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Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. Reports 4Q2023 Earnings of $0.35 Per Share;

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Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. reported a 5% increase in common equity and a $46 million growth in deposits. Earnings were $3.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, with a 10% annual dividend increase to $0.32 per share. Tangible book value per share increased 6% to $13.42, while tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio increased to 7.71%. However, earnings for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, were $13.1 million, a decrease from $17.8 million for the same period in the prior year.
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Insights

The reported increase in Citizens Community Bancorp's common equity and dividends, along with the growth in deposits, indicates a strengthening balance sheet which is a positive signal for investors. The increase in tangible book value per share suggests that the intrinsic value of the company is improving, which could potentially lead to a higher stock price. However, the year-over-year decrease in earnings and diluted earnings per share raises concerns about the company's profitability and revenue generation capacity, which could negatively impact investor sentiment.

From a financial analysis standpoint, the reduction in the provision for credit losses due to net recoveries and lower tax expenses due to Wisconsin's budget change are notable. These factors have contributed to the reported earnings despite flat net interest income and increased non-interest expenses. The payoff of Federal Home Loan Bank advances through deposit growth demonstrates effective liquidity management, which is crucial for the company's financial health. However, the decline in net interest income year-over-year and the reduction in earnings for the fiscal year highlight the need to closely monitor the company's interest rate risk management and operational efficiency moving forward.

The banking industry is highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and Citizens Community Bancorp's report reflects this through the changes in its net interest margin. A decrease in net interest margin suggests that the yield on assets is not keeping up with the cost of liabilities, which could be a result of the competitive deposit market or a shift in the interest rate environment. The reported flat net interest income, after adjusting for the nonaccrual loan payoff, indicates a potential stabilization in this area.

The growth in deposits, particularly across diverse categories such as retail, commercial and municipal, is a positive sign of the bank's ability to attract and retain customers. This is further supported by the reported increase in gross loans, which signifies potential future revenue through interest income. The increase in tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio reflects a stronger capital position, which is essential for the bank's ability to withstand potential losses and invest in growth opportunities.

The reported data from Citizens Community Bancorp provides an insight into the broader economic trends affecting the banking sector. The reduction in the effective tax rate due to the Wisconsin budget change is a microeconomic factor that has positively impacted the company's earnings. Additionally, the improvement in accumulated other comprehensive loss on securities available for sale, due to lower interest rates, aligns with macroeconomic trends where interest rate movements can significantly influence the valuation of a bank's investment portfolio.

It is also important to consider the context of inflationary pressures mentioned in the report. While the bank has managed to control expenses in the face of inflation, this is a challenge that continues to affect the industry. The bank's ability to grow deposits and manage loan quality, as evidenced by the net recoveries and negative provision for credit losses, suggests resilience in the face of economic uncertainties. However, the decrease in net interest margin year-over-year indicates the need for vigilance in a changing rate environment.

Common Equity Increases 5%; Deposits Grew $46 million;
Board of Directors Increase Annual Dividend 10% to $0.32 Per Share

EAU CLAIRE, Wis., Jan. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CZWI), the parent company of Citizens Community Federal N.A. (the “Bank” or “CCFBank”), today reported earnings of $3.7 million and earnings per diluted share of $0.35 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2.5 million and $0.24 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and $4.7 million and $0.45 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2022, respectively. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, earnings were $13.1 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, compared to earnings of $17.8 million, or $1.69 per diluted share for fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

The Company’s fourth quarter 2023 operating results reflected the following changes from the third quarter of 2023: (1) an increase in negative provision for credit losses largely due to net recoveries, and reductions in commitments to fund construction loans; (2) lower tax expense largely due to the tax rate impact of the recent Wisconsin budget change; (3) net interest income was flat after excluding the recognition of $0.4 million of interest income on the payoff of a nonaccrual loan in the third quarter; and (4) $0.2 million higher non-interest expense, largely due to the write-down of a closed branch in the fourth quarter. During the fourth quarter 2023, accumulated other comprehensive loss on securities available for sale improved 20% relative to the prior quarter largely due to lower interest rates.

Book value per share was $16.60 at December 31, 2023, compared to $15.80 at September 30, 2023, and $16.03 at December 31, 2022. Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)1 was $13.42 at December 31, 2023, a 6% increase from $12.61 at September 30, 2023, and a 5% increase from $12.77 at December 31, 2022. For the fourth quarter, tangible book value was positively influenced by lower accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCI”), net income and intangible amortization. The AOCI loss improvement reflected the benefit of decreases in the ten-year U.S. Treasury rate to 3.88% at December 31, 2023, compared to 4.58% at September 30, 2023, and 3.88% at December 31, 2022.

“The quarter was favorably impacted by stabilization in the net interest margin after removing the nonaccrual interest pick up in the linked quarter, and favorable credit events which included net recoveries in the quarter and for the year and negative provision expense. Deposit growth continued in the quarter reflecting our business priorities while expenses were managed lower in 2023 despite inflationary pressures. Tangible book value per share increased 6% to $13.42 per share and our tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio increased to 7.71%,” stated Stephen Bianchi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

December 31, 2023 Highlights: (as of or for the 3-month period ended December 31, 2023 compared to September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.)

