WESTFIELD, Mass., Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western New England Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” or “WNEB”) (NasdaqGS: WNEB), the holding company for Westfield Bank (the “Bank”), announced today the unaudited results of operations for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2024. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $3.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023. On a linked quarter basis, net income was $3.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to net income of $1.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, net income was $11.7 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, compared to net income of $15.1 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

The Company also announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend will be payable on or about February 26, 2025 to shareholders of record on February 12, 2025.

James C. Hagan, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I am pleased to report the results for the fourth quarter of 2024. Our strong, diversified, core deposit base was integral in effectively managing our funding costs over the last two years during a rising rate environment. Our disciplined approach to managing our funding costs resulted in an increase in net interest income for the second consecutive quarter in 2024.

As we continue to manage the balance sheet, we remain focused on identifying initiatives to mitigate top line pressures and improve efficiencies over the Company’s long-term. In 2024, total deposits increased $118.9 million, or 5.6%, and core deposits represented 68.9% of total deposits as compared to 2023. The loan-to-deposit ratio decreased to 91.5%. We continue to focus on extending credit within our markets and servicing the needs of our existing customer base while ensuring new opportunities present the appropriate levels of risk and return.

Our asset quality remains strong, with nonaccrual loans at 0.26% of total loans, and classified loans, which we define as special mention and substandard loans, at 1.9% of total loans as of December 31, 2024. Our loan portfolio continues to perform well and we continue to proactively identify and manage credit risk within the loan portfolio, consistent with our prudent credit culture.

The Company is considered to be well-capitalized and we remain disciplined in our capital management strategies. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, we repurchased 934,282 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price per share of $7.94. We continue to believe that buying back shares represents a prudent use of the Company’s capital. We are pleased to be able to continue to return value to shareholders through share repurchases. Although the banking environment has been challenged, our capital management strategies have been critical to sustaining growth in book value per share, which increased to $11.30, while tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $0.33, or 3.2%, to $10.63 at December 31, 2024.”

Hagan concluded, “Over the last few years, the banking industry as a whole experienced challenging headwinds, however, our team remains focused on serving our customers and supporting our community. Our commitment to strong capital and liquidity levels gives us a strong foundation to take advantage of opportunities in the markets we serve and to enhance shareholder value in the long term.”

Key Highlights:

Loans and Deposits

Total loans increased $42.9 million, or 2.1%, from $2.0 billion at December 31, 2023 to $2.1 billion at December 31, 2024. Residential real estate loans, including home equity loans, increased $53.5 million, or 7.4%, commercial real estate loans decreased $4.0 million, or 0.4%, commercial and industrial loans decreased $5.7 million, or 2.7%, and consumer loans decreased $1.1 million, or 19.8%.

Total deposits increased $118.9 million, or 5.6%, from $2.1 billion at December 31, 2023 to $2.3 billion at December 31, 2024. Core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, increased $26.7 million, or 1.7%, from $1.5 billion, or 71.5% of total deposits, at December 31, 2023, to $1.6 billion, or 68.9% of total deposits, at December 31, 2024. Time deposits increased $92.2 million, or 15.1%, from $611.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $703.6 million at December 31, 2024. Brokered time deposits, which are included in time deposits, totaled $1.7 million at December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2023. The loan-to-deposit ratio decreased from 94.6% at December 31, 2023 to 91.5% at December 31, 2024.

Liquidity

The Company’s liquidity position remains strong with solid core deposit relationships, cash, unencumbered securities, a diversified deposit base and access to diversified borrowing sources. At December 31, 2024, the Company had $1.1 billion in immediately available liquidity, compared to $643.6 million in uninsured deposits, or 28.4% of total deposits, representing a coverage ratio of 171.8%.

Uninsured deposits of the Bank’s customers are eligible for FDIC pass-through insurance if the customer opens an IntraFi Insured Cash Sweep account or a reciprocal time deposit through the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry System. IntraFi allows for up to $250.0 million per customer of pass-through FDIC insurance, which would more than cover each of the Bank’s deposit customers if such customer desired to have such pass-through insurance.

Allowance for Credit Losses and Credit Quality

At December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $19.5 million, or 0.94% of total loans and 362.9% of nonperforming loans, compared to $20.3 million, or 1.00% of total loans and 315.6% of nonperforming loans, at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, nonperforming loans totaled $5.4 million, or 0.26% of total loans, compared to $6.4 million, or 0.32% of total loans, at December 31, 2023. Total delinquent loans decreased $1.0 million, or 16.7%, from $6.0 million, or 0.30% of total loans, at December 31, 2023 to $5.0 million, or 0.24% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any other real estate owned.

Net Interest Margin

The net interest margin was 2.41% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.40% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.43% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.42% for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Stock Repurchase Program

On May 22, 2024, the Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase plan (the “2024 Plan”) under which the Company may repurchase up to 1.0 million shares, or approximately 4.6%, of the Company’s then-outstanding shares of common stock.

During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 220,000 shares of common stock under the 2024 Plan, with an average price per share of $9.00. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company repurchased 934,282 shares of common stock under the 2024 Plan and the previously existing share repurchase plan, as applicable, with an average price per share of $7.94. As of December 31, 2024, there were 472,318 shares of common stock available for repurchase under the 2024 Plan.

The repurchase of shares under the stock repurchase program is administered through an independent broker. The shares of common stock repurchased under the 2024 Plan have been and will continue to be purchased from time to time at prevailing market prices, through open market or privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, depending upon market conditions. There is no guarantee as to the exact number, or value, of shares that will be repurchased by the Company, and the Company may discontinue repurchases at any time that the Company’s management (“Management”) determines additional repurchases are not warranted. The timing and amount of additional share repurchases under the 2024 Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the Company’s stock price performance, ongoing capital planning considerations, general market conditions, and applicable legal requirements.

Book Value and Tangible Book Value

The Company’s book value per share was $11.30 at December 31, 2024, compared to $10.96 at December 31, 2023, while tangible book value per share, a non-GAAP financial measure, increased $0.33, or 3.2%, from $10.30 at December 31, 2023 to $10.63 at December 31, 2024. See pages 20-22 for the related tangible book value calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

Net Income for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024

The Company reported an increase in net income of $1.4 million, or 72.7%, from $1.9 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, to $3.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Net interest income increased $545,000, or 3.7%, the provision for credit losses decreased $1.7 million, non-interest income increased $113,000, or 3.6%, and non-interest expense increased $520,000, or 3.6%. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 0.49% and 5.48%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 0.29% and 3.19%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

On a sequential quarter basis, net interest income, our primary driver of revenues, increased $545,000, or 3.7%, to $15.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from $14.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in interest income of $746,000, or 2.7%, partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $201,000, or 1.5%.

