US Century Bank Boosts Shareholder Payout Amid Strategic Restructuring

USCB Financial Holdings, the parent company of US Century Bank, has announced a significant increase in its quarterly cash dividend, signaling strong underlying confidence in its business trajectory. The board has approved a 25% hike in the dividend for common shares, raising it to $0.125 per share. This decision comes even as the bank's latest quarterly earnings were impacted by one-time strategic moves.

For the fourth quarter of 2025, USCB Financial reported a diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.07. This figure was materially affected by a deliberate portfolio restructuring executed in December. To enhance future portfolio profitability, the bank sold securities valued at $44.6 million, which resulted in an after-tax loss of approximately $5.6 million. Excluding this specific, non-recurring item, the company's core operational EPS was a robust $0.44.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying US Century Bank?

Solid Balance Sheet Growth Provides Foundation

Beyond the headline earnings number, key operational metrics demonstrated positive momentum. The bank ended 2025 with total assets of $2.8 billion, an increase of 8.1% year-over-year. Its loan portfolio showed particular strength, expanding by 11% to reach $2.2 billion. Meanwhile, total deposits grew by 7.9% to $2.3 billion, providing a stable funding base for future lending.

• Quarterly dividend raised to $0.125 per share, a 25% increase.
• Core operational earnings per share stood at $0.44.
• Loan portfolio increased 11% compared to the prior year.

Strategic Focus on Expansion and SBA Lending

Looking ahead to 2026, management has forecasted continued loan growth in the high single-digit to low double-digit percentage range. A central component of this growth strategy is a newly formed Small Business Administration (SBA) lending team. Through this initiative, US Century Bank aims to generate an additional $40 to $50 million in loan volume over the next three years. Leveraging its status as a preferred SBA lender, the institution plans to capture greater market share within the small and midsize business segment.