Operating cash flow volatility is evident in the extreme 31.70 OCF/NI ratio for 2026Q1, driven largely by significant shifts in loan loss provisioning and securities divestment activity.
| Metric | TTM | Dec'25 | Dec'24 | Dec'23 | Dec'22 | Dec'21 | Dec'20 | Dec'19 | Dec'18 | Dec'17 | Dec'16 | Dec'15 | Dec'14 | Dec'13 | Dec'12 | Dec'11 | Dec'10 | Dec'09 | Dec'08 | Dec'07 | Dec'06 | Dec'05 | Dec'04 | Dec'03 | Dec'02 | Dec'01 | Dec'00 | Dec'99 | Dec'98 | Dec'97 | Dec'96 |
|---|
| Cash from Operations | 39.07M | 32M | 33.03M | 33.55M | 34.6M | 34.84M | 24.78M | 22.46M | 25.89M | 19.37M | 18.51M | 19.69M | 22.28M | 30.57M | 27.65M | 37.46M | 35.05M | 12.97M | 18.12M | 9.95M | 10.13M | 14.12M | 14.91M | 14.59M | 12.6M | 9.3M | 7.41M | 8.52M | 10.6M | 10.82M | 11M |
| Operating CF Growth % | 504.59% | -3.12% | -1.53% | -3.04% | -0.7% | 40.59% | 10.34% | -13.25% | 33.64% | 4.67% | -5.97% | -11.65% | -27.12% | 10.56% | -26.19% | 6.9% | 170.25% | -28.42% | 82.15% | -1.83% | -28.23% | -5.31% | 2.17% | 15.83% | 35.5% | 25.5% | -13.1% | -19.58% | -2.04% | -1.63% | 21.07% |
| Net Income | 17.41M | 23.43M | 25.96M | 24.15M | 26.62M | 30.55M | 19.22M | 19.5M | 22.01M | 13.43M | 15.76M | 16.47M | 17.09M | 18.59M | 22.7M | 23.37M | 19.05M | -39.34M | 10.06M | 10.42M | 11.99M | 12.98M | 14.86M | 16.26M | 14.96M | 12.05M | 8.48M | 11.48M | 11.1M | 10.11M | 9.26M |
| Depreciation & Amortization | 1.81M | 0 | 2.18M | 2.15M | 2.39M | 2.13M | 1.98M | 1.75M | 1.75M | 1.64M | 1.6M | 1.89M | 1.98M | 2.07M | 2.01M | 2.26M | 2.53M | 3.14M | 3.44M | 3.29M | 2.74M | 2.48M | 1.67M | 1.31M | 1.05M | 1.32M | -1.41M | -866K | 351K | 723K | 764K |
| Deferred Taxes | -2.1M | 0 | -1.5M | 836K | -400K | -1.38M | -361K | 172K | -187K | 2.15M | -156K | 79K | 1.25M | 1.84M | 3.76M | 3.82M | 6.37M | -18.38M | -2.15M | -21K | -311K | -640K | 96K | -25K | -284K | -349K | -63K | 423K | 63K | 10K | -215K |
| Other Non-Cash Items | 36.42M | 14.3M | 1.76M | 4.88M | 9.4M | 2.44M | 3M | 1.19M | 224K | 1.01M | 1.46M | 1.37M | 445K | 5.28M | -757K | 3.43M | -1.83M | 83.35M | 8.97M | -2.87M | -4.47M | -45K | -1.38M | -3.28M | -2.84M | -4.18M | -760K | -2.24M | -2.26M | -19K | 1.2M |
| Working Capital Changes | -15.44M | -5.72M | 3.15M | 58K | -4.67M | -109K | -111K | -951K | 1.23M | 506K | -726K | -726K | 956K | 2.09M | -636K | 4.16M | 8.86M | -16.09M | -2.49M | -878K | 186K | -661K | -346K | 323K | -289K | 453K | 1.16M | -279K | 1.37M | 0 | 0 |
| Cash from Investing | -29.67M | 196K | -20.94M | -53.2M | -234.69M | -103.89M | 96.58M | 22.67M | -21.65M | -30.91M | -29.4M | 18.41M | -9.49M | 8.88M | 34.64M | 2.92M | -57.88M | -628K | -27.26M | -22.57M | 35.82M | -4.32M | -54.47M | -46.53M | -139.76M | -136.78M | -6.39M | -77.86M | -30.02M | 4.03M | -26.17M |
| Purchase of Investments | -35.03M | 0 | -25.79M | -23.41M | -113.72M | -243.93M | -105.35M | -57.66M | -90.02M | -51.48M | -91.9M | -40.36M | -158.89M | -152.31M | -127.36M | -152.44M | -267.08M | -131.21M | -96.43M | -203.61M | -159.84M | -1.95B | -200.8M | -201.08M | -251.77M | -263.52M | -18.06M | -120.11M | -233.42M | -195.23M | -74.51M |
| Sale/Maturity of Investments | 44.14M | 0 | 39.19M | 113.14M | 62.77M | 63.71M | 123.43M | 177.35M | 80.56M | 87.8M | 111.51M | 133.66M | 134.54M | 122.79M | 138.59M | 133.72M | 217.1M | 109.8M | 79.45M | 141.08M | 122.32M | 246.64M | 207.97M | 232.39M | 185.89M | 180.31M | 47.67M | 63.84M | 211.74M | 199.68M | 48.61M |
| Net Investment Activity | 9.11M | 0 | 13.4M | 89.73M | -50.94M | -180.21M | 18.07M | 119.7M | -9.45M | 36.32M | 19.61M | 93.3M | -24.35M | -29.52M | 11.23M | -18.72M | -49.98M | -21.41M | -16.98M | -62.52M | -37.52M | -1.7B | 7.17M | 31.31M | -65.88M | -83.22M | 29.61M | -56.27M | -21.68M | 4.45M | -25.9M |