The net interest margin was 2.41% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.40% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.43% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.42% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024 and during the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company had a fair value hedge which contributed to an increase in the net interest margin of one basis point for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to an increase of seven basis points during the three months ended September 30, 2024. Excluding the interest income attributed to the fair value hedge, the net interest margin increased seven basis points from 2.33% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 to 2.40% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, respectively. The fair value hedge matured in October of 2024.

The average yield on interest-earning assets, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 4.54% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Excluding the impact of the fair value hedge discussed above, the average yield on interest-earnings assets, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, increased four basis points to 4.51% during the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 4.47% during the three months ended September 30, 2024. The average loan yield, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.86% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 4.90% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Excluding the impact of the fair value hedge discussed above, the average yield on loans, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, increased two basis points to 4.84% during the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 4.82% during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, average interest-earning assets increased $75.8 million, or 3.1% to $2.5 billion, primarily due to an increase in average loans of $24.2 million, or 1.2%, an increase in average short-term investments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, of $44.8 million, or 139.7%, and an increase in average securities of $6.8 million, or 1.9%.

The average cost of total funds, including non-interest bearing accounts and borrowings, decreased four basis points from 2.24% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 to 2.20% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The average cost of core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, increased five basis points to 0.98% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from 0.93% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The average cost of time deposits decreased 13 basis points from 4.44% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, to 4.31% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The average cost of borrowings, including subordinated debt, decreased one basis point from 5.05% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 to 5.04% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, increased $20.0 million, or 3.6%, from $559.2 million, or 25.7% of total average deposits, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, to $579.2 million, or 25.6% of total average deposits, for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Losses

During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a reversal of credit losses of $762,000, compared to a provision for credit losses of $941,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2024. The provision for credit losses includes a reversal of credit losses on loans of $553,000 and a reversal of credit losses on unfunded loan commitments of $209,000. The reversal of credit losses on loans was due to changes in the economic environment and related adjustments to the quantitative components of the CECL methodology as well as changes in the loan portfolio mix. The provision for credit losses was determined by a number of factors: the continued strong credit performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, changes in the loan portfolio mix and Management’s consideration of existing economic conditions and the economic outlook from the Federal Reserve’s actions to control inflation. The decrease in reserves on unfunded loan commitments was due to an decrease in commercial real estate unfunded loan commitments of $19.5 million, or 10.0%, from $195.3 million at September 30, 2024 to $175.8 million at December 31, 2024. Management continues to monitor macroeconomic variables related to increasing interest rates, inflation and the concerns of an economic downturn, and believes it is appropriately reserved for the current economic environment.

During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded net recoveries of $128,000, compared to net charge-offs of $98,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Non-Interest Income

On a sequential quarter basis, non-interest income increased $113,000, or 3.6%, to $3.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, service charges and fees on deposits decreased $40,000, or 1.7%, to $2.3 million from the three months ended September 30, 2024. Income from bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) increased $16,000, or 3.4%, from the three months ended September 30, 2024 to $486,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported $187,000 in other income from loan-level swap fees on commercial loans, compared to $74,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a loss of $11,000 from mortgage banking activities, compared to income from mortgage banking activities of $246,000, during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported unrealized losses on marketable equity securities of $9,000, compared to unrealized gains of $10,000, during the three months ended September 30, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported gains on non-marketable equity investments of $300,000 and did not have comparable income during the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Non-Interest Expense

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, non-interest expense increased $520,000, or 3.6%, to $14.9 million from $14.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Salaries and related benefits increased $317,000, or 3.9%, primarily related to incentive compensation accrual adjustments due to revised payout estimates and an increase in health insurance benefits. FDIC insurance expense increased $51,000, or 15.1%, occupancy expense increased $39,000, or 3.2%, primarily due to snow removal costs of $47,000, advertising expense increased $39,000, or 14.4%, data processing expense increased $31,000, or 3.6%, software expenses increased $30,000, or 4.9%, furniture and equipment expense increased $22,000, or 4.6%, and other non-interest expense increased $116,000, or 8.8%. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $69,000, or 12.8%, and a decrease in debit card processing and ATM network costs of $56,000, or 8.6%.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024 and the three months ended September 30, 2024, the efficiency ratio was 80.6%. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 81.9% compared to 80.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in the adjusted efficiency ratio was driven by higher expenses during the three months ended December 31, 2024. See pages 20-22 for the related adjusted efficiency ratio calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

Income Tax Provision

Income tax expense for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $1.1 million, with an effective tax rate of 24.6%, compared to $618,000, with an effective tax rate of 24.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Net Income for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023

The Company reported net income of $3.3 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to net income of $2.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Net interest income decreased $903,000, or 5.6%, provision for credit losses decreased $1.2 million, non-interest income increased $540,000, or 19.9%, and non-interest expense increased $141,000, or 1.0%, during the same period. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 0.49% and 5.48%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 0.39% and 4.31%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income decreased $903,000, or 5.6%, to $15.3 million, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from $16.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net interest income was due to an increase in interest expense of $2.7 million, or 25.7%, partially offset by an increase in interest and dividend income of $1.8 million, or 6.8%. During the three months ended December 31, 2024 and the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company had a fair value hedge which contributed $74,000 to interest income during the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $459,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2023. The fair value hedge matured in October of 2024. The increase in interest expense was a result of competitive pricing on deposits due to the continued high interest rate environment and the unfavorable shift in the deposit mix from low cost core deposits to high cost time deposits.

The net interest margin was 2.41% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.64% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.43% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.66% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin was primarily due to an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities and the unfavorable shift in the deposit mix from low cost core deposits to high cost time deposits, which was partially offset by an increase in the average yield on interest-earning assets. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company had a fair value hedge which contributed to an increase in the net interest margin of one basis point, compared to an increase of eight basis points during the three months ended December 31, 2023. The fair value hedge matured in October of 2024.

The average yield on interest-earning assets, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 4.38% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The average loan yield, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, was 4.86% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 4.71% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, average interest-earning assets increased $89.9 million, or 3.7%, to $2.5 billion, primarily due to an increase in average loans of $45.7 million, or 2.3%, an increase in average short-term investments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, of $34.0 million, or 79.3%, an increase in average securities of $6.4 million, or 1.8%, and an increase in average other investments of $3.8 million, or 31.4%.

The average cost of total funds, including non-interest bearing accounts and borrowings, increased 39 basis points from 1.81% for the three months ended December 31, 2023, to 2.20% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The average cost of core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, increased 22 basis points to 0.98% for the three months ended December 31, 2024, from 0.76% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The average cost of time deposits increased 53 basis points from 3.78% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 4.31% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The average cost of borrowings, including subordinated debt, increased 21 basis points from 4.83% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to 5.04% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, decreased $9.6 million, or 1.6%, from $588.7 million, or 27.0% of total average deposits, for the three months ended December 31, 2023, to $579.2 million, or 25.6% of total average deposits, for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Losses

During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a reversal of credit losses of $762,000, compared to a provision for credit losses of $486,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in unfunded commercial real estate loan commitments, as well as changes in the economic environment and related adjustments to the quantitative components of the CECL methodology. The provision for credit losses was determined by a number of factors: the continued strong credit performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, changes in the loan portfolio mix and Management’s consideration of existing economic conditions and the economic outlook from the Federal Reserve’s actions to control inflation. Management continues to monitor macroeconomic variables related to increasing interest rates, inflation and the concerns of an economic downturn, and believes it is appropriately reserved for the current economic environment.

