ITHACA, Mich., April 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Commercial National Financial Corporation (Pink Sheets: CEFC) reported net income for the first quarter of 2024 of $1,161,000 or $0.29 per share compared to first quarter 2023 net income of $1,470,000 or $0.37 per share. Return on Equity (ROE) was 9.95% for the first quarter of 2024 compared to 14.40% for the first quarter of 2023. Net interest income for the first quarter of 2024 decreased by $199,000 or 4.2% compared to the respective 2023 period. While interest income increased by $539,000 due to higher yields on loans and other interest-earning assets, interest expense increased at a higher rate of $738,000, which resulted in slightly lower net interest margin and reduced income. The main contributing factors resulting in higher interest expense was an increase in the federal funds rate, along with a noticeable shift in customers moving from noninterest-bearing to interest-bearing checking and time deposit accounts. Noninterest income increased by $65,000 or 13.7% primarily due to higher interchange income and other miscellaneous income. Operating expenses increased by $324,000 or 9.9% mainly due to higher wages and benefit costs. Total assets were $591.7 million as of March 31, 2024 compared to $600.9 million as of March 2023. The decrease in assets was due to the repayment of wholesale borrowings and trust preferred debt, along with a 1.2% decrease in deposit balances. While total loans decreased by $8.8 million or 2.1%, loan quality remained strong with a non-performing assets ratio of 0.20%. Additionally, CEFC's wholly owned subsidiary, Commercial Bank, remains significantly above "well capitalized" for regulatory purposes. We are also very pleased to announce that the construction of our new Grand Rapids office is nearing completion, with an anticipated opening date in early June of 2024. We continue to look for opportunities to expand our community bank and look forward to growing our loan and deposit base during 2024. Visit www.commercial-bank.com to view the latest news releases and other information about CEFC and Commercial Bank. Selected Financial Data (unaudited):       Quarter Ended March 31,     2024       2023   Return on Equity (ROE)   9.95 %     14.40 % Return on Assets (ROA)   0.79 %     0.98 % Net Interest Margin   3.25 %     3.28 %           March 31,     2024       2023   Non-Performing Assets Ratio   0.20 %     0.13 % Tier 1 Leverage Capital Ratio(1)   9.70 %     9.04 % Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio(1)   15.81 %     15.06 % Book Value Per Share $ 11.89     $ 10.66   Market Value Per Share $ 9.15     $ 10.75   (1) Ratios are for Commercial Bank               Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited):   Quarter Ended March 31,