| Acquisitions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 75.95M | -1.78M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 116K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29.94M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other Investing | -37.68M | 196K | -32.43M | -140.66M | -180.46M | 78.18M | 5.69M | -92.38M | -11.03M | -65.53M | -47.43M | -73.85M | 15.67M | 39.2M | 25.03M | 22.52M | -7.19M | 22.03M | -9.29M | 12.43M | 76.85M | 1.7B | -55.81M | -74.48M | -72.17M | -51.63M | -33.57M | -20.04M | -6.83M | 419K | 312K |
| Cash from Financing | -68.09M | -111.07M | 58.7M | 24.73M | 151.94M | 68.88M | -56.47M | -46.83M | -8.42M | 19.91M | 6.2M | -36.4M | -19.77M | -55.88M | -64.09M | -29.87M | -22.93M | 55.7M | 1.51M | 17.13M | -45.24M | -2.3M | 43.35M | 32.21M | 126.03M | 129.7M | -5.25M | 71.27M | 21.3M | -15.58M | 16.55M |
| Dividends Paid | -16.96M | -16.29M | -15.53M | -15.57M | -15.87M | -15.98M | -14.47M | -14.04M | -11.75M | -11.14M | -11.11M | -11.24M | -11.39M | -10.92M | -9.06M | -6.23M | -5.25M | -8.41M | -7.68M | -8.25M | -7.95M | -7.56M | -7.14M | -6.67M | -6.04M | -5.44M | -4.99M | -4.64M | -4.19M | -3.74M | -3.46M |
| Share Repurchases | -190K | -218K | -629K | -6.78M | -9.35M | -7.59M | -163K | -189K | 0 | 0 | -3.72M | -4.42M | -4M | 0 | 0 | -1.02M | 0 | 0 | -2.13M | 0 | -2.27M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stock Issued | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 160K | 212K | 131K | 198K | 189K | 127K | 263K | 381K | 123K | 184K | 229K | 71K | 0 | 24.61M | 220K | 0 | 89K | 656K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11K | 4K |
| Net Stock Activity | -190K | -218K | -629K | -6.78M | -9.19M | -7.37M | -32K | 9K | 189K | 127K | -3.46M | -4.03M | -3.88M | 184K | 229K | -951K | 0 | 24.61M | -1.92M | 0 | -2.19M | 656K | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11K | 4K |
| Debt Issuance (Net) | -2M | -1000K | -1000K | 1000K | 1000K | -1000K | -1000K | -1000K | -1000K | 1000K | -1000K | 1000K | -1000K | 1000K | -1000K | -1000K | -1000K | -1000K | -1000K | 1000K | -1000K | -1000K | 1000K | 1000K | 1000K | 1000K | -1000K | 1000K | -1000K | -1000K | 1000K |
| Other Financing | -3.23M | -30.37M | 79.11M | 17.23M | 72.69M | 105.38M | 86.94M | -4.82M | 25.32M | 24.73M | 48.4M | -32.22M | 13.63M | -51.47M | -11.99M | 13.91M | 77.58M | 62.85M | 25.54M | -21.42M | 3.39M | 42.73M | 18.48M | 17.76M | 64.03M | 47.31M | 28.49M | 23.96M | 34.27M | -4.85M | 0 |
| Net Change in Cash | -58.69M | -78.87M | 70.8M | 5.08M | -48.15M | -169K | 64.89M | -1.71M | -4.18M | 8.38M | -4.69M | 1.69M | -6.97M | -16.43M | -1.8M | 10.51M | -45.76M | 68.04M | -7.63M | 4.5M | 713K | 7.49M | 3.78M | 271K | -1.14M | 2.21M | -4.24M | 1.94M | 1.88M | -722K | 1.39M |
| Exchange Rate Effect | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cash at Beginning | 44.71M | 123.57M | 52.78M | 47.7M | 95.85M | 96.02M | 31.12M | 32.83M | 37M | 28.62M | 33.31M | 31.62M | 38.59M | 55.02M | 56.81M | 46.3M | 92.06M | 24.03M | 31.66M | 27.16M | 26.45M | 18.95M | 15.17M | 14.9M | 16.04M | 13.82M | 18.06M | 16.13M | 14.3M | 14.97M | 13.59M |
| Cash at End | 53.45M | 44.71M | 123.57M | 52.78M | 47.7M | 95.85M | 96.02M | 31.12M | 32.83M | 37M | 28.62M | 33.31M | 31.62M | 38.59M | 55.02M | 56.81M | 46.3M | 92.06M | 24.03M | 31.66M | 27.16M | 26.45M | 18.95M | 15.17M | 14.9M | 16.04M | 13.82M | 18.06M | 16.1M | 14.25M | 14.97M |
| Interest Paid | 49.84M | 49.05M | 48.56M | 31.94M | 9.5M | 8.17M | 10.74M | 9.6M | 4.53M | 3.93M | 3.7M | 4.64M | 5.14M | 5.78M | 9.25M | 13.61M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Income Taxes Paid | 4.58M | 8.79M | 4.84M | 6.38M | 5.56M | 10.1M | 3.14M | 3.23M | 4.28M | 4.91M | 5.13M | 4.83M | 4.43M | 4.21M | 4.25M | 3.62M | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Free Cash Flow | 36.41M | 30.1M | 31.13M | 31.28M | 31.31M | 32.98M | 21.65M | 19.59M | 24.73M | 17.68M | 16.93M | 18.65M | 21.48M | 29.77M | 26.03M | 36.47M | 34.34M | 11.71M | 17.12M | 7.53M | 6.61M | 7.4M | 9.08M | 11.23M | 10.88M | 7.36M | 4.98M | 6.98M | 9.1M | 9.99M | 10.42M |