The Company recorded net recoveries of $128,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, as compared to net charge-offs of $136,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income increased $540,000, or 19.9%, from $2.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, to $3.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. Service charges and fees on deposits increased $18,000, or 0.8%, and income from BOLI increased $54,000, or 12.5%, from the three months ended December 31, 2023 to the three months ended December 31, 2024. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported $187,000 in other income from loan-level swap fees on commercial loans and did not have comparable income during the three months ended December 31, 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a loss of $11,000 from mortgage banking activities and did not have comparable loss during the three months ended December 31, 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2024 and the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company reported $9,000 and $1,000, respectively, in unrealized losses on marketable equity securities. During the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a gain on non-marketable equity investments of $300,000 and did not have comparable non-interest income during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Non-Interest Expense

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, non-interest expense increased $141,000, or 1.0%, to $14.9 million from $14.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company reached an agreement-in-principle to settle purported class action lawsuits concerning the Company’s deposit products and related disclosures, specifically involving overdraft fees and insufficient funds fees. This agreement-in-principle reflects our business decision to avoid the costs, uncertainties and distractions of further litigation. Excluding the legal settlement accrual of $510,000 during the three months ended December 31, 2023, non-interest expense increased $651,000, or 4.6%, from $14.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023 to $14.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

Salaries and related benefits increased $690,000, or 8.9%, to $8.4 million, primarily related to incentive compensation accrual adjustments due to revised payout estimates and annual merit increases. Data processing expense increased $112,000, or 14.2%, occupancy expense increased $58,000, or 4.8%, FDIC insurance expense increased $51,000, or 15.1%, software related expenses increased $44,000, or 7.4%, debit card processing and ATM network costs increased $34,000, or 6.0%, and furniture and equipment related expenses increased $11,000, or 2.2%. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $203,000, or 30.1%, a decrease in advertising expense of $67,000, or 17.8%, and a decrease in other non-interest expense of $589,000, or 29.1%. Excluding the $510,000 legal settlement accrual, other non-interest expense decreased $79,000, or 5.2%.

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, the efficiency ratio was 80.6%, compared to 78.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 81.9% compared to 78.3% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The increase in the efficiency ratio and the non-GAAP adjusted efficiency ratio was primarily driven by lower revenues during the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023. See pages 20-22 for the related adjusted efficiency ratio calculation and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

Income Tax Provision

For the three months ended December 31, 2024, income tax expense was $1.1 million, with an effective tax rate of 24.6%, compared to $1.1 million, with an effective tax rate of 30.6%, for the three months ended December 31, 2023. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the effective tax rate was negatively impacted by discrete items totaling $285,000.

Net Income for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $11.7 million, or $0.56 per diluted share, compared to $15.1 million, or $0.70 per diluted share, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. Net interest income decreased $8.1 million, or 11.9%, provision for credit losses decreased $1.5 million, non-interest income increased $2.0 million, or 18.4%, and non-interest expense increased $78,000, or 0.1%, during the same period in 2023. Return on average assets and return on average equity were 0.45% and 4.93% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, respectively, compared to 0.59% and 6.47% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, net interest income decreased $8.1 million, or 11.9%, to $59.8 million, compared to $67.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net interest income was primarily due to an increase in interest expense of $16.8 million, or 50.6%, partially offset by an increase in interest and dividend income of $8.7 million, or 8.6%.

The net interest margin for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was 2.45%, compared to 2.82% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, was 2.47% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, compared to 2.84% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

The average yield on interest-earning assets, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, increased 30 basis points from 4.20% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to 4.50% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. The average yield on loans, without the impact of tax-equivalent adjustments, increased 32 basis points from 4.54% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to 4.86% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, average interest-earning assets increased $33.5 million, or 1.4%, to $2.4 billion, compared to the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to an increase in average loans of $29.0 million, or 1.4%, an increase in average short-term investments, consisting of cash and cash equivalents, of $12.8 million, or 62.5%, and an increase in average other investments of $2.2 million, or 18.1%, partially offset by a decrease in average securities of $10.6 million, or 2.9%.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the average cost of funds, including non-interest-bearing demand accounts and borrowings, increased 70 basis points from 1.44% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to 2.14%. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the average cost of core deposits, including non-interest-bearing demand deposits, increased 24 basis points from 0.65% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, to 0.89%. The average cost of time deposits increased 129 basis points from 3.03% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to 4.32% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. The average cost of borrowings, which include borrowings and subordinated debt, increased 16 basis points from 4.84% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to 5.00% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, average demand deposits, an interest-free source of funds, decreased $41.4 million, or 6.9%, from $602.7 million, or 27.8% of total average deposits, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, to $561.3 million, or 25.8% of total average deposits.

Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Losses

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded a reversal of credit losses of $665,000, compared to a provision for credit losses of $872,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in reserves was primarily due to changes in the economic environment and related adjustments to the quantitative components of the CECL methodology. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded net recoveries of $87,000, compared to net charge-offs of $2.0 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The charge-offs during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 were related to one commercial relationship acquired in October 2016 from Chicopee Bancorp, Inc. Specifically, the Company recorded a $1.9 million charge-off on the acquired commercial relationship, which represented the non-accretable credit mark that was required to be grossed-up to the loan’s amortized cost basis with a corresponding increase to the allowance for credit losses under the CECL implementation.

The decrease in the provision for credit losses was primarily due to changes in the loan mix as well as economic environment and related adjustments to the quantitative components of the CECL methodology. The provision for credit losses was determined by a number of factors: the continued strong credit performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, changes in the loan portfolio mix and Management’s consideration of existing economic conditions and the economic outlook from the Federal Reserve’s actions to control inflation. Management continues to monitor macroeconomic variables related to increasing interest rates, inflation and the concerns of an economic downturn, and believes it is appropriately reserved for the current economic environment.

