loan. Consumer term loans are typically charged-off no later than 120 days whereas consumer revolving credit loans are typically charged-off no later than 180 days. Although the goal for commercial and commercial real estate loans is for charge off no later than 180 days, a commercial or commercial real

Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

estate loan may not be fully charged off until there is reasonable certainty that no additional workout efforts, modification or any other types of concession can or will be made by Financial.

Loans Held for Sale

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are sold, servicing released, and carried at the lower of cost or fair value, which is determined in the aggregate based on sales commitments to permanent investors or on current market rates for loans of similar quality and type. In addition, the Company requires a firm purchase commitment from a permanent investor before a loan can be closed, thus limiting interest rate risk.

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 estimates its allowance for credit losses using two primary techniques, as appropriate for each loan portfolio segment.

For our agricultural loans, we use a remaining life method (also known as the WARM method). This approach calculates the weighted-average remaining life of the loan pool (taking into account contractual maturities and expected repayment speeds) and applies a historical average annual loss rate over that remaining life to estimate the pool’s lifetime credit loss rate. We then adjust this lifetime loss estimate for current economic conditions, peer data, and reasonable-and-supportable forecasts to arrive at the allowance for credit losses for the agricultural portfolio. The principal balance of loans in the agricultural portfolio, which is included within the commercial classification below, was $4,172,000 and $3,024,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

For other loan segment portfolios, the Company uses 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 include unemployment rates and gross domestic product (“GDP”), to adjust its loss rates over a reasonable and supportable forecast period of one year. In addition, peer data is incorporated into the model. 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 individually evaluated. The Company designates individually evaluated loans on non-accrual 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

Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

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 recognized.

The adoption of CECL did not significantly change the Company’s existing credit risk management and monitoring processes, including policies regarding the identification of past-due or delinquent borrowers, non-accrual classification, or charge-offs.

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 receivable totaled approximately $1,912,000 and $1,688,000 on loans and $1,154,000 and $1,147,000 on held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and is included in “Interest Receivable” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Premises, equipment and depreciation

Premises and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets on the straight-line basis, which range from 3 to 7 years for equipment and 10 to 39.5 years for buildings and improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over a term which is the shorter of their useful life or the remaining lease term. Land is carried at cost and is not depreciable. Expenditures for major renewals and betterments are capitalized and those for maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses as incurred.

Bank owned life insurance

Financial has purchased life insurance policies on certain key employees. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value.

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Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Other real estate owned

Other real estate owned consists of properties acquired through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. These properties are carried at fair value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure establishing a new cost basis. These properties are subsequently accounted for at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Losses from the acquisition of property in full or partial satisfaction of loans are charged against the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent write-downs, if any, are charged against expense. Gains and losses on the sales of foreclosed properties are included in determining net income in the year of the sale. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed.

Transfers of financial assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Bank – put presumptively beyond reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Bank does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absences of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

Business Segments

As of December 31, 2024, we operated three business segments, community banking, mortgage banking, and investment advisory services. The community banking segment includes both commercial and consumer lending and provides customers such products as commercial loans, real estate loans, and other business financing and consumer loans. In addition, this segment provides customers with several choices of deposit products, including demand deposit accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit. The mortgage banking segment engages primarily in the origination of residential mortgages for sale into the secondary market. The investment advisory segment provides investment management for a fee through PWW. For additional information, refer to Note 9 “Business Segments.”

Retirement Plans

Employee 401(k) and profit sharing expense is the amount of matching contributions. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service.

Income taxes

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is determined based on the tax effects of the temporary differences between the book and tax bases of the various balance sheet assets and liabilities and gives current recognition to changes in tax rates and laws.

Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

When tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while others are subject to uncertainty about the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be ultimately sustained. The benefit of a tax position is recognized in the financial statements in the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of appeals or litigation processes, if any. Tax positions taken are not offset or aggregated with other positions. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold are measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with tax positions taken that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized tax benefits in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities upon examination.

Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are classified as additional income taxes in the consolidated statements of income. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no liabilities recorded for unrecognized tax benefits.

Stock-based compensation plans

Compensation cost is recognized for stock-based awards issued to employees based on the fair value of the awards. The Black-Scholes valuation model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options and the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Restricted stock units, which may be settled in stock or in cash, are a liability classified with the fair value initially measured at the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. These awards are subsequently remeasured to the fair value of the Company’s common stock in each reporting period.

Compensation cost is recognized over the vesting period of the awards and the Company’s policy is to recognize forfeitures as they occur.

Awards under the 2018 Bank of the James Financial Group, Inc. Equity Incentive Plan are detailed in Note 15, “Stock-based Compensation Plans”. The Company’s ability to grant awards under the Equity Incentive Plan is ongoing.

Earnings per common share

Basic earnings per common share represents income available to common stockholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate solely to stock options and restricted stock units outstanding during the periods, and are determined using the treasury stock method.

Reclassifications

Management has made certain immaterial reclassifications to the prior year financial statements to conform to the 2024 presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or stockholders’ equity.

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Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Comprehensive income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities.

Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for under ASC 805, Business Combinations, using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the acquisition date measured at their fair values as of that date. To determine the fair values, the Companyutilizes third party valuations based on discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques. Acquisition costs are costs the Company incurs to effect a business combination. Those costs include advisory, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional or consulting fees. Some other examples of costs to the Company include systems conversions, integration planning consultants, contract terminations, and advertising costs. The Company will account for acquisition costs in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received. The costs to issue debt or equity securities will be recognized in accordance with other applicable accounting guidance. These acquisition-related costs are included on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income classified within “Other” in the noninterest expense caption.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment. Additionally, acquired intangible assets (such as customer relationship intangibles) are separately recognized if the benefit of the assets can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented, or exchanged, and amortized over their useful lives. The cost of customer relationships, based on independent valuation, are being amortized over their estimated lives of fifteen years.

The Company records as goodwill the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any noncontrolling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. The Company will review the carrying value of the goodwill at least annually or more frequently if certain impairment indicators exist. In testing goodwill for impairment, the Company may first consider qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances lead to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is not less than its carrying amount, then no further testing is required and the goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. If the Company elects to bypass the qualitative assessment or if we conclude that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with its carrying value to determine whether an impairment exists. The Company has selected September 1 of each year as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Based upon Financial’s qualitative assessment in September 2024, it was concluded that no impairment was present.

In connection with the acquisition of PWW, the Company recorded an intangible asset for customer relationships in the amount of $8,406,000. The Company is using straight line amortization over a period of 15 years, resulting in annual amortization of $560,000. As of December 31, 2024, the intangible asset, net of amortization, was $6,725,000.

Marketing

The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising expenses were $768,000 and $919,000 for 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2024

ASU 2023-07: The Company adopted ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280) Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” on December 31, 2024. The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM), an amount for other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition, all annual disclosures about a reportable segment profit or loss and assets currently required by FASB ASU Topic 280 in interim periods, and the title and position of the CODM and how the CODM uses the reported measures. Additionally, this ASU requires that at least one of the reported segment profit and loss measures should be the measure that is most consistent with the measurement principles used in an entity’s consolidated financial statements. Lastly, this ASU requires public business entities with a single reportable segment to provide all disclosures required by these amendments in this ASU and all existing segment disclosures in Topic 280. The amendments were applied retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2023-07 did not to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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 tax impact to retained earnings was an approximate reduction of $1,599,000 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 non-accrual 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.

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Note 2 - Summary of significant accounting policies (continued)

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.