  • Quarterly earnings of $3.7 million, or $0.35 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, increased from the quarter ended September 30, 2023, earnings of $2.5 million or $0.24 per diluted share, and decreased from the quarter ended December 31, 2022, earnings of $4.7 million or $0.45 per diluted share.
  • Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, were $13.1 million, or $1.25 per diluted share, which is a decrease from $17.8 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, for the same period in the prior year.
  • Net interest income decreased $0.4 million to $11.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2023, from $12.1 million the previous quarter and decreased $2.7 million from the fourth quarter of 2022. The decrease in net interest income from the third quarter of 2023 was due to $0.4 million recognized in the third quarter from a nonaccrual loan payoff. Excluding the nonaccrual loan payoff, net interest income was flat in the fourth quarter relative to the third quarter.
  • The net interest margin without loan purchase accretion was 2.67% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to 2.76% for the previous quarter and 3.33% for the comparable quarter one year earlier. The impact of the nonaccrual loan payoff of $0.4 million was approximately 10 basis points.
  • In the fourth quarter, a negative provision for credit losses of $0.7 million was recorded due to: (1) net recoveries of $264 thousand; (2) the reduction in commitments to fund construction loans; and (3) improving forecasted future economic conditions, offsetting increases in specific reserves. The provision was negative $0.4 million for the preceding quarter, which also had net recoveries of $161 thousand. Provisions for credit losses totaled $0.7 million during the fourth quarter a year ago.
  • Noninterest expenses increased $237 thousand to $10.2 million from $10.0 million for the third quarter and declined $130 thousand from $10.3 million one year earlier. The increase in the fourth quarter was primarily related to branch closure expenses of $0.4 million.
  • Gross loans increased by $13.0 million during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, to $1.46 billion from $1.45 billion at September 30, 2023.
  • Total deposits increased by $45.9 million, or 3.1%, during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, to $1.52 billion from $1.47 billion at September 30, 2023. The increase was spread across retail, commercial, municipal and brokered deposits.
  • Federal Home Loan Bank advances were reduced $35.0 million to $79.5 million at December 31, 2023, from $114.5 million at September 30, 2023. The payoff of the advances was largely funded by deposit growth.
  • Stockholders’ equity as a percent of total assets was 9.36% at December 31, 2023, compared to 9.03% at September 30, 2023. Tangible common equity (“TCE”) as a percent of tangible assets (non-GAAP)1 was 7.71% at December 31, 2023, compared to 7.34% at September 30, 2023. The positive impact of decreases in unrealized losses in the available for sale (AFS) investment portfolio, net income and amortization of intangibles was modestly offset by asset growth.
  • The effective tax rate decreased to 20.9% for the fourth quarter from 50.5% in the third quarter and 25.6% one year earlier. The third quarter reflected a reduction in the carrying value of deferred tax assets of $1.8 million, due to the impact of the Wisconsin budget change, which decreased the incremental tax rate at which the deferred tax asset would be recognized in the future. This more than offset the overall benefit of a lower Wisconsin tax rate benefit of $0.6 million in the third quarter, which reflects three quarters of benefit. The fourth quarter reflects $0.2 million of benefit compared to the first and second quarters of 2023.
  • Nonperforming assets were $15.4 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $15.5 million at September 30, 2023. Nonperforming loans declined $854 thousand during the fourth quarter while foreclosed and repossessed assets increased $749 thousand due to the addition of a closed branch office.
  • Substandard loans increased by $3.4 million to $19.6 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $16.2 million at September 30, 2023. The increase was largely due to the addition of a $3.7 million loan relationship secured by single family rental homes in the Twin Cities.
  • The efficiency ratio was 72% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to 67% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, with the increase primarily due to the fourth quarter branch closure expenses and lower net interest income due to the $0.4 million nonaccrual interest income payoff interest income in the third quarter.
  • On January 25, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a $0.32 per share annual dividend, an increase of 10%, to shareholders of record as of February 9, 2024 and payable February 23, 2024.

Balance Sheet and Asset Quality

Total assets increased modestly by $20.3 million during the quarter to $1.85 billion at December 31, 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $4.6 million during the quarter to $37.1 million at December 31, 2023, largely due to an increase in clearing balances of $8.1 million partially offset by a decrease in interest-bearing deposits of $2.9 million.

Securities available for sale increased $2.3 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, to $155.7 million from $153.4 million at September 30, 2023. This increase was due to an increase in the market value of the portfolio, partially offset by principal repayments of $16.6 million.

Securities held to maturity decreased $1.1 million to $91.2 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, from $92.3 million at September 30, 2023, due to principal repayments.

On-balance sheet liquidity, collateralized new borrowing capacity and uncommitted federal funds borrowing availability was 244% of uninsured and uncollateralized deposits at December 31, 2023, and 221% at September 30, 2023.

On-balance sheet liquidity, collateralized new borrowing capacity and uncommitted federal funds borrowing availability was $673.6 million at December 31, 2023, and $614.9 million at September 30, 2023.

Gross loans increased by $13.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2023. The Bank grew the multi-family and residential portfolios $8.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively. The addition of residential 10/1 ARM loan originations were added to the portfolio, although at a slower pace than the third quarter and this reduction is expected to continue.

Our office loan portfolio is $40.2 million and consists of 70 loans. There are no criticized loans in this portfolio and there have been no charge-offs in the trailing twelve months.

The allowance for credit losses on loans decreased slightly by $0.1 million to $22.91 million at December 31, 2023, representing 1.57% of total loans receivable compared to 1.59% of total loans receivable at September 30, 2023. For the quarter ended December 31, 2023, the Bank had net recoveries of $264 thousand.

Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) - Loans Percentage

(in thousands, except ratios)

  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
Loans, end of period $1,460,792  $1,447,529  $1,424,988  $1,411,784 
Allowance for credit losses - Loans $22,908  $22,973  $23,164   
Allowance for loan losses “ALL”       $17,939 
ACL - Loans as a percentage of loans, end of period  1.57%  1.59%  1.63%  
ALL as a percentage of loans, end of period        1.27%
           

Allowance for Credit Losses - Unfunded Commitments:
(in thousands)

In addition to the ACL - Loans, the Company has established an ACL - Unfunded Commitments of $1.250 million at December 31, 2023 and $1.571 million at September 30, 2023, classified in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

  December 31, 2023 and Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 and Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2022 and Twelve Months Ended
ACL - Unfunded commitments - beginning of period $1,571  $  $  $ 
Cumulative effect of ASU 2016-13 adoption        1,537    
Additions (reductions) to ACL - Unfunded commitments via provision for credit losses charged to operations  (321)     (287)   
ACL - Unfunded commitments - end of period $1,250  $  $1,250  $ 
 

Nonperforming assets decreased $0.1 million to $15.4 million, or 0.83% of total assets at December 31, 2023, compared to $15.5 million or 0.85% at September 30, 2023. The transfer of a closed branch to REO was offset by the reduction in 90+ delinquent and accruing residential loans.

  (in thousands)
  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Special mention loan balances $18,392  $20,043  $20,507  $6,636  $12,170 
Substandard loan balances  19,596   16,171   19,203   15,439   17,319 
Criticized loans, end of period $37,988  $36,214  $39,710  $22,075  $29,489 
 

Special mention loans decreased $1.7 million from September 30, 2023, due to reductions of $2.2 million and new additions of $0.5 million.

Substandard loans increased by $3.4 million to $19.6 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $16.2 million at September 30, 2023. The increase was largely due to a $3.7 million loan relationship secured by single family rental homes in the Twin Cities.

Total deposits increased $45.9 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2023, to $1.52 billion. Consumer and commercial deposits grew $14.3 million while public deposits grew $18.4 million. Brokered deposits increased $13.1 million, with $40 million of brokered money market deposits replacing a maturing brokered CD of $25 million.

Deposit Portfolio Composition
(in thousands)

  December 31,
2023
 September 30,
2023
 June 30,
2023
 March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
Consumer deposits $814,899  $794,970  $790,404  $786,614  $805,598 
Commercial deposits  423,762   429,358   401,079   391,534   405,733 
Public deposits  182,172   163,734   175,869   194,683   173,548 
Brokered deposits  98,259   85,173   97,330   63,962   39,841 
Total deposits $1,519,092  $1,473,235  $1,464,682  $1,436,793  $1,424,720 
 

Deposit Composition
(in thousands)

  December 31,
2023
 September 30,
2023
 June 30,
2023
 March 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
Non-interest bearing demand deposits $265,704  $275,790  $261,876  $247,735  $284,722 
Interest bearing demand deposits  343,276   336,962   358,226   390,730   371,210 
Savings accounts  176,548   183,702   206,380   214,537   220,019 
Money market accounts  374,055   312,689   288,934   309,005   323,435 
Certificate accounts  359,509   364,092   349,266   274,786   225,334 
Total deposits $1,519,092  $1,473,235  $1,464,682  $1,436,793  $1,424,720 
 

At December 31, 2023, our deposit portfolio composition was 54% consumer, 28% commercial, 12% public and 6% brokered deposits compared to 54% consumer, 29% commercial, 11% public and 6% brokered deposits at September 30, 2023.

Uninsured and uncollateralized deposits were $275.8 million, or 18% of total deposits, at December 31, 2023, and $277.9 million, or 19% of total deposits, at September 30, 2023. Uninsured deposits alone at December 31, 2023, were $427.5 million, or 28% of total deposits, and $412.9 million, or 28% of total deposits at September 30, 2023.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased $35.0 million to $79.5 million at December 31, 2023, from $114.5 million one quarter earlier, as deposit growth more than funded loan growth, allowing advances to be repaid.

The Company repurchased 27,500 shares of the Company’s common stock in the fourth quarter of 2023. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 202 thousand shares remain available for repurchase under the current share repurchase authorization.

Review of Operations

Net interest income decreased to $11.7 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, from $12.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and decreased from $14.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in net interest income from the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to $0.4 million recognized in the third quarter from a nonaccrual loan payoff. From the fourth quarter of 2022, the decrease in net interest income was primarily due to liability costs increasing more than asset yields.