| FCF Growth % | 33.92% | -3.31% | -0.49% | -0.09% | -5.06% | 52.35% | 10.49% | -20.76% | 39.87% | 4.41% | -9.21% | -13.19% | -27.85% | 14.37% | -28.62% | 6.19% | 193.12% | -31.57% | 127.34% | 13.85% | -10.66% | -18.44% | -19.17% | 3.18% | 47.86% | 47.78% | -28.61% | -23.33% | -8.88% | -4.14% | 23.3% |
Liquidity and credit provisioning
According to quarterly cash flow statements, CZNC has consistently utilized its investment securities portfolio as a primary liquidity lever, evidenced by a net divestment trend that saw $15.9 million in sales during 2026Q1, contrasting with the $15.2 million purchase volume observed in 2023Q4.
The bank appears to be actively rotating its securities portfolio to manage liquidity needs, likely in response to the tightening cash position noted in recent periods. Investors should monitor whether these sales are driven by strategic duration management or a necessity to fund loan growth and deposit outflows, as persistent divestment may eventually erode the bank's secondary liquidity buffer.
As reported in financial statements, CZNC has maintained a remarkably consistent dividend payout of approximately $3.9 million to $4.6 million per quarter, even as net income fluctuated significantly, reaching a low of $273,000 in 2026Q1 while maintaining a dividend payment of $4.6 million.
The bank's commitment to dividend stability appears to be a core management priority, yet the payout ratio has become increasingly strained by recent earnings compression. This suggests that future capital returns may be at risk if the current trend of elevated credit provisioning continues to suppress net income and limit internal capital generation.
Based on the provided cash flow data, the $13.6 million provision for loan losses recorded in 2026Q1 represents a substantial departure from historical norms, significantly outpacing the $236,000 provision observed in 2025Q1 and signaling a potential shift in the bank's assessment of credit risk.
This sharp increase in provisioning suggests that management is proactively addressing potential asset quality deterioration within the loan book. While these provisions are non-cash adjustments, they reflect an underlying pressure on the bank's capital position that warrants further investigation into the specific segments driving this heightened risk perception.
Analysis of the cash flow statement reveals that CZNC's operating cash flow is frequently distorted by large swings in loan loss provisions and securities activity, with the OCF/NI ratio reaching an extreme 31.70 in 2026Q1, indicating that headline cash flow figures may mask underlying operational volatility.
The reliance on securities sales to supplement cash flow suggests that the bank's core deposit base may not be providing the expected level of funding stability. Investors should be cautious of interpreting these cash flow metrics as indicative of organic profitability, as they appear heavily influenced by balance sheet management rather than core banking growth.
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying CZNC stock.
Citizens & Northern Corporation (CZNC) generated $32.0M in net cash from operating activities in 2025. This reflects the cash generated directly from core business operations.
Citizens & Northern Corporation (CZNC) generated $30.1M in free cash flow in 2025. Free cash flow is the cash left over after capital expenditures, which can be used to pay dividends, repurchase shares, or pay down debt.
Citizens & Northern Corporation (CZNC) spent $0.0M on capital expenditures in 2025. CapEx represents the cash invested in physical assets like property, plant, and equipment to maintain or grow the business.
In 2025, Citizens & Northern Corporation (CZNC) returned $16.3M to shareholders via cash dividends and spent $0.2M on share repurchases. This shows the company's commitment to returning capital to its equity investors.