JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Oct. 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: HWBK), (the “Company”), the bank holding company for Hawthorn Bank, reported third quarter 2026 net income of $7.1 million, or earnings per diluted share (“EPS”) of $1.01.

Third Quarter 2026 Results

  • Net income improved $0.9 million, or 15.2%, to $7.1 million from the third quarter 2025 (the "prior year quarter"). Adjusted net income(a) for the third quarter 2026 was $8.6 million. The efficiency ratio was 65.00% compared to 62.30% for the prior year quarter. The adjusted efficiency ratio(a) for the third quarter 2026 was 55.64%.
  • EPS of $1.01, an improvement of $0.13 per share, or 15%, from the prior year quarter. Adjusted EPS(a) for the third quarter 2026 was $1.23, an increase of 38.2% over the prior year quarter.
  • Net interest margin, fully taxable equivalent ("FTE") improved in the third quarter 2026 to 4.41% compared to 4.16% for the second quarter 2026 (the "prior quarter”) and 3.97% for the prior year quarter
  • Provision for credit losses was $0.1 million higher than the prior quarter
  • Return on average assets and equity of 1.48% and 14.91%, respectively. Adjusted return on average assets(a) and equity(a) of 1.80% and 18.17%, respectively.
  • Loans increased $273.8 million, or 19.3%, and deposits increased $302.8 million, or 20.3%, compared to the prior quarter, mainly due to acquisition of FSC Bancshares, Inc.
  • Investments increased $41.7 million, or 17.7%, compared to the prior quarter, mainly due to acquisition of FSC Bancshares, Inc.
  • Credit quality remained stable with non-performing assets to total loans of 0.59% compared to 0.48% in the prior year quarter
  • Remained "well capitalized" with total risk-based capital of 14.29%
  • Book value per share was $27.29, an increase of $0.79, or 3.0%, compared to the prior quarter and $3.53, or 14.9%, compared to the prior year quarter. Tangible book value per common share(a) was $23.58 for the third quarter 2026.
(a)Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section for a reconciliation of this measure

(unaudited)
$000, except per share data

 September 30, June 30, September 30,
  2026  2026  2025
Balance sheet information     
Total assets$2,141,080 $1,773,040 $1,932,105
Loans held for investment 1,690,134  1,416,360  1,514,002
Investment securities 277,904  236,171  226,017
Deposits 1,790,950  1,488,189  1,525,917
Total stockholders’ equity 191,040  182,794  164,938
      
Market and per share data     
Book value per share$27.29 $26.50 $23.76
Tangible book value per share (a) 23.58  26.51  23.88
Market price per share 38.02  39.30  31.04
Diluted earnings per share (QTR) 1.01  1.06  0.88
Adjusted diluted earnings per share (QTR) (a) 1.23  1.12  0.88


(a)Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section for a reconciliation of this measure

Financial Results for the Third Quarter 2026
Earnings

Net income for the third quarter 2026 was $7.1 million, a decrease of $0.26 million, or 3.6%, from the prior quarter, and an increase of $0.9 million, or 15.2%, from the prior year quarter. Diluted EPS decreased to $1.01 for the third quarter 2026 compared to $1.06 for the prior quarter and $0.88 for the prior year quarter.

Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin

Net interest income for the third quarter 2026 was $19.3 million, an increase of $2.0 million from the prior quarter, and an increase of $2.4 million from the prior year quarter.

Interest income increased $1.8 million compared to the prior year quarter, driven primarily by higher rates on earning assets in the current quarter, while interest expense decreased $0.7 million compared to the prior year quarter due to lower costs on deposits. Net interest margin, on an FTE basis, was 4.41% for the current quarter, compared to 4.16% for the prior quarter, and 3.97% for the prior year quarter.

The yield earned on average loans held for investment increased to 6.42%, on an FTE basis, for the third quarter 2026, compared to 6.18% for the prior quarter and 6.12% for the prior year quarter.

The average cost of deposits was 2.13% for the third quarter 2026, compared to 2.13% for the prior quarter and 2.36% for the prior year quarter. Non-interest bearing demand deposits as a percent of total deposits was 26.6% as of September 30, 2026, compared to 28.0% and 27.8% at June 30, 2026 and September 30, 2025, respectively.

Non-interest Income

Total non-interest income for the third quarter 2026 was $3.7 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 31.1%, from the prior quarter, and no change from the prior year quarter. The decrease during the quarter was primarily due the recognition of a gain on the sale of a bank administrative office that was no longer being used in the prior quarter that did not recur during the third quarter 2026.  

