Kish Bancorp’s 11th Straight Dividend Hike Signals Strategic Strength

STATE COLLEGE, PA – July 02, 2026 – Kish Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: KISB) today reinforced its reputation as a bastion of stability and shareholder value, announcing a 10% increase in its quarterly cash dividend. The move, which raises the dividend to $0.44 per share, marks the eleventh consecutive year of increases, a testament to the company's robust financial health and a clear signal of confidence from its leadership.

The dividend is payable July 31, 2026, to shareholders of record on July 15, 2026. This consistent return to shareholders is not a recent phenomenon; the diversified financial services corporation has paid uninterrupted dividends since its formation in 1987. For investors navigating a complex economic landscape, Kish's track record provides a compelling case study in long-term, sustainable growth.

“Our sustained profitability has enabled us to raise the cash dividend for the eleventh consecutive year, while continuing to retain a significant portion of our earnings to support our growth strategies,” said Gregory T. Hayes, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The increased dividend reflects the Board’s confidence in the strength of our business model and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to building sustained performance for our shareholders.”

A Foundation of Financial Fortitude

The Board's confidence is built on a foundation of solid financial performance. The "sustained profitability" Hayes mentioned is not just rhetoric; it's backed by impressive metrics. In the first quarter of 2026, Kish Bancorp reported a net income of $5.3 million, a staggering 46.6% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This translated to an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.76.

Key performance indicators paint a picture of a well-managed and growing institution. As of March 31, 2026, the company’s return on average equity (ROAE) stood at a strong 15.73%, and its return on average assets (ROAA) was 1.08%. These figures are particularly notable given the company's simultaneous expansion. Total assets grew by 11.8% year-over-year to nearly $1.98 billion, while total loans surged by 14.3% to $1.71 billion.

Crucially for dividend investors, this growth is being managed prudently. Kish's dividend payout ratio for 2025 was a conservative 25.55%. This indicates that the company is not overextending itself to pay dividends; instead, it is retaining a significant portion of earnings to reinvest in the growth strategies that fuel future returns. This balance of rewarding shareholders while funding future growth is a hallmark of disciplined capital management. The tangible book value per share further underscores this, having increased by 16.0% over the past year to $41.35.

Beyond Banking: A Diversified Growth Engine

Kish Bancorp’s resilience and consistent performance cannot be attributed to its banking subsidiary alone. The company operates a diversified financial services model, which serves as a powerful engine for growth and a buffer against sector-specific volatility. Alongside Kish Bank, the parent company oversees Kish Insurance, Kish Financial Solutions (providing wealth management), Kish Benefits Consulting, and Kish Travel.

This multi-pronged approach creates a synergistic ecosystem of services and, importantly, a diversified revenue base. In the first quarter of 2026, noninterest income increased by 17.8% year-over-year, driven by strong performance from its insurance and wealth management divisions, as well as gains on equity securities. This ability to generate significant income outside of traditional lending and deposit-taking activities is a key differentiator that contributes to its stable earnings profile.

This strong performance has not gone unnoticed. In June 2024, American Banker Magazine recognized Kish Bancorp as the 38th top-performing publicly traded community bank in the nation among institutions with less than $2 billion in assets, based on its three-year average return on equity. This external validation confirms that the company's strategy is not just working, but places it among the elite in its peer group.

Investing in the Future: Technology and Strategic Expansion

The retained earnings not paid out as dividends are being strategically deployed to secure Kish's future. The company is actively investing in both technological innovation and physical expansion. One of the most forward-looking initiatives is the rollout of "ATM + Live Banker" services. This hybrid technology combines the convenience of self-service with the personal touch of a live banker available via video, extending service hours and improving customer access. This "Fintech" approach allows Kish to enter new, smaller markets at a lower cost than a traditional brick-and-mortar branch, showcasing a savvy approach to growth.

Alongside its digital push, Kish is expanding its physical footprint. A new loan production office opened in Duncansville, Blair County, in April 2026, with the company actively exploring further opportunities in the area. A new full-service branch is also slated to open in Mifflintown, Juniata County, in early 2025.

Fueling this expansion is a strengthened capital position. In May 2026, Kish successfully completed a $35.0 million subordinated debt offering. Hayes noted at the time that this capital infusion provides the financial flexibility to continue pursuing the company's long-term growth strategies, ensuring it has the resources to act on future opportunities.

Rooted in Community, Growing for the Region

While its strategies are sophisticated, Kish Bancorp’s mission remains deeply rooted in the communities it serves across 20 locations in central Pennsylvania and northeastern Ohio. The company's growth is directly linked to the economic vitality of these regions. Its lending activities—spanning commercial, agricultural, and residential loans—are the lifeblood for local businesses and families.

The company’s commitment extends beyond financial transactions. Its Kish Innovation Center in Reedsville serves as a hub for technology and operations, fostering local talent and innovation. Furthermore, Kish actively invests in community well-being through initiatives like its "Teach Children to Save" program, which reached a record 3,300 students in 2026, and its annual "Kish Celebrates Community" event, which honors local nonprofits.

This deep integration into the community fabric creates a virtuous cycle: as the community prospers, so does Kish, and in turn, the company reinvests its success back into the region. The recent dividend announcement, supported by strong stock performance—a 90% increase over the past year—is more than just a financial headline. It is the outcome of a deliberate, long-term strategy that expertly balances technological advancement, diversified services, and a profound commitment to the communities and shareholders it serves.