FDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. GovernmentFDIC-Insured - Backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government
In 2025, two major milestones came to pass. Century Next Financial Corporation celebrated 15 years, and Century Next Bank, its wholly-owned subsidiary, celebrated 120 years of existence. From its beginning on July 5, 1905, Century Next Bank served the customers of Lincoln Parish, Louisiana as Ruston Building and Loan for nearly 100 years before changing its name to Bank of Ruston on February 22, 2005. In 2010, under the vision and leadership of Benjamin L. Denny as President and CEO and our Board of Directors, Century Next Financial Corporation was formed and issued a public stock offering. The purpose was to begin a new chapter and implement expansion efforts for the future.
As we fast forward to December 31, 2025, we have now expanded operations into Ouachita Parish, Louisiana, in 2015, and Ashley County, Arkansas, in 2018. Finally, on January 15, 2019, Bank of Ruston was changed to Century Next Bank merging together the original vision from 2010 with the common name of Century Next.
Now, reflecting on 2025, on behalf of the Board of Directors, management team, and staff of Century Next Financial Corporation (the Company), we are extremely proud and thankful to provide this 2025 annual report.
The results this year were nothing short of extraordinary. Net income, net interest margin, and returns on assets and equity were the best in the history of the Company. Nevertheless, we count this success not from the standpoint of being proud, but as a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all our people in meeting and serving the needs of our customers.
Financially, the balance sheet was strong for the year. Assets grew by 0.9% as the focus was on more highly profitability earning assets. Net loans were up 6.5% as loan growth improved over the 3.1% in 2024. Deposits ended the year down 1.5% after three years of strong growth averaging 17.6% per year.
Overall, liquidity remained strong as we continued to purchase high-grade investment securities with strong yields and low risks, helping to solidify higher yields for a longer period of time.
For the year ended December 31, 2025, net income was $15.5 million compared to $12.1 million in 2024. Earnings per share were $8.48 basic and $8.34 diluted compared to $6.72 basic and $6.69 diluted in 2024. Return on average assets and equity were 1.71% and 16.93%, respectively in 2025 compared to 1.47% and 15.58% in 2024.
Our net interest income improved in 2025 by 17.0% or $5.6 million over 2024 primarily due to higher investment yields and lower cost of funding resulting in margin expansion. Our net interest margin increased to 4.41% in 2025 compared to 4.16% in 2024. Non-interest income increased 6.9% or $234,000. Mortgage income increased by $67,000 or 14.9% over 2024. Non-interest expense (NIE) increased 6.9% or $1.44 million which was slightly more than the increase in 2024 of 6.1% or $1.2 million. Finally, our NIE efficiency ratio measuring NIE to total income improved from 57.5% in 2024 to 52.9% in 2025.
In Louisiana, loans grew by 8.7% or $43.02 million and deposits declined by 1.2% or $7.6 million. Ouachita Parish showed excellent growth in loans and deposits with loans up 16.9% or $40.6 million and deposits up 8.3% or $8.38 million over 2024.
In Arkansas, loans decreased by $3.55 million or 3.1% and deposits declined by 2.6% or $3.8 million. We continue to lead in deposit market share of 41.5% in Ashley County.
Community involvement is very important to us as we work to promote strong communities through partnerships with community organization in North Central Louisiana and Southeast Arkansas.
As we have done for several years, we plan to increase our efforts and expand our strong sense of responsibility to our communities and continue doing our part to help enhance a strong economic environment.
As we enter 2026, we will strive to perform at our best and continue to look for opportunities to expand and improve our market presence and effectiveness by focusing strategically, aiming for continued high performance, and building shareholder value.
Thank you for the privilege to serve our customers, shareholders, and communities as we continue providing excellence in banking services and creating lasting relationships for future success together.
William D. Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer
Century Next Financial Corporation