Non-interest Expense

Total non-interest expense for the third quarter 2026 was $14.9 million, an increase of $1.2 million, or 8.7%, from the prior quarter, and an increase of $2.1 million, or 16.6%, from the prior year quarter.

The third quarter 2026 efficiency ratio was 65.00% compared to 60.73% and 62.30% for the prior quarter and prior year quarter, respectively. The improvement in the current quarter compared to the prior year quarter was primarily due to higher net interest margin and an increase in non-interest income.

Acquisition related expenses for the third quarter 2026 was $2.0 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 251.2%, from the prior quarter. No acquisition related expenses were paid in the prior year quarter.

Income Taxes

Total income tax provision expense for the third quarter 2026 was $0.8 million, a decrease of $0.8 million, or 51.1%, from the prior quarter, and a decrease of $0.6 million, or 42.2%, from the prior year quarter, reflecting an effective tax rate of 10.0%, 17.96%,and 18.1%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate during the third quarter 2026 was due to the utilization of federal income tax credits purchased at a discount which reduced tax expense during the quarter.

Loans

Loans held for investment increased $273.8 million, or 19.3%, to $1.69 billion as of September 30, 2026 compared to June 30, 2026, and increased $176.1 million, or 11.6% from September 30, 2025. The increases are mainly attributed to the acquisition of FSC Bancshares, Inc.

Investments

Investments increased $41.7 million, or 17.7%, to $277.9 million as of September 30, 2026 compared to June 30, 2026, and increased $51.9 million, or 23.0%, from September 30, 2025. The increases are mainly attributed to the acquisition of FSC Bancshares, Inc.

Asset Quality

Non-performing assets to total loans was 0.59% at September 30, 2026, 0.53% at June 30, 2026, and 0.48% at September 30, 2025. Non-performing assets totaled $9.9 million at September 30, 2026, compared to $7.5 million and $7.3 million at June 30, 2026 and September 30, 2025, respectively. The increase in the current year quarter compared to the prior year quarter was due to an increase in non-accrual loans within the commercial loan segment.

In the third quarter 2026, the Company had net loan charge-offs of $0.07 million, or 0.02% annualized, of average loans, compared to net loan charge-offs of $0.14 million, or 0.04% of average loans, and $0.04 million, or 0.01% annualized, of average loans, in the prior quarter and prior year quarter, respectively.

The Company provided a provision for credit losses of $0.3 million for the third quarter 2026 compared to providing a $0.2 million provision in the prior quarter, and providing a $0.4 million provision for the prior year quarter.

The allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2026 was $24.4 million, or 1.45% of outstanding loans, and 248.71% of non-performing loans. At June 30, 2026, the allowance for credit losses was $20.7 million, or 1.46% of outstanding loans, and 311.50% of non-performing loans. At September 30, 2025, the allowance for credit losses was $21.9 million, or 1.45% of outstanding loans, and 446.02% of non-performing loans. The allowance for credit losses represents management’s best estimate of expected losses inherent in the loan portfolio and is commensurate with risks in the loan portfolio as of September 30, 2026 as determined by management. The increase in the current quarter is largely driven by the Day 1 allowance for credit losses recorded in conjunction with the acquisition of FSC Bancshares, Inc.

Deposits

Total deposits at September 30, 2026 were $1.79 billion, an increase of $302.8 million, or 20.3%, from June 30, 2026, and an increase of $265.0 million, or 17.4% annualized, from September 30, 2025. The increases were mainly attributed to the acquisition of FSC Bancshares, Inc.

Capital

The Company maintains its “well capitalized” regulatory capital position. At September 30, 2026, capital ratios were as follows: total risk-based capital to risk-weighted assets 14.29%; tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets 13.04%; common equity tier 1 10.15%; tier 1 leverage 12.59%; and common equity to assets 8.92%.

Pursuant to the Company's Repurchase Plan, management is given discretion to determine the number and pricing of the shares to be purchased under the plan, as well as the timing of any such purchases. The Board of Directors amended the plan on July 29, 2026 to increase the authorized repurchase limit to $10 million. The Company repurchased 12,000 common shares under the repurchase plan during the first nine months of 2026 at an average cost of $32.68 per share totaling $0.4 million. As of September 30, 2026, $10.0 million remains available for share repurchases pursuant to the plan.

 On October 30, 2026, the Company's Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per common share, payable January 1, 2027 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2026.