Net interest income and net interest margin analysis:
(in thousands, except yields and rates)

  Three months ended
  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
  Net Interest Income Net Interest Margin Net Interest Income Net Interest Margin Net Interest Income Net Interest Margin Net Interest Income Net Interest Margin Net Interest Income Net Interest Margin
As reported $11,747  2.69% $12,121  2.79% $11,686  2.72% $12,795  3.02% $14,478  3.40%
Less non-accretable difference realized as interest from payoff of purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) loans    %    %    %    %  (109) (0.02)%
Less accelerated accretion from payoff of certain PCI loans with transferred non-accretable differences    %    %    %    %  (32) (0.01)%
Less accretion for PCD loans  (37) (0.01)%  (39) (0.01)%  (39) (0.01)%  (37) (0.01)%    %
Less scheduled accretion interest  (33) (0.01)%  (77) (0.02)%  (85) (0.02)%  (84) (0.02)%  (169) (0.04)%
Without loan purchase accretion $11,677  2.67% $12,005  2.76% $11,562  2.69% $12,674  2.99% $14,168  3.33%
 

The fourth quarter provision for credit losses was a negative $0.7 million primarily due to (1) net recoveries; (2) net reductions in ACL and ACL unfunded commitments due to reductions in outstanding construction commitments; and (3) improved forecasted general economic conditions, partially offset by increases in specific reserves. The provision was a negative $0.3 million for the preceding quarter and $0.7 million was recorded during the fourth quarter a year ago.

Non-interest income decreased to $2.5 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2.6 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and decreased from $2.9 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2022. The decrease from the third quarter of 2023 was largely due to lower gains on sale of loans and lower loan servicing income due to semiannual payments received in the first and third quarters, partially offset by higher net gains on investment securities due to increased valuations of equity securities.

Total non-interest expense increased $0.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 to $10.2 million, compared to $10.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and decreased from $10.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2022. The increase in the fourth quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2023 was primarily due to branch closure expenses recorded in other expenses. Non-interest expense decreased $1.6 million for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the comparable prior year period, largely due to (1) lower incentive compensation resulting in $1.0 million lower compensation expense; (2) reduction in amortization of intangible assets of $0.7 million; and (3) new market tax credit depletion.

Provision for income taxes decreased to $1.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023 from $2.5 million in the third quarter of 2023. In the third quarter, the Company recognized the year-to-date 2023 impact of the Wisconsin budget change, making income on commercial loans under $5 million non-taxable. The third and fourth quarters both reflect the impact of the resulting lower incremental tax rate. The lower incremental tax rate resulted in a one-time $1.8 million tax expense related to a reduction in the carrying value of the deferred tax asset, recorded in the third quarter of 2023. The related tax benefit recorded in the third quarter was $0.6 million. The effective tax rate was 20.9% for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, 50.5% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, and 25.6% for the quarter ended December 31, 2022. Effective January 1, 2023, the Company early adopted ASU 2023-02. This guidance results in new market tax credit depletion being reclassified from non-interest expense to tax expense and changes the amortization method to be proportional to the tax credit realized. As a result, retained earnings increased $130 thousand, effective January 1, 2023, and non-interest expense decreased by $162 thousand from the prior year fourth quarter results.

These financial results are preliminary until Form 10-K is filed in March 2024.

About the Company

Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: “CZWI”) is the holding company of the Bank, a national bank based in Altoona, Wisconsin, currently serving customers primarily in Wisconsin and Minnesota through 23 branch locations. Its primary markets include the Chippewa Valley Region in Wisconsin, the Twin Cities and Mankato markets in Minnesota, and various rural communities around these areas. The Bank offers traditional community banking services to businesses, ag operators and consumers, including residential mortgage loans.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified using forward-looking words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “estimates,” “intend,” “may,” “on pace,” “preliminary,” “planned,” “potential,” “should,” “will,” “would” or the negative of those terms or other words of similar meaning. Such forward-looking statements in this release are inherently subject to many uncertainties arising in the operations and business environment of the Company and the Bank. These uncertainties include conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally; adverse impacts to the Company or Bank arising from the COVID-19 pandemic; acts of terrorism and political or military actions by the United States or other governments; the possibility of a deterioration in the residential real estate markets; interest rate risk; lending risk; higher lending risks associated with our commercial and agricultural banking activities; the sufficiency of accumulated credit loss allowances; changes in the fair value or ratings downgrades of our securities; competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions; disintermediation risk; our ability to maintain our reputation; our ability to maintain or increase our market share; our ability to realize the benefits of net deferred tax assets; our inability to obtain needed liquidity; our ability to raise capital needed to fund growth or meet regulatory requirements; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; our ability to keep pace with technological change; prevalence of fraud and other financial crimes; cybersecurity risks; the possibility that our internal controls and procedures could fail or be circumvented; our ability to successfully execute our acquisition growth strategy; risks posed by acquisitions and other expansion opportunities, including difficulties and delays in integrating the acquired business operations or fully realizing the cost savings and other benefits; restrictions on our ability to pay dividends; the potential volatility of our stock price; accounting standards for credit losses; legislative or regulatory changes or actions, or significant litigation, adversely affecting the Company or Bank; public company reporting obligations; changes in federal or state tax laws; and changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines and their impact on financial performance. Stockholders, potential investors, and other readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such uncertainties and other risks that may affect the Company’s performance are discussed further in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in the Company’s Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 7, 2023 and the Company’s subsequent filings with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this news release or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this release.

1 Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release contains non-GAAP financial measures, such as net income as adjusted, net income as adjusted per share, tangible book value, tangible book value per share, tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets and return on average tangible common equity, which management believes may be helpful in understanding the Company’s results of operations or financial position and comparing results over different periods.

Net income as adjusted and net income as adjusted per share are non-GAAP measures that eliminate the impact of certain expenses such as branch closure costs and related severance pay, accelerated depreciation expense and lease termination fees, and the gain on sale of branch deposits and fixed assets. Tangible book value, tangible book value per share, tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets and return on average tangible common equity are non-GAAP measures that eliminate the impact of goodwill and intangible assets on our financial position. Management believes these measures are useful in assessing the strength of our financial position.

Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as the reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in this press release. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other banks and financial institutions.

Contact: Steve Bianchi, CEO
(715)-836-9994

(CZWI-ER)


CITIZENS COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except shares and per share data)
 
  December 31, 2023 (unaudited) September 30, 2023 (unaudited) June 30, 2023 (unaudited) December 31, 2022 (audited)
Assets        
Cash and cash equivalents $37,138  $32,532  $42,969  $35,363 
Other interest bearing deposits           249 
Securities available for sale “AFS”  155,743   153,414   161,135   165,991 
Securities held to maturity “HTM”  91,229   92,336   93,800   96,379 
Equity investments  3,284   2,433   2,299   1,794 
Other investments  15,725   15,109   16,347   15,834 
Loans receivable  1,460,792   1,447,529   1,424,988   1,411,784 
Allowance for credit losses  (22,908)  (22,973)  (23,164)  (17,939)
Loans receivable, net  1,437,884   1,424,556   1,401,824   1,393,845 
Loans held for sale  5,773   2,737   2,394    
Mortgage servicing rights, net  3,865   3,944   4,008   4,262 
Office properties and equipment, net  18,373   19,465   19,827   20,493 
Accrued interest receivable  5,409   5,936   5,702   5,285 
Intangible assets  1,694   1,873   2,052   2,449 
Goodwill  31,498   31,498   31,498   31,498 
Foreclosed and repossessed assets, net  1,795   1,046   1,199   1,271 
Bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”)  25,647   25,467   25,290   24,954 
Other assets  16,334   18,741   19,493   16,719 
TOTAL ASSETS $1,851,391  $1,831,087  $1,829,837  $1,816,386 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
Liabilities:        
Deposits $1,519,092  $1,473,235  $1,464,682  $1,424,720 
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances  79,530   114,530   122,530   142,530 
Other borrowings  67,465   67,407   67,357   72,409 
Other liabilities  11,970   10,513   9,710   9,639 
Total liabilities  1,678,057   1,665,685   1,664,279   1,649,298 
Stockholders’ equity:        
Common stock— $0.01 par value, authorized 30,000,000; 10,440,591, 10,468,091, 10,470,175 and 10,425,119 shares issued and outstanding, respectively  104   105   105   104 
Additional paid-in capital  119,441   119,612   119,404   119,240 
Retained earnings  71,117   67,424   64,926   65,400 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  (17,328)  (21,739)  (18,877)  (17,656)
Total stockholders’ equity  173,334   165,402   165,558   167,088 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY $1,851,391  $1,831,087  $1,829,837  $1,816,386 

Note: Certain items previously reported were reclassified for consistency with the current presentation.


CITIZENS COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, 2023 (unaudited) September 30, 2023 (unaudited) December 31, 2022 (unaudited) December 31, 2023 (unaudited) December 31, 2022 (audited)
Interest and dividend income:          
Interest and fees on loans $19,408  $19,083  $17,042  $73,577  $61,639 
Interest on investments  2,618   2,689   2,317   10,671   7,758 
Total interest and dividend income  22,026   21,772   19,359   84,248   69,397 
Interest expense:          
Interest on deposits  7,851   7,388   2,695   25,749   6,429 
Interest on FHLB borrowed funds  1,371   1,210   1,127   5,966   2,303 
Interest on other borrowed funds  1,057   1,053   1,059   4,184   4,296 
Total interest expense  10,279   9,651   4,881   35,899   13,028 
Net interest income before provision for credit losses  11,747   12,121   14,478   48,349   56,369 
Provision for credit losses  (650)  (325)  700   (475)  1,475 
Net interest income after provision for credit losses  12,397   12,446   13,778   48,824   54,894 
Non-interest income:          
Service charges on deposit accounts  485   491   513   1,949   2,018 
Interchange income  581   601   583   2,324   2,343 
Loan servicing income  539   611   527   2,218   2,439 
Gain on sale of loans  191   299   144   1,692   1,474 
Loan fees and service charges  124   140   179   432   679 
Net gains on investment securities  277   116   708   459   541 
Other  283   307   219   1,176   936 
Total non-interest income  2,480   2,565   2,873   10,250   10,430 
Non-interest expense:          
Compensation and related benefits  5,139   5,293   5,241   21,106   22,128 
Occupancy  1,314   1,335   1,353   5,431   5,490 
Data processing  1,511   1,536   1,355   5,951   5,453 
Amortization of intangible assets  179   179   252   755   1,449 
Mortgage servicing rights expense, net  159   150   157   615   222 
Advertising, marketing and public relations  262   185   255   734   1,017 
FDIC premium assessment  204   204   118   812   470 
Professional services  371   342   555   1,524   1,707 
Losses (gains) on repossessed assets, net     100   (378)  62   (395)
New market tax credit depletion        162      650 
Other  1,067   645   1,266   3,152   3,552 
Total non-interest expense  10,206   9,969   10,336   40,142   41,743 
Income before provision for income taxes  4,671   5,042   6,315   18,932   23,581 
Provision for income taxes  978   2,544   1,619   5,873   5,820 
Net income attributable to common stockholders $3,693  $2,498  $4,696  $13,059  $17,761 
Per share information:          
Basic earnings $0.35  $0.24  $0.45  $1.25  $1.69 
Diluted earnings $0.35  $0.24  $0.45  $1.25  $1.69 
Cash dividends paid $  $  $  $0.29  $0.26 
Book value per share at end of period $16.60  $15.80  $16.03  $16.60  $16.03 
Tangible book value per share at end of period (non-GAAP) $13.42  $12.61  $12.77  $13.42  $12.77 
 

Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income and Net Income as Adjusted (non-GAAP)

(in thousands, except per share data)

  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31,
2023
 September 30,
2023
 December 31,
2022
 December 31,
2023
 December 31,
2022
          
GAAP pretax income $4,671  $5,042  $6,315  $18,932  $23,581 
Branch closure costs (1)  380      646   380   981 
Pretax income as adjusted (2) $5,051  $5,042  $6,961  $19,312  $24,562 
Provision for income tax on net income as adjusted (3)  1,058   2,544   1,785   5,991   6,062 
Net income as adjusted (non-GAAP) (2) $3,993  $2,498  $5,176  $13,321  $18,500 
GAAP diluted earnings per share, net of tax $0.35  $0.24  $0.45  $1.25  $1.69 
Branch closure costs, net of tax  0.03      0.04   0.03   0.07 
Diluted earnings per share, as adjusted, net of tax (non-GAAP) $0.38  $0.24  $0.49  $1.28  $1.76 
           
Average diluted shares outstanding  10,457,184   10,470,098   10,460,025   10,470,298   10,513,773 

(1) Branch closure costs include severance pay recorded in compensation and benefits and accelerated depreciation expense included in other non-interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
(2) Pretax income as adjusted and net income as adjusted is a non-GAAP measure that management believes enhances the market’s ability to assess the underlying business performance and trends related to core business activities.
(3) Provision for income tax on net income as adjusted is calculated at our effective tax rate for each respective period presented.

Loan Composition

(in thousands)

  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022
Total Loans:        
Commercial/Agricultural real estate:        
Commercial real estate $750,531  $750,282  $732,435  $725,971 
Agricultural real estate  83,350   84,558   87,198   87,908 
Multi-family real estate  228,095   219,193   208,211   208,908 
Construction and land development  110,941   109,799   105,625   102,492 
C&I/Agricultural operating:        
Commercial and industrial  121,666   121,033   133,763   136,013 
Agricultural operating  25,691   24,552   24,358   28,806 
Residential mortgage:        
Residential mortgage  129,021   125,939   119,724   105,389 
Purchased HELOC loans  2,880   2,881   3,216   3,262 
Consumer installment:        
Originated indirect paper  6,535   7,175   8,189   10,236 
Other consumer  6,187   6,440   6,487   7,150 
Gross loans $1,464,897  $1,451,852  $1,429,206  $1,416,135 
Unearned net deferred fees and costs and loans in process  (2,900)  (3,048)  (2,827)  (2,585)
Unamortized discount on acquired loans  (1,205)  (1,275)  (1,391)  (1,766)
Total loans receivable $1,460,792  $1,447,529  $1,424,988  $1,411,784 
 

Nonperforming Assets

(in thousands, except ratios)

  December 31, 2023 (1) September 30, 2023 (1) June 30, 2023 (1) December 31, 2022
Nonperforming assets:        
Nonaccrual loans        
Commercial real estate $10,359  $10,570  $11,359  $5,736 
Agricultural real estate  391   469   1,712   2,742 
Construction and land development  54   94   94    
Commercial and industrial (“C&I”)        4   552 
Agricultural operating  1,180   1,373   1,436   890 
Residential mortgage  1,167   923   1,029   1,253 
Consumer installment  33   27   29   31 
Total nonaccrual loans $13,184  $13,456  $15,663  $11,204 
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more  389   971   492   246 
Total nonperforming loans (“NPLs”)  13,573   14,427   16,155   11,450 
Foreclosed and repossessed assets, net  1,795   1,046   1,199   1,271 
Total nonperforming assets (“NPAs”) $15,368  $15,473  $17,354  $12,721 
Loans, end of period $1,460,792  $1,447,529  $1,424,988  $1,411,784 
Total assets, end of period $1,851,391  $1,831,087  $1,829,837  $1,816,386 
Ratios:        
NPLs to total loans  0.93%  1.00%  1.13%  0.81%
NPAs to total assets  0.83%  0.85%  0.95%  0.70%

(1) Loan balances are at amortized cost.

Average Balances, Interest Yields and Rates
(in thousands, except yields and rates)