Non-Interest Income

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, non-interest income increased $2.0 million, or 18.4%, from $10.9 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to $12.9 million. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a non-recurring final termination expense of $1.1 million related to the defined benefit pension plan termination. During the twelve months ended, December 31, 2023, the Company also recorded a non-taxable gain of $778,000 on BOLI death benefits and did not have a comparable gain during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024. Excluding the defined benefit pension plan termination expense and the BOLI death benefit, non-interest income increased $1.6 million, or 14.6%.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, service charges and fees increased $346,000, or 3.9%, and income from BOLI increased $91,000, or 5.0%, from $1.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to $1.9 million. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company recorded other income from loan-level swap fees on commercial loans of $261,000 and did not have comparable income during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a gain of $1.3 million on non-marketable equity investments, compared to a gain of $590,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported a loss on the disposal of premises and equipment of $6,000, compared to a loss of $3,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company also reported unrealized losses on marketable equity securities of $1,000, compared to unrealized gains on marketable equity securities of $13,000 during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

Non-Interest Expense

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, non-interest expense increased $78,000, or 0.1%, to $58.4 million from the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, the Company reached an agreement-in-principle to settle purported class action lawsuits concerning the Company’s deposit products and related disclosures, specifically involving overdraft fees and insufficient funds fees. This agreement-in-principle reflects our business decision to avoid the costs, uncertainties and distractions of further litigation. Excluding the legal settlement accrual of $510,000, non-interest expense increased $588,000, or 1.0%, from $57.8 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 to $58.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

During the same period, salaries and related benefits increased $472,000, or 1.5%, software expenses increased $208,000, or 9.0%, data processing expense increased $320,000, or 10.1%, debit card processing and ATM network costs increased $298,000, or 13.9%, occupancy expense increased $146,000, or 3.0%, due to higher repair and maintenance costs, real estate taxes, and depreciation expense. FDIC insurance expense increased $139,000, or 10.5%. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in professional fees of $571,000, or 20.9%, which is comprised of legal fees, audit and other professional fees. During the three months ended December 31, 2023, professional fees included legal fees related to the settlement of the purported class action lawsuits. Advertising expense decreased $226,000, or 15.1%, and other non-interest expense, excluding the $510,000 legal settlement accrual, decreased $199,000, or 3.5%.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the efficiency ratio was 80.4%, compared to 74.0% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the adjusted efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 81.8%, compared to 74.3% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. See pages 20-22 for the related efficiency ratio calculations and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.

Income Tax Provision

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, income tax expense was $3.3 million, with an effective tax rate of 22.0%, compared to $4.5 million, with an effective tax rate of 23.1%, for twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in income tax expense for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the twelve months December 31, 2023 was due to lower income before taxes in 2024.

Balance Sheet

At December 31, 2024, total assets were $2.7 billion, an increase of $88.5 million, or 3.5%, from December 31, 2023. The increase in total assets was primarily due to an increase in total loans of $42.9 million, or 2.1%, an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $37.6 million, or 130.4%, and an increase in investment securities of $5.5 million, or 1.5%.

Investments

At December 31, 2024, the investment securities portfolio totaled $366.1 million, or 13.8% of total assets, compared to $360.7 million, or 14.1% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, the Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio, recorded at fair market value, increased $23.6 million, or 17.2%, from $137.1 million at December 31, 2023 to $160.7 million. The held-to-maturity securities portfolio, recorded at amortized cost, decreased $18.4 million, or 8.2%, from $223.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $205.0 million at December 31, 2024.

At December 31, 2024, the Company reported unrealized losses on the available-for-sale securities portfolio of $31.2 million, or 16.2% of the amortized cost basis of the available-for-sale securities portfolio, compared to unrealized losses of $29.2 million, or 17.5% of the amortized cost basis of the available-for-sale securities at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, the Company reported unrealized losses on the held-to-maturity securities portfolio of $39.4 million, or 19.2% of the amortized cost basis of the held-to-maturity securities portfolio, compared to $35.7 million, or 16.0% of the amortized cost basis of the held-to-maturity securities portfolio at December 31, 2023.

The securities in which the Company may invest are limited by regulation. Federally chartered savings banks have authority to invest in various types of assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various government-sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities, certain certificates of deposit of insured financial institutions, repurchase agreements, overnight and short-term loans to other banks, corporate debt instruments and marketable equity securities. The securities, with the exception of $4.6 million in corporate bonds, are issued by the United States government or government-sponsored enterprises and are therefore either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed as to the timely payment of contractual principal and interest. These positions are deemed to have no credit impairment, therefore, the disclosed unrealized losses with the securities portfolio relate primarily to changes in prevailing interest rates. In all cases, price improvement in future periods will be realized as the issuances approach maturity.

Management regularly reviews the portfolio for securities in an unrealized loss position. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not record any credit impairment charges on its securities portfolio and attributed the unrealized losses primarily due to fluctuations in general interest rates or changes in expected prepayments and not due to credit quality. The primary objective of the Company’s investment portfolio is to provide liquidity and to secure municipal deposit accounts while preserving the safety of principal. The available-for-sale and held-to-maturity portfolios are both eligible for pledging to the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) as collateral for borrowings. The portfolios are comprised of high-credit quality investments and both portfolios generated cash flows monthly from interest, principal amortization and payoffs, which support’s the Bank's objective to provide liquidity.

Total Loans

Total loans increased $42.9 million, or 2.1%, from December 31, 2023, to $2.1 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase in total loans was due to an increase in residential real estate loans, including home equity loans, of $53.5 million, or 7.4%, partially offset by a decrease in commercial real estate loans of $4.0 million, or 0.4%, a decrease in commercial and industrial loans of $5.7 million, or 2.7% and a decrease in consumer loans of $1.1 million, or 19.8%. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, the Company sold $20.1 million in fixed rate residential loans to the secondary market with servicing retained.

The following table presents the summary of the loan portfolio by the major classification of the loan at the periods indicated:

	December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate loans:
Non-owner occupied	$	880,828		$	881,643
Owner-occupied		194,904			198,108
Total commercial real estate loans		1,075,732			1,079,751
Residential real estate loans:
Residential		653,802			612,315
Home equity		121,857			109,839
Total residential real estate loans		775,659			722,154

Commercial and industrial loans		211,656			217,447
Consumer loans		4,391			5,472
Total gross loans		2,067,438			2,024,824
Unamortized premiums and net deferred loans fees and costs		2,751			2,493
Total loans	$	2,070,189		$	2,027,317

Credit Quality

Management continues to closely monitor the loan portfolio for any signs of deterioration in borrowers’ financial condition and also in light of speculation that commercial real estate values may deteriorate as the market continues to adjust to higher vacancies and interest rates. We continue to proactively take steps to mitigate risk in our loan portfolio.

Total delinquency was $5.0 million, or 0.24% of total loans, at December 31, 2024, compared to $6.0 million, or 0.30% of total loans at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, nonperforming loans totaled $5.4 million, or 0.26% of total loans, compared to $6.4 million, or 0.32% of total loans, at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were no loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest. Total nonperforming assets totaled $5.4 million, or 0.20% of total assets, at December 31, 2024, compared to $6.4 million, or 0.25% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company did not have any other real estate owned. At December 31, 2024, the allowance for credit losses was $19.5 million, or 0.94% of total loans and 362.9% of nonperforming loans, compared to $20.3 million, or 1.00% of total loans and 315.6% of nonperforming loans, at December 31, 2023. Total classified loans, defined as special mention and substandard loans, decreased $1.1 million, or 2.8%, from $39.5 million, or 1.9% of total loans, at December 31, 2023 to $38.4 million, or 1.9% of total loans, at December 31, 2024. Our commercial real estate portfolio is comprised of diversified property types and primarily within our geographic footprint. At December 31, 2024, the commercial real estate portfolio totaled $1.1 billion, and represented 52.0% of total loans. Of the $1.1 billion, $880.8 million, or 81.9%, was categorized as non-owner occupied commercial real estate and represented 325.2% of the Bank’s total risk-based capital. More details on the diversification of the loan portfolio are available in the supplementary earnings presentation.

