Strong Financial Performance
Net income for the fourth quarter was $10 million, or $0.88 per basic share, up from $0.65 in the previous quarter and $0.51 in the fourth quarter of 2023. Total net income for the year was $31.5 million, or $2.75 per basic share.
Improvement in Key Performance Metrics
Return on average assets was 1.2% for the quarter compared to 0.96% in the prior quarter. Return on average equity was 12.68% for the quarter compared to 9.58% at the end of Q3. Net interest margin increased to 3.54% in Q4 from 3.3% in Q3.
Effective Management of Noninterest Income and Expenses
Noninterest income increased by $572,000 in Q4, largely due to a gain on sale of $467,000. Noninterest expense decreased by $798,000 in Q4.
Low Nonperforming Assets and Charge-offs
Nonperforming assets were 0.16% at year-end, improved from 0.66% at the end of Q3. Net charge-offs were very low at 0.02% for the year.
Loan and Deposit Growth
Total deposits grew by $23.3 million in Q4. For the year, total deposits increased by $59.9 million. Originated $103.1 million in new loans in Q4.