Middlefield Banc Corp. Announces 2024 First Quarter Cash Dividend Payment

Rhea-AI Summary

Middlefield Banc Corp. (MBCN) declares a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share, payable on March 15, 2024, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2024.

Financial Analyst

The declaration of a quarterly cash dividend by Middlefield Banc Corp. is a direct reflection of the company's current financial health and its ability to generate sufficient cash flow. A dividend payout, especially in the financial sector, often signals confidence in the company's earnings stability and future prospects. Investors typically view such announcements favorably, as dividends provide a tangible return on their investment.

However, it's essential to consider the dividend yield, which is the dividend per share divided by the stock price. If Middlefield Banc Corp.'s dividend yield is significantly higher or lower than the industry average, it may indicate an overvaluation or undervaluation of the stock, respectively. Furthermore, the payout ratio, the percentage of earnings paid to shareholders as dividends, should be sustainable. An excessively high payout ratio may not be sustainable in the long run and could signal potential cash flow problems.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, the announcement of a dividend can affect the stock's attractiveness to different types of investors. Income-focused investors, such as retirees, may be drawn to the stock due to the steady income stream from dividends. On the other hand, growth-oriented investors might be less enthusiastic if they perceive that the dividend declaration suggests a lack of profitable reinvestment opportunities for the company.

Analyzing the company's historical dividend patterns and comparing them with competitors can provide insights into Middlefield Banc Corp.'s market positioning and strategic priorities. Consistent dividend increases over time are often interpreted as a sign of a company's robust and growing financial performance.

MIDDLEFIELD, Ohio, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Middlefield Banc Corp. (NASDAQ: MBCN) today announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share. The first quarter dividend is payable on March 15, 2024, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2024.

About Middlefield Banc Corp.
Middlefield Banc Corp., headquartered in Middlefield, Ohio, is the Bank holding Company of The Middlefield Banking Company, with total assets of $1.82 billion at December 31, 2023. The Bank operates 21 full-service banking centers and an LPL Financial® brokerage office serving Ada, Beachwood, Bellefontaine, Chardon, Cortland, Dublin, Garrettsville, Kenton, Mantua, Marysville, Middlefield, Newbury, Orwell, Plain City, Powell, Solon, Sunbury, Twinsburg, and Westerville. The Bank also operates a Loan Production Office in Mentor, Ohio.

Additional information is available at www.middlefieldbank.bank

This press release of Middlefield Banc Corp. and the reports Middlefield Banc Corp. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission often contain "forward-looking statements" relating to present or future trends or factors affecting the banking industry and, specifically, the financial operations, markets and products of Middlefield Banc Corp. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. There are a number of important factors that could cause Middlefield Banc Corp.'s future results to differ materially from historical performance or projected performance. These factors include, but are not limited to: (1) a significant increase in competitive pressures among financial institutions; (2) changes in the interest rate environment that may reduce interest margins; (3) changes in prepayment speeds, charge-offs and loan loss provisions; (4) less favorable than expected general economic conditions; (5) legislative or regulatory changes that may adversely affect businesses in which Middlefield Banc Corp. is engaged; (6) technological issues which may adversely affect Middlefield Banc Corp.'s financial operations or customers; (7) changes in the securities markets; or (8) risk factors mentioned in the reports and registration statements Middlefield Banc Corp. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Middlefield Banc Corp. undertakes no obligation to release revisions to these forward-looking statements or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release.

Company Contact:	Investor and Media Contact:
Ron Zimmerly President and Chief Executive Officer Middlefield Banc Corp. (419) 673-1217 RZimmerly@middlefieldbank.com	Andrew M. Berger Managing Director SM Berger & Company, Inc. (216) 464-6400 andrew@smberger.com

What dividend did Middlefield Banc Corp. (MBCN) declare per common share?

Middlefield Banc Corp. (MBCN) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share.

When is the dividend payable to Middlefield Banc Corp. (MBCN) shareholders?

The dividend is payable on March 15, 2024, to shareholders of record on March 1, 2024.