Deposits

Total deposits increased $118.9 million, or 5.6%, from $2.1 billion at December 31, 2023 to $2.3 billion at December 31, 2024. Core deposits, which the Company defines as all deposits except time deposits, increased $26.7 million, or 1.7%, from $1.5 billion, or 71.5% of total deposits, at December 31, 2023, to $1.6 billion, or 68.9% of total deposits, at December 31, 2024. Non-interest-bearing deposits decreased $14.0 million, or 2.4%, to $565.6 million, and represent 25.0% of total deposits, money market accounts increased $27.1 million, or 4.3%, to $661.5 million, savings accounts decreased $5.8 million, or 3.1%, to $181.6 million and interest-bearing checking accounts increased $19.3 million, or 14.7%, to $150.3 million.

Time deposits increased $92.2 million, or 15.1%, from $611.4 million at December 31, 2023 to $703.6 million at December 31, 2024. Brokered time deposits, which are included in time deposits, totaled $1.7 million at December 31, 2024 and at December 31, 2023. The Company has experienced growth and movement in both money market accounts and time deposits as a result of relationship pricing, the current interest rate environment, and customer behaviors, as opposed to time deposit specials or interest rate adjustments. We continue our disciplined and focused approach to core relationship management and customer outreach to meet funding requirements and liquidity needs, with an emphasis on retaining a long-term customer relationship base by competing for and retaining deposits in our local market. At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s uninsured deposits represented 28.4% of total deposits, compared to 26.8% at December 31, 2023.

The table below is a summary of our deposit balances for the periods noted:

		December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023
		(Dollars in thousands)
Core Deposits:
Demand accounts		$	565,620		$	568,685		$	579,595
Interest-bearing accounts			150,348			140,332			131,031
Savings accounts			181,618			179,214			187,405
Money market accounts			661,478			635,824			634,361
Total Core Deposits		$	1,559,064		$	1,524,055		$	1,532,392
Time Deposits:			703,583			700,151			611,352
Total Deposits:		$	2,262,647		$	2,224,206		$	2,143,744

FHLB and Subordinated Debt

At December 31, 2024, total borrowings decreased $33.4 million, or 21.3%, from $156.5 million at December 31, 2023 to $123.1 million. At December 31, 2024, short-term borrowings decreased $10.7 million, or 66.5%, to $5.4 million, compared to $16.1 million at December 31, 2023. Long-term borrowings decreased $22.6 million, or 18.8%, from $120.6 million at December 31, 2023 to $98.0 million at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, borrowings also consisted of $19.8 million and $19.7 million, respectively, in fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes.

The Company utilized the Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”), which was created in March 2023 to enhance banking system liquidity by allowing institutions to pledge certain securities at par value and borrow at a rate of ten basis points over the one-year overnight index swap rate. The BTFP was available to federally insured depository institutions in the U.S., with advances having a term of up to one year with no prepayment penalties. The BTFP ceased extending new advances in March 2024. At December 31, 2023, the Company’s outstanding balance under the BTFP was $90.0 million. There was no outstanding balance under the BTFP at December 31, 2024.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $461.6 million of additional borrowing capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank, $382.9 million of additional borrowing capacity under the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window and $25.0 million of other unsecured lines of credit with correspondent banks.

Capital

At December 31, 2024, shareholders’ equity was $235.9 million, or 8.9% of total assets, compared to $237.4 million, or 9.3% of total assets, at December 31, 2023. The change was primarily attributable to an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.5 million, cash dividends paid of $5.9 million, repurchase of shares at a cost of $7.8 million, partially offset by net income of $11.7 million. At December 31, 2024, total shares outstanding were 20,875,713. The Company’s regulatory capital ratios continue to be strong and in excess of regulatory minimum requirements to be considered well-capitalized as defined by regulators and internal Company targets.

	December 31, 2024						December 31, 2023
	Company			Bank			Company			Bank
Total Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)	14.38	%		13.65	%		14.67	%		13.94	%
Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)	12.37	%		12.64	%		12.59	%		12.88	%
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital (to Risk Weighted Assets)	12.37	%		12.64	%		12.59	%		12.88	%
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio (to Adjusted Average Assets)	9.14	%		9.34	%		9.40	%		9.62	%

Dividends

Although the Company has historically paid quarterly dividends on its common stock and currently intends to continue to pay such dividends, the Company’s ability to pay such dividends depends on a number of factors, including restrictions under federal laws and regulations on the Company’s ability to pay dividends, and as a result, there can be no assurance that dividends will continue to be paid in the future.

About Western New England Bancorp, Inc.

Western New England Bancorp, Inc. is a Massachusetts-chartered stock holding company and the parent company of Westfield Bank, CSB Colts, Inc., Elm Street Securities Corporation, WFD Securities, Inc. and WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC. Western New England Bancorp, Inc. and its subsidiaries are headquartered in Westfield, Massachusetts and operate 25 banking offices throughout western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. To learn more, visit our website at www.westfieldbank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, future performance, and business. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “estimated,” and “potential.”  Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business that are subject to various factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from these estimates.  These factors include, but are not limited to:

