Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Earnings of $0.27 Per Share and Twelve Month 2024 Earnings of $1.34 Per Share; Board of Directors Increases Annual Dividend by 12.5% to $0.36 Per Share

Core Viewpoint - Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. reported a decrease in earnings for the fourth quarter of 2024, with net income of $2.7 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.27, down from $3.3 million and $0.32 in the previous quarter, and $3.7 million and $0.35 in the same quarter last year [1][5]. Financial Performance - The fourth quarter 2024 saw a $0.4 million increase in net interest income, totaling $11.7 million, with a net interest margin increase of 16 basis points to 2.79% [2][5][24]. - Non-interest income decreased by $0.9 million to $2.0 million, primarily due to lower gains on loan sales and higher net losses on equity securities [2][27]. - Non-interest expenses increased by $0.4 million to $10.8 million, attributed to higher professional fees and losses on repossessed assets [2][27]. Balance Sheet and Asset Quality - Total assets decreased by $50.6 million to $1.749 billion, with a notable reduction in loans by $55.8 million to $1.372 billion, primarily from non-strategic relationships [6][9][13]. - The allowance for credit losses on loans decreased to $20.5 million, representing 1.50% of total loans [11][14]. - Nonperforming assets decreased to $14.3 million, down from $17.1 million in the previous quarter, largely due to a partial paydown on a nonaccrual loan [17][13]. Capital and Equity - Book value per share improved to $17.94, and tangible book value per share increased to $14.69, reflecting a 9.5% increase from the previous year [3][5]. - The tangible common equity ratio increased to 8.54%, providing flexibility for potential loan growth and share repurchases in 2025 [4][3]. Deposits and Funding - Total deposits decreased by $32.5 million to $1.49 billion, with a significant reduction in wholesale brokered deposits [13][19]. - The deposit portfolio composition shifted, with consumer deposits making up 57% and commercial deposits 28% as of December 31, 2024 [20][19]. Strategic Initiatives - The company executed a share repurchase program, buying back approximately 94 thousand shares at an average price of $14.55 per share during the fourth quarter [23][5]. - The company plans to close a branch in Faribault, Minnesota, with minimal associated costs recognized in the fourth quarter [13][5].