CZWI News & Events

"We utilized our capital strength to enhance shareholder value early in the quarter by repurchasing approximately 250,000 shares at an average price less than tangible book value, and the Board voted to declare a quarterly dividend replacing the 'thrift like' annual dividend in prior years." stated Stephen Bianchi, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Loan growth returned in the quarter and the pipeline looked promising entering 2026. We remained focused on growing our customer base, and specifically deposits, as noted in the YOY growth of $44 million. With the improved quality of our deposit base and as loans originated during the pandemic come due for pricing adjustments, we anticipate continued NIM expansion which should result in stronger earnings."

Book value per share improved to $18.95 at September 30, 2025, compared to $18.36 at June 30, 2025, and $17.88 at September 30, 2024. "Earnings met expectations, and capital grew in the quarter strengthening our balance sheet for share buybacks and strategic opportunities. Our tangible capital ratio now exceeds 9.1% and tangible book value increased 3.7% from the linked quarter to $15.71 per share. There was continued expansion in the net interest margin and strong non-interest income was driven by mortgage and SBA gains on sale. Strong credit practices resulted in net loan recoveries of $51 thousand and a $7 million decrease in criticized assets, offset partially by a $3.4 million increase in substandard loans. The ACL, which increased from 1.59% to 1.68% from last quarter, provides 141% coverage of non-performing loans. Unemployment remains below national averages, but middle-income consumers and smaller businesses, who are facing the pressure of higher costs (real estate taxes, insurance) and slowing income growth, are exhibiting increasing stress," stated Stephen Bianchi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.

On July 24, 2025, the Board of Directors authorized a new 5% buyback authorization, for 499,000 shares of the Company's common stock in open market or private transactions. The timing and amount of any share repurchases under the new authorization will be determined by management based on market conditions and other considerations. The new share repurchase authorization does not obligate the Company to repurchase any shares of its common stock.

Net interest income increased $1.7 million to $13.3 million for the current quarter ended June 30, 2025, from $11.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, and from $11.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2024. Book value per share improved to $18.36 at June 30, 2025, compared to $18.02 at March 31, 2025, and $17.10 at June 30, 2024. "The quarter was solid overall with continued margin improvement of 15 bps to 3.00% (42 bps reported), strong net interest income which increased 9.4% from the linked quarter and in line non-interest expense contributed to the solid $0.33 in earnings per share. Tangible book value was higher by 2.4% from the linked quarter to $15.15 and the tangible common equity ratio improved to 8.9%. Asset quality was mixed with nonperforming assets and classified loans decreasing by $1.5 million and $1.7 million, respectively, while one $9 million multi-family relationship was added to special mention loans. Good credit administration practices kept net charge-offs manageable at $16 thousand for the quarter and the allowance to credit losses to total loans increased from 1.49% to 1.59% and the allowance to credit losses to nonperforming loans increased to 176% versus 148% compared to the prior quarter. Business activity in our markets continues to be good and seems poised to accelerate in the second half of 2025," stated Stephen Bianchi, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.