• unpredictable changes in general economic or political conditions, financial markets, fiscal, monetary and regulatory policies, including actual or potential stress in the banking industry;
• the duration and scope of potential pandemics, including the emergence of new variants and the response thereto;
• unstable political and economic conditions which could materially impact credit quality trends and the ability to generate loans and gather deposits;
• inflation and governmental responses to inflation, including recent sustained increases and potential future increases in interest rates that reduce margins;
• the effect on our operations of governmental legislation and regulation, including changes in accounting regulation or standards, the nature and timing of the adoption and effectiveness of new requirements under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, Basel guidelines, capital requirements and other applicable laws and regulations;
• significant changes in accounting, tax or regulatory practices or requirements;
• new legal obligations or liabilities or unfavorable resolutions of litigation;
• disruptive technologies in payment systems and other services traditionally provided by banks;
• the highly competitive industry and market area in which we operate;
• operational risks or risk management failures by us or critical third parties, including without limitation with respect to data processing, information systems, cybersecurity, technological changes, vendor issues, business interruption, and fraud risks;
• failure or circumvention of our internal controls or procedures;
• changes in the securities markets which affect investment management revenues;
• increases in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation deposit insurance premiums and assessments;
• the soundness of other financial services institutions which may adversely affect our credit risk;
• certain of our intangible assets may become impaired in the future;
• new lines of business or new products and services, which may subject us to additional risks;
• changes in key management personnel which may adversely impact our operations;
• severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events which could significantly impact our business; and
• other risk factors detailed from time to time in our SEC filings.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in these forward-looking statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. We do not undertake any obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except to the extent required by law.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Net Income and Other Data (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended															Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,			September 30,			June 30,			March 31,			December 31,			December 31,
		2024			2024			2024			2024			2023			2024			2023
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:
Loans		$	25,183		$	25,134		$	24,340		$	24,241		$	23,939		$	98,898		$	91,169
Securities			2,273			2,121			2,141			2,114			2,094			8,649			8,370
Other investments			214			189			148			136			140			687			558
Short-term investments			916			396			173			113			597			1,598			1,021
Total interest and dividend income			28,586			27,840			26,802			26,604			26,770			109,832			101,118
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Deposits			11,443			11,165			10,335			9,293			8,773			42,236			26,649
Short-term borrowings			60			71			186			283			123			600			1,589
Long-term debt			1,557			1,622			1,557			1,428			1,444			6,164			3,957
Subordinated debt			253			254			254			254			254			1,015			1,014
Total interest expense			13,313			13,112			12,332			11,258			10,594			50,015			33,209
Net interest and dividend income			15,273			14,728			14,470			15,346			16,176			59,817			67,909
(REVERSAL OF) PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES			(762	)		941			(294	)		(550	)		486			(665	)		872
Net interest and dividend income after (reversal of) provision for credit losses			16,035			13,787			14,764			15,896			15,690			60,482			67,037
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
Service charges and fees on deposits			2,301			2,341			2,341			2,219			2,283			9,202			8,856
Income from bank-owned life insurance			486			470			502			453			432			1,911			1,820
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable equity securities			(9	)		10			4			8			(1	)		13			(1	)
(Loss) gain on sale of mortgages			(11	)		246			-			-			-			235			-
Gain on non-marketable equity investments			300			-			987			-			-			1,287			590
Loss on disposal of premises and equipment			-			-			-			(6	)		-			(6	)		(3	)
Loss on defined benefit plan termination			-			-			-			-			-			-			(1,143	)
Gain on bank-owned life insurance death benefit			-			-			-			-			-			-			778
Other income			187			74			-			-			-			261			-
Total non-interest income			3,254			3,141			3,834			2,674			2,714			12,903			10,897
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:
Salaries and employees benefits			8,429			8,112			7,901			8,244			7,739			32,686			32,214
Occupancy			1,256			1,217			1,218			1,363			1,198			5,054			4,908
Furniture and equipment			505			483			483			484			494			1,955			1,954
Data processing			900			869			846			862			788			3,477			3,157
Software			642			612			566			699			598			2,519			2,311
Debit/ATM card processing expense			593			649			643			552			559			2,437			2,139
Professional fees			471			540			581			569			674			2,161			2,732
FDIC insurance			389			338			323			410			338			1,460			1,321
Advertising			310			271			339			349			377			1,269			1,495
Other			1,431			1,315			1,414			1,250			2,020			5,410			6,119
Total non-interest expense			14,926			14,406			14,314			14,782			14,785			58,428			58,350
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES			4,363			2,522			4,284			3,788			3,619			14,957			19,584
INCOME TAX PROVISION			1,075			618			771			827			1,108			3,291			4,516
NET INCOME		$	3,288		$	1,904		$	3,513		$	2,961		$	2,511		$	11,666		$	15,068
Basic earnings per share		$	0.16		$	0.09		$	0.17		$	0.14		$	0.12		$	0.56		$	0.70
Weighted average shares outstanding			20,561,749			20,804,162			21,056,173			21,180,968			21,253,452			20,899,573			21,535,888
Diluted earnings per share		$	0.16		$	0.09		$	0.17		$	0.14		$	0.12		$	0.56		$	0.70
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding			20,701,276			20,933,833			21,163,762			21,271,323			21,400,664			21,016,358			21,610,329
Other Data:
Return on average assets (1)			0.49	%		0.29	%		0.55	%		0.47	%		0.39	%		0.45	%		0.59	%
Return on average equity (1)			5.48	%		3.19	%		6.03	%		5.04	%		4.31	%		4.93	%		6.47	%
Efficiency ratio			80.56	%		80.62	%		78.20	%		82.03	%		78.27	%		80.35	%		74.04	%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (2)			81.85	%		80.67	%		82.68	%		82.04	%		78.26	%		81.80	%		74.25	%
Net interest margin			2.41	%		2.40	%		2.42	%		2.57	%		2.64	%		2.45	%		2.82	%
Net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis			2.43	%		2.42	%		2.44	%		2.59	%		2.66	%		2.47	%		2.84	%
(1) Annualized.
(2) The adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) represents the ratio of operating expenses divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and non-interest income, excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, gain on non-marketable equity investments, loss on disposal of premises and equipment, loss on defined benefit plan termination and gain on bank-owned life insurance death benefit.

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
		December 31,				September 30,				June 30,				March 31,				December 31,
		2024				2024				2024				2024				2023
Cash and cash equivalents		$	66,450			$	72,802			$	53,458			$	22,613			$	28,840
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value			160,704				155,889				135,089				138,362				137,115
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost			205,036				213,266				217,632				221,242				223,370
Marketable equity securities, at fair value			397				252				233				222				196
Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston and other restricted stock - at cost			5,818				7,143				7,143				3,105				3,707
Loans			2,070,189				2,049,002				2,026,226				2,025,566				2,027,317
Allowance for credit losses			(19,529	)			(19,955	)			(19,444	)			(19,884	)			(20,267	)
Net loans			2,050,660				2,029,047				2,006,782				2,005,682				2,007,050
Bank-owned life insurance			77,056				76,570				76,100				75,598				75,145
Goodwill			12,487				12,487				12,487				12,487				12,487
Core deposit intangible			1,438				1,531				1,625				1,719				1,813
Other assets			73,044				71,492				75,521				76,206				74,848
TOTAL ASSETS		$	2,653,090			$	2,640,479			$	2,586,070			$	2,557,236			$	2,564,571
Total deposits		$	2,262,647			$	2,224,206			$	2,171,809			$	2,143,747			$	2,143,744
Short-term borrowings			5,390				4,390				6,570				11,470				16,100
Long-term debt			98,000				128,277				128,277				120,646				120,646
Subordinated debt			19,751				19,741				19,731				19,722				19,712
Securities pending settlement			8,622				2,513				102				-				-
Other liabilities			22,770				20,697				23,104				25,855				26,960
TOTAL LIABILITIES			2,417,180				2,399,824				2,349,593				2,321,440				2,327,162
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY			235,910				240,655				236,477				235,796				237,409
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		$	2,653,090			$	2,640,479			$	2,586,070			$	2,557,236			$	2,564,571