  Three Months Ended
December 31, 2023
 Three Months Ended
September 30, 2023
 Three Months Ended
December 31, 2022
  Average
Balance
 Interest
Income/
Expense
 Average
Yield/
Rate (1)
 Average
Balance
 Interest
Income/
Expense
 Average
Yield/
Rate (1)
 Average
Balance
 Interest
Income/
Expense
 Average
Yield/
Rate (1)
Average interest earning assets:                  
Cash and cash equivalents $16,699  $241  5.73% $21,298  $302  5.63% $8,134  $87  4.24%
Loans receivable  1,458,558   19,408  5.28%  1,435,284   19,083  5.27%  1,399,244   17,042  4.83%
Interest bearing deposits       %       %  337   2  2.35%
Investment securities (1)  243,705   2,102  3.42%  252,226   2,119  3.33%  264,064   1,990  3.01%
Other investments  15,760   275  6.92%  15,511   268  6.85%  15,783   238  5.98%
Total interest earning assets (1) $1,734,722  $22,026  5.04% $1,724,319  $21,772  5.01% $1,687,562  $19,359  4.55%
Average interest bearing liabilities:                  
Savings accounts $175,281  $323  0.73% $199,279  $328  0.65% $226,082  $312  0.55%
Demand deposits  329,096   1,680  2.03%  354,073   1,863  2.09%  379,011   836  0.88%
Money market accounts  326,981   2,217  2.69%  298,098   1,889  2.51%  316,791   710  0.89%
CD’s  368,110   3,631  3.91%  358,238   3,308  3.66%  205,201   837  1.62%
Total deposits $1,199,468  $7,851  2.60% $1,209,688  $7,388  2.42% $1,127,085  $2,695  0.95%
FHLB advances and other borrowings  191,575   2,428  5.03%  182,967   2,263  4.91%  212,051   2,186  4.09%
Total interest bearing liabilities $1,391,043  $10,279  2.93% $1,392,655  $9,651  2.75% $1,339,136  $4,881  1.45%
Net interest income   $11,747      $12,121      $14,478   
Interest rate spread     2.11%     2.26%     3.10%
Net interest margin (1)     2.69%     2.79%     3.40%
Average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities     1.25      1.24      1.26 

(1) Fully taxable equivalent (FTE). The average yield on tax exempt securities is computed on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21% for the quarters ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The FTE adjustment to net interest income included in the rate calculations totaled $0 thousand for each of the three months ended December 31, 2023, September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

  Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2023
 Twelve Months Ended
December 31, 2022
  Average
Balance
 Interest
Income/
Expense
 Average
Yield/
Rate (1)
 Average
Balance
 Interest
Income/
Expense
  Average
Yield/
Rate (1)
Average interest earning assets:             
Cash and cash equivalents $18,469  $1,010  5.47% $19,796  $203  1.03%
Loans receivable  1,430,035   73,577  5.15%  1,351,052   61,639  4.56%
Interest bearing deposits  63   1  1.59%  1,106   24  2.17%
Investment securities (1)  257,020   8,606  3.35%  278,056   6,767  2.43%
Other investments  16,274   1,054  6.48%  15,230   764  5.02%
Total interest earning assets (1) $1,721,861  $84,248  4.89% $1,665,240  $69,397  4.17%
Average interest bearing liabilities:             
Savings accounts $200,087  $1,427  0.71% $234,755  $753  0.32%
Demand deposits  359,866   6,727  1.87%  403,289   1,881  0.47%
Money market accounts  306,020   6,976  2.28%  317,879   1,721  0.54%
CD’s  317,376   10,619  3.35%  178,726   2,074  1.16%
Total deposits $1,183,349  $25,749  2.18% $1,134,649  $6,429  0.57%
FHLB advances and other borrowings  208,373   10,150  4.87%  189,274   6,599  3.49%
Total interest bearing liabilities $1,391,722  $35,899  2.58% $1,323,923  $13,028  0.98%
Net interest income   $48,349      $56,369   
Interest rate spread     2.31%      3.19%
Net interest margin (1)     2.81%      3.39%
Average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities     1.24       1.26 

(1) Fully taxable equivalent (FTE). The average yield on tax exempt securities is computed on a tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21% for the twelve months December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The FTE adjustment to net interest income included in the rate calculations totaled $0 and $1 thousand for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Key Financial Metric Ratios:

  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Ratios based on net income:          
Return on average assets (annualized) 0.79% 0.54% 1.03% 0.71% 1.00%
Return on average equity (annualized) 8.72% 5.97% 11.32% 7.87% 10.70%
Return on average tangible common equity4 (annualized) 11.29% 7.74% 14.85% 10.26% 14.36%
Efficiency ratio 72% 67% 61% 68% 61%
Net interest margin with loan purchase accretion 2.69% 2.79% 3.40% 2.81% 3.39%
Net interest margin without loan purchase accretion 2.67% 2.76% 3.33% 2.78% 3.29%
Ratios based on net income as adjusted (non-GAAP)          
Return on average assets as adjusted2 (annualized) 0.86% 0.54% 1.14% 0.73% 1.04%
Return on average equity as adjusted3 (annualized) 9.43% 5.97% 12.47% 8.03% 11.15%
                

Reconciliation of Return on Average Assets
(in thousands, except ratios)

  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
    
GAAP earnings after income taxes $3,693  $2,498  $4,696  $13,059  $17,761 
Net income as adjusted after income taxes (non-GAAP) (1) $3,993  $2,498  $5,176  $13,321  $18,500 
Average assets $1,843,789  $1,836,775  $1,803,155  $1,836,337  $1,775,049 
Return on average assets (annualized)  0.79%  0.54%  1.03%  0.71%  1.00%
Return on average assets as adjusted (non-GAAP) (annualized)  0.86%  0.54%  1.14%  0.73%  1.04%

(1) See Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income and Net Income as Adjusted (non-GAAP)

Reconciliation of Return on Average Equity
(in thousands, except ratios)

