Century Bank (CNBKA): Good Business for Investors and the Community


Here at Clean Yield, we invest for the long term, with “patient capital,” as some would put it. Century is managed in the same manner, unlike so many firms that are managed to satisfy quarterly earnings pressure from Wall Street analysts and many big institutional investors.
Century has developed a niche serving non-profit institutions in the Boston area and municipalities throughout Massachusetts. The Bank has prudent lending standards, outstanding credit quality and safety, and consistent results. Unlike many banks that suffered large losses during the housing bust and financial crisis of 2008, Century remained solidly profitable. In fact, earnings per share rose 30% from 2007 to 2009. Century also has produced steady growth in tangible book value (shareholders’ equity) per share—a measure that we emphasis for banks–over the past decade.

Furthermore, Century is rated A for quality by Standard & Poor’s, the only Massachusetts regional bank to be rated that high. In 2014 it was recognized as one of only 35 “Bank and Thrift Sm-All Stars” by financial services firm Sandler O’Neil & Partners. In 2013, it was one of four New England banks that were “bastions of growth” according to financial firm KBW. Also in 2013, it was among the “100 Best Performing” Massachusetts companies by The Boston Globe.
On the social/community side, in 2013 Chairman Marshall Sloane and his wife were recognized for their philanthropic contributions supporting social service organizations, non-profit health care providers, and educational foundations throughout the community. In 2010, the firm was recognized by 2020 Women on Boards. Overall, however, Century Bank’s sustainability disclosure is minimal and needs to improve greatly .
We think that in an overpriced stock market generally, Century is an excellent value with comparatively low risk.
Century Bancorp
Revenues: $100.6 million
Market Capitalization: $139 million
Earnings Per Share (EPS):
2015 est. $4.15
2016 est. $4.40
Projected 3-5 Year Annual Earnings Growth: 6%
Dividend Yield: 1.3%
Stock 52-week Low-High: $33.19-40.50
Risk: Low
Website: www.centurybank.com