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Other Data (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	December 31,		September 30,		June 30,		March 31,		December 31,
	2024		2024		2024		2024		2023
Shares outstanding at end of period	20,875,713		21,113,408		21,357,849		21,627,690		21,666,807
Operating results:
Net interest income	$ 15,273		$ 14,728		$ 14,470		$ 15,346		$ 16,176
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses	(762)		941		(294)		(550)		486
Non-interest income	3,254		3,141		3,834		2,674		2,714
Non-interest expense	14,926		14,406		14,314		14,782		14,785
Income before income provision for income taxes	4,363		2,522		4,284		3,788		3,619
Income tax provision	1,075		618		771		827		1,108
Net income	3,288		1,904		3,513		2,961		2,511
Performance Ratios:
Net interest margin	2.41%		2.40%		2.42%		2.57%		2.64%
Net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis	2.43%		2.42%		2.44%		2.59%		2.66%
Interest rate spread	1.63%		1.60%		1.66%		1.85%		1.96%
Interest rate spread, on a fully tax-equivalent basis	1.65%		1.62%		1.67%		1.86%		1.98%
Return on average assets	0.49%		0.29%		0.55%		0.47%		0.39%
Return on average equity	5.48%		3.19%		6.03%		5.04%		4.31%
Efficiency ratio (GAAP)	80.56%		80.62%		78.20%		82.03%		78.27%
Adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) (1)	81.85%		80.67%		82.68%		82.04%		78.26%
Per Common Share Data:
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.16		$ 0.09		$ 0.17		$ 0.14		$ 0.12
Earnings per diluted share	0.16		0.09		0.17		0.14		0.12
Cash dividend declared	0.07		0.07		0.07		0.07		0.07
Book value per share	11.30		11.40		11.07		10.90		10.96
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) (2)	10.63		10.73		10.41		10.25		10.30
Asset Quality:
30-89 day delinquent loans	$ 3,694		$ 3,059		$ 3,270		$ 3,000		$ 4,605
90 days or more delinquent loans	1,301		1,253		2,280		1,716		1,394
Total delinquent loans	4,995		4,312		5,550		4,716		5,999
Total delinquent loans as a percentage of total loans	0.24%		0.21%		0.27%		0.23%		0.30%
Nonperforming loans	$ 5,381		$ 4,873		$ 5,845		$ 5,837		$ 6,421
Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans	0.26%		0.24%		0.29%		0.29%		0.32%
Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets	0.20%		0.18%		0.23%		0.23%		0.25%
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans	362.93%		409.50%		332.66%		340.65%		315.64%
Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans	0.94%		0.97%		0.96%		0.98%		1.00%
Net loan (recoveries) charge-offs	$ (128)		$ 98		$ 10		$ (67)		$ 136
Net loan (recoveries) charge-offs as a percentage of average loans	(0.01)%		0.00%		0.00%		0.00%		0.01%

____________________________

1. The adjusted efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) represents the ratio of operating expenses divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and non-interest income, excluding realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities, gain on non-marketable equity investments, loss on disposal of premises and equipment, loss on defined benefit plan termination and gain on bank-owned life insurance death benefit.
2. Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) represents the value of the Company’s tangible assets divided by its current outstanding shares.

The following table sets forth the information relating to our average balances and net interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024, September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and reflects the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

		Three Months Ended
		December 31, 2024											September 30, 2024										December 31, 2023
		Average								Average Yield/			Average							Average Yield/			Average							Average Yield/
		Balance			Interest					Cost(8)			Balance			Interest				Cost(8)			Balance			Interest				Cost(8)
		(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets
Loans(1)(2)		$	2,062,822			$	25,311			4.88	%		$	2,038,593		$	25,253			4.93	%		$	2,017,089		$	24,052			4.73	%
Securities(2)			361,476				2,273			2.50				354,696			2,121			2.38				355,078			2,094			2.34
Other investments			15,924				214			5.35				15,904			189			4.73				12,119			140			4.58
Short-term investments(3)			76,795				916			4.75				32,043			396			4.92				42,826			597			5.53
Total interest-earning assets			2,517,017				28,714			4.54				2,441,236			27,959			4.56				2,427,112			26,883			4.39
Total non-interest-earning assets			155,538											153,585										158,435
Total assets		$	2,672,555										$	2,594,821									$	2,585,547
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing checking accounts		$	149,231				264			0.70			$	131,133			271			0.82			$	139,894			260			0.74
Savings accounts			179,122				38			0.08				179,844			38			0.08				187,047			39			0.08
Money market accounts			654,965				3,553			2.16				621,340			3,172			2.03				657,407			2,716			1.64
Time deposit accounts			700,324				7,588			4.31				688,797			7,684			4.44				603,860			5,758			3.78
Total interest-bearing deposits			1,683,642				11,443			2.70				1,621,114			11,165			2.74				1,588,208			8,773			2.19
Borrowings			147,748				1,870			5.04				153,317			1,947			5.05				149,585			1,821			4.83
Interest-bearing liabilities			1,831,390				13,313			2.89				1,774,431			13,112			2.94				1,737,793			10,594			2.42
Non-interest-bearing deposits			579,168											559,224										588,748
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities			23,380											23,466										27,847
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities			602,548											582,690										616,595
Total liabilities			2,433,938											2,357,121										2,354,388
Total equity			238,617											237,700										231,159
Total liabilities and equity		$	2,672,555										$	2,594,821									$	2,585,547
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment(2)							(128	)									(119	)									(113	)
Net interest and dividend income						$	15,273									$	14,728									$	16,176
Net interest rate spread(4)										1.63	%									1.60	%									1.96	%
Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis(5)										1.65	%									1.62	%									1.98	%
Net interest margin(6)										2.41	%									2.40	%									2.64	%
Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis(7)										2.43	%									2.42	%									2.66	%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities										137.44	%									137.58	%									139.67	%

The following tables set forth the information relating to our average balances and net interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 and reflect the average yield on interest-earning assets and average cost of interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated.