Merger with FSC Bancshares, Inc.

On September 3, 2026, the Company completed its acquisition of FSC Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Farmers State Bank (collectively, “FSC”) whereby FSC Bancshares, Inc. was merged with and into Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc. and Farmers State Bank was merged with and into Hawthorn Bank. Pursuant to the merger agreement executed on April 29, 2026, the Company paid $17.0 million of cash consideration and issued 413,042 shares of Company stock. The Company and the Bank assumed all of the assets and liabilities of the FSC entities with which they merged by operation of law. The acquisition added 9 full-service branch locations located in northern Missouri.

Farmers State Bank's results of operations were included in Hawthorn's consolidated results of operations beginning September 3, 2026. Hawthorn will operate Farmers State Bank as a separate division of Hawthorn Bank until it is merges with and into Hawthorn Bank, which is expected to occur in March 2027.

[Tables follow]


FINANCIAL SUMMARY
(unaudited)
$000, except per share data

 Three Months Ended
 September 30, June 30, September 30,
Statement of income information: 2026  2026  2025 
Total interest income$26,774 $24,352 $25,003 
Total interest expense 7,484  7,094  8,138 
Net interest income 19,290  17,258  16,865 
Provision for credit losses 300  238  375 
Non-interest income 3,704  5,377  3,716 
Investment securities gains net 98  280  105 
Non-interest expense 14,945  13,747  12,821 
Pre-tax income 7,847  8,930  7,490 
Income taxes 785  1,604  1,358 
Net income$7,062 $7,326 $6,132 
      
Earnings per share:     
Basic:$1.01 $1.06 $0.89 
Adjusted basic (a):$1.23 $1.13 $0.89 
Diluted:$1.01 $1.06 $0.88 
Adjusted diluted (a):$1.23 $1.12 $0.88 
      
   Nine Months Ended
   September 30,
Statement of income information:   2026  2025 
Total interest income  $75,519 $72,372 
Total interest expense   21,869  24,072 
Net interest income   53,650  48,300 
Provision for (release of) credit losses   611  (16)
Non-interest income   12,180  10,725 
Investment securities gains net   383  102 
Non-interest expense   41,693  37,589 
Pre-tax income   23,909  21,554 
Income taxes   3,778  3,938 
Net income  $20,131 $17,616 
      
Earnings per share:     
Basic:  $2.90 $2.54 
Adjusted basic (a):  $3.20 $2.54 
Diluted:  $2.90 $2.53 
Adjusted diluted (a):  $3.20 $2.53 


(a)Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section for a reconciliation of this measure

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (continued)
(unaudited)
$000

 As of or for the three months ended
 September 30, June 30, September 30,
  2026   2026   2025 
Performance Ratios     
Return on average assets 1.48%  1.63%  1.33%
Adjusted return on average assets (c) 1.80   1.73   1.33 
Return on average common equity 14.91   16.39   15.21 
Adjusted return on average common equity (c) 18.17   17.38   15.21 
Return on average tangible common equity (c) 17.30   16.39   15.21 
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity (c) 21.09   17.38   15.21 
Net interest margin (FTE) 4.41   4.16   3.97 
Efficiency ratio 65.00   60.73   62.30 
Adjusted efficiency ratio (c) 55.64   58.27   62.30 
      
Asset Quality Ratios     
Non-performing loans (a)$9,828  $6,655  $4,911 
Non-performing assets 9,929   7,500   7,336 
Net charge-offs 67   138   41 
Net charge-offs to average loans (b) 0.02%  0.04%  0.01%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans 1.45   1.46   1.45 
Non-performing loans to total loans 0.58   0.47   0.32 
Non-performing assets to loans 0.59   0.53   0.48 
Non-performing assets to total assets 0.46   0.42   0.38 
Allowance for credit losses on loans to non-performing loans 248.71   311.50   446.02 
      
Capital Ratios     
Average stockholders' equity to average total assets 9.92%  9.94%  8.74%
Period-end stockholders' equity to period-end assets 8.92   10.31   8.54 
Total risk-based capital ratio 14.29   16.40   14.90 
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio 13.04   15.15   13.65 
Common equity Tier 1 capital 10.15   12.07   10.71 
Tier 1 leverage ratio 12.59   12.91   11.97 


(a)Non-performing loans include loans 90-days past due and accruing and non-accrual loans.
(b)Annualized
(c)Represents a non-GAAP financial measure. See the "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section for a reconciliation of this measure