  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
GAAP earnings after income taxes $3,693  $2,498  $4,696  $13,059  $17,761 
Net income as adjusted after income taxes (non-GAAP) (1) $3,993  $2,498  $5,176  $13,321  $18,500 
Average equity $168,058  $166,131  $164,621  $165,968  $165,921 
Return on average equity (annualized)  8.72%  5.97%  11.32%  7.87%  10.70%
Return on average equity as adjusted (non-GAAP) (annualized)  9.43%  5.97%  12.47%  8.03%  11.15%

(1) See Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income and Net Income as Adjusted (non-GAAP)

Reconciliation of Efficiency Ratio
(in thousands, except ratios)

 Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
 December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Non-interest expense (GAAP)$10,206  $9,969  $10,336  $40,142  $41,743 
Less amortization of intangibles (179)  (179)  (252)  (755)  (1,449)
Efficiency ratio numerator (GAAP)$10,027  $9,790  $10,084  $39,387  $40,294 
          
Non-interest income$2,480  $2,565  $2,873  $10,250  $10,430 
(Gain) loss on investment securities (277)  (116)  (708)  (459)  (541)
Net interest margin 11,747   12,121   14,478   48,349   56,369 
Efficiency ratio denominator (GAAP)$13,950  $14,570  $16,643  $58,140  $66,258 
Efficiency ratio (GAAP) 72%  67%  61%  68%  61%
                    

Reconciliation of tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)
(in thousands, except per share data)

Tangible book value per share at end of period December 31, 2023 September 30,
2023
 June 30,
2023
 December 31,
2022
Total stockholders’ equity $173,334  $165,402  $165,558  $167,088 
Less: Goodwill  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)
Less: Intangible assets  (1,694)  (1,873)  (2,052)  (2,449)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $140,142  $132,031  $132,008  $133,141 
Ending common shares outstanding  10,440,591   10,468,091   10,470,175   10,425,119 
Book value per share $16.60  $15.80  $15.81  $16.03 
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) $13.42  $12.61  $12.61  $12.77 

Reconciliation of tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets (non-GAAP)
(in thousands, except ratios)

Tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets at end of period  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 June 30,
2023
 December 31,
2022
Total stockholders’ equity $173,334  $165,402  $165,558  $167,088 
Less: Goodwill  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)
Less: Intangible assets  (1,694)  (1,873)  (2,052)  (2,449)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $140,142  $132,031  $132,008  $133,141 
Total Assets $1,851,391  $1,831,087  $1,829,837  $1,816,386 
Less: Goodwill  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)
Less: Intangible assets  (1,694)  (1,873)  (2,052)  (2,449)
Tangible Assets (non-GAAP) $1,818,199  $1,797,716  $1,796,287  $1,782,439 
Total stockholders’ equity to total assets ratio  9.36%  9.03%  9.05%  9.20%
Tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets (non-GAAP)  7.71%  7.34%  7.35%  7.47%
                 

Reconciliation of Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (non-GAAP)
(in thousands, except ratios)

  Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
  December 31, 2023 September 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 December 31, 2023 December 31, 2022
Total stockholders’ equity $173,334  $165,402  $167,088  $173,334  $167,088 
Less: Goodwill  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)  (31,498)
Less: Intangible assets  (1,694)  (1,873)  (2,449)  (1,694)  (2,449)
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $140,142  $132,031  $133,141  $140,142  $133,141 
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) $134,776  $132,671  $130,577  $132,409  $131,305 
GAAP earnings after income taxes  3,693   2,498   4,696   13,059   17,761 
Amortization of intangible assets, net of tax  142   89   190   521   1,095 
Tangible net income $3,835  $2,587  $4,886  $13,580  $18,856 
Return on average tangible common equity (annualized)  11.29%  7.74%  14.85%  10.26%  14.36%
                     

1Net income as adjusted and net income as adjusted per share are non-GAAP financial measures that management believes enhances investors’ ability to better understand the underlying business performance and trends related to core business activities. For a detailed reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results, see the accompanying financial table “Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income and Net Income as Adjusted (non-GAAP)”.

2Return on average assets as adjusted is a non-GAAP measure that management believes enhances investors’ ability to better understand the underlying business performance and trends relative to average assets. For a detailed reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results, see the accompanying financial table “Reconciliation of Return on Average Assets as Adjusted (non-GAAP)”.

3Return on average equity as adjusted is a non-GAAP measure that management believes enhances investors’ ability to better understand the underlying business performance and trends relative to average equity. For a detailed reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results, see the accompanying financial table “Reconciliation of Return on Average Equity as Adjusted (non-GAAP)”.

4Tangible book value, tangible book value per share, tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets and return on tangible common equity are non-GAAP measures that management believes enhances investors’ ability to better understand the Company’s financial position. For a detailed reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results, see the accompanying financial table “Reconciliation of tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)”, “Reconciliation of tangible common equity as a percent of tangible assets (non-GAAP)”, and “Reconciliation of return on average tangible common equity”.


FAQ

What were the earnings and earnings per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2023?

Earnings were $3.7 million and earnings per diluted share were $0.35 for the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

What was the percentage increase in tangible book value per share?

Tangible book value per share increased 6% to $13.42 at December 31, 2023.

What was the percentage increase in tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio?

Tangible common equity to tangible asset ratio increased to 7.71% at December 31, 2023.

What was the annual dividend increase to per share?

The annual dividend was increased by 10% to $0.32 per share.

What were the total deposits at December 31, 2023?

Total deposits increased by $45.9 million, or 3.1%, to $1.52 billion at December 31, 2023.

Citizens Community Bancorp, Inc.

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