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024										2023
	Average Balance			Interest				Average Yield/ Cost			Average Balance			Interest				Average Yield/ Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS:
Interest-earning assets
Loans(1)(2)	$	2,035,149		$	99,369			4.88	%		$	2,006,166		$	91,640			4.57	%
Securities(2)		357,631			8,649			2.42				368,201			8,371			2.27
Other investments		14,669			687			4.68				12,425			558			4.49
Short-term investments(3)		33,254			1,598			4.81				20,459			1,021			4.99
Total interest-earning assets		2,440,703			110,303			4.52				2,407,251			101,590			4.22
Total non-interest-earning assets		155,056										155,511
Total assets	$	2,595,759									$	2,562,762
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:
Interest-bearing liabilities
Interest-bearing checking accounts	$	136,861			1,022			0.75	%		$	142,005			1,041			0.73	%
Savings accounts		182,678			166			0.09				202,354			181			0.09
Money market accounts		631,197			12,242			1.94				697,621			9,529			1.37
Time deposit accounts		666,917			28,806			4.32				524,827			15,898			3.03
Total interest-bearing deposits		1,617,653			42,236			2.61				1,566,807			26,649			1.70
Short-term borrowings and long-term debt		155,560			7,779			5.00				135,532			6,560			4.84
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,773,213			50,015			2.82				1,702,339			33,209			1.95
Non-interest-bearing deposits		561,264										602,652
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		24,541										24,885
Total non-interest-bearing liabilities		585,805										627,537
Total liabilities		2,359,018										2,329,876
Total equity		236,741										232,886
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,595,759									$	2,562,762
Less: Tax-equivalent adjustment (2)					(471	)									(472	)
Net interest and dividend income				$	59,817									$	67,909
Net interest rate spread (4)								1.68	%									2.25	%
Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis (5)								1.70	%									2.27	%
Net interest margin (6)								2.45	%									2.82	%
Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis (7)								2.47	%									2.84	%
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities								137.64	%									141.41	%

(1)	Loans, including nonaccrual loans, are net of deferred loan origination costs and unadvanced funds.
(2)	Loan and securities income are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of 21%. The tax-equivalent adjustment is deducted from tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income to agree to the amount reported on the consolidated statements of net income.
(3)	Short-term investments include federal funds sold.
(4)	Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(5)	Net interest rate spread, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents the difference between the tax-equivalent weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities.
(6)	Net interest margin represents net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(7)	Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, represents tax-equivalent net interest and dividend income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets.
(8)	Annualized.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP to GAAP Financial Measures

The Company believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures provide information to investors that is useful in understanding its results of operations and financial condition.  Because not all companies use the same calculation, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures calculated by other companies.  A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures is provided below.

	For the quarter ended
	12/31/2024				9/30/2024				6/30/2024				3/31/2024				12/31/2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loan interest (no tax adjustment)	$	25,183			$	25,134			$	24,340			$	24,241			$	23,939
Tax-equivalent adjustment		128				119				114				110				113
Loan interest (tax-equivalent basis)	$	25,311			$	25,253			$	24,454			$	24,351			$	24,052
Net interest income (no tax adjustment)	$	15,273			$	14,728			$	14,470			$	15,346			$	16,176
Tax equivalent adjustment		128				119				114				110				113
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)	$	15,401			$	14,847			$	14,584			$	15,456			$	16,289
Net interest income (no tax adjustment)	$	15,273			$	14,728			$	14,470			$	15,346			$	16,176
Less:
Fair value hedge interest income		74				434				447				443				459
Adjusted net interest income (non-GAAP)	$	15,199			$	14,294			$	14,023			$	14,903			$	15,717
Average interest-earning assets	$	2,517,017			$	2,441,236			$	2,400,633			$	2,403,086			$	2,427,112
Net interest margin (no tax adjustment)		2.41	%			2.40	%			2.42	%			2.57	%			2.64	%
Net interest margin, tax-equivalent		2.43	%			2.42	%			2.44	%			2.59	%			2.66	%
Adjusted net interest margin, excluding fair value hedge interest income (non-GAAP)		2.40	%			2.33	%			2.35	%			2.50	%			2.57	%
Book Value per Share (GAAP)	$	11.30			$	11.40			$	11.07			$	10.90			$	10.96
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Goodwill		(0.60	)			(0.59	)			(0.58	)			(0.58	)			(0.58	)
Core deposit intangible		(0.07	)			(0.08	)			(0.08	)			(0.07	)			(0.08	)
Tangible Book Value per Share (non-GAAP)	$	10.63			$	10.73			$	10.41			$	10.25			$	10.30

	For the quarter ended
	12/31/2024				9/30/2024				6/30/2024				3/31/2024				12/31/2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Efficiency Ratio:
Non-interest Expense (GAAP)	$	14,926			$	14,406			$	14,314			$	14,782			$	14,785
Net Interest Income (GAAP)	$	15,273			$	14,728			$	14,470			$	15,346			$	16,176
Non-interest Income (GAAP)	$	3,254			$	3,141			$	3,834			$	2,674			$	2,714
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Unrealized losses (gains) on marketable equity securities		9				(10	)			(4	)			(8	)			1
Gain on non-marketable equity investments		(300	)			-				(987	)			-				-
Loss on disposal of premises and equipment		-				-				-				6				-
Non-interest Income for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)	$	2,963			$	3,131			$	2,843			$	2,672			$	2,715
Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)	$	18,236			$	17,859			$	17,313			$	18,018			$	18,891
Efficiency Ratio (GAAP)		80.56	%			80.62	%			78.20	%			82.03	%			78.27	%
Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Non-interest Expense (GAAP)/Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP))		81.85	%			80.67	%			82.68	%			82.04	%			78.26	%

        

	For the twelve months ended
	12/31/2024		12/31/2023
	(Dollars in thousands)
Loan income (no tax adjustment)	$ 98,898		$ 91,169
Tax-equivalent adjustment	471		472
Loan income (tax-equivalent basis)	$ 99,369		$ 91,641
Net interest income (no tax adjustment)	$ 59,817		$ 67,909
Tax equivalent adjustment	471		472
Net interest income (tax-equivalent basis)	$ 60,288		$ 68,381
Net interest income (no tax adjustment)	$ 59,817		$ 67,909
Less:
Fair value hedge interest income	1,398		1,085
Adjusted net interest income (non-GAAP)	$ 58,419		$ 66,824
Average interest-earning assets	$ 2,440,703		$ 2,407,251
Net interest margin (no tax adjustment)	2.45%		2.82%
Net interest margin, tax-equivalent	2.47%		2.84%
Adjusted net interest margin, excluding fair value hedge interest income (non-GAAP)	2.39%		2.77%
Adjusted Efficiency Ratio:
Non-interest Expense (GAAP)	$ 58,428		$ 58,350
Net Interest Income (GAAP)	$ 59,817		$ 67,909
Non-interest Income (GAAP)	$ 12,903		$ 10,897
Non-GAAP adjustments:
Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities	(13)		1
Loss on disposal of premises and equipment, net	6		3
Gain on bank-owned life insurance	-		(778)
Gain on non-marketable equity investments	(1,287)		(590)
Loss on defined benefit plan curtailment	-		1,143
Non-interest Income for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)	$ 11,609		$ 10,676
Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP)	$ 71,426		$ 78,585
Efficiency Ratio (GAAP)	80.35%		74.04%
Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (Non-interest Expense (GAAP)/Total Revenue for Adjusted Efficiency Ratio (non-GAAP))	81.80%		74.25%

For further information contact:
James C. Hagan, President and CEO
Guida R. Sajdak, Executive Vice President and CFO
Meghan Hibner, First Vice President and Investor Relations Officer
413-568-1911

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