 Non-GAAP Financial Measures
(unaudited)
$000, except per share data

 Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
  2026   2026   2025  2026   2025
Adjusted net income:         
Net income$7,062  $7,326  $6,132 $20,131  $17,616
Add: Acquisition Costs 1,955   557   —  2,634   —
Less: Tax effect(a) (411)  (117)  —  (553)  —
Adjusted net income$8,606  $7,766  $6,132 $22,212  $17,616
Weighted average common shares outstanding 6,999,449   6,895,811   6,908,248  6,931,289   6,942,053
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 7,017,346   6,906,497   6,922,020  6,946,821   6,955,109
Earnings per common share$1.01  $1.06  $0.89 $2.90  $2.54
Adjusted earnings per common share$1.23  $1.13  $0.89 $3.20  $2.54
Diluted earnings per common share$1.01  $1.06  $0.88 $2.90  $2.53
Adjusted diluted earnings per common share$1.23  $1.12  $0.88 $3.20  $2.53


(a)Represents the tax impact of the adjustments at a tax rate of 21%, plus permanent tax expense associated with merger related transactions


 Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
  2026   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Adjusted return on average assets:         
Net income$7,062  $7,326  $6,132  $20,131  $17,616 
Adjusted net income 8,606   7,766   6,132   22,212   17,616 
Average assets$1,895,259  $1,803,267  $1,828,679  $1,847,395  $1,815,457 
Return on average assets 1.48%  1.63%  1.33%  1.46%  1.30%
Adjusted return on average assets 1.80%  1.73%  1.33%  1.61%  1.30%


 Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
  2026   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Adjusted return on average common equity:         
Net income$7,062  $7,326  $6,132  $20,131  $17,616 
Adjusted net income 8,606   7,766   6,132   22,212   17,616 
Average common equity 187,933   179,233   159,900   181,838   155,690 
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets (25,999)  —   —   (25,999)  — 
Average tangible common equity$161,934  $179,233  $159,900  $155,839  $155,690 
Return on average common equity 14.91%  16.39%  15.21%  14.80%  15.13%
Adjusted return on average common equity 18.17%  17.38%  15.21%  16.33%  15.13%
Return on average tangible common equity 17.30%  16.39%  15.21%  17.27%  15.13%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity 21.09%  17.38%  15.21%  19.06%  15.13%


 Quarter Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
  2026   2026   2025   2026   2025 
Adjusted Efficiency Ratio         
Non-interest expense$14,945  $13,747  $12,821  $41,693  $37,589 
Less: acquisition costs (1,955)  (557)  —   (2,634)  — 
Less core deposit intangible amortization (196)  —   —   (196)  — 
Adjusted non-interest expense$12,794  $13,190  $12,821  $38,863  $37,589 
          
Net interest income 19,290   17,258   16,865   53,650   48,300 
Non-interest income 3,704   5,377   3,716   12,180   10,725 
Total income$22,994  $22,635  $20,581  $65,830  $59,025 
Efficiency Ratio 65.00%  60.73%  62.30%  63.33%  63.68%
Adjusted Efficiency Ratio 55.64%  58.27%  62.30%  59.04%  63.68%


 Quarter Ended
 September 30, June 30, September 30,
  2026   2026  2025
Tangible common stockholders' equity:     
Total stockholders' equity$191,040  $182,794 $164,938
Less: goodwill and other intangible assets (25,999)  —  —
Tangible common stockholders' equity$165,041  $182,794 $164,938
Weighted average common shares outstanding 6,999,449   6,895,811  6,908,248
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 7,017,346   6,906,497  6,922,020
Book value per common share$27.29  $26.51 $23.88
Tangible book value per common share$23.58  $26.51 $23.88
Book value per diluted common share$27.22  $26.47 $23.83
Tangible book value per diluted common share$23.52  $26.47 $23.83


About Hawthorn Bancshares
Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, is the parent company of Hawthorn Bank, which has served families and businesses for more than 160 years providing a range of business and personal banking services and wealth management services. Hawthorn Bank operates branch offices in central, southern, northwest Missouri, and also the Kansas City metropolitan area, including one branch in Kansas.

Contact:

Hawthorn Bancshares, Inc.
Brent M. Giles
Chief Executive Officer
TEL: 573.761.6100
www.HawthornBancshares.com

The financial results in this press release reflect preliminary, unaudited results, which are not final until the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q is filed. Statements made in this press release that suggest the Company's or management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, or predictions of the future include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in the Company's quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this communication, and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein, except as required by law.