First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. reported net income of $52.4 million, or $0.80 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2019, compared to $40.4 million, or $0.67 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2018. The company's efficiency ratio improved to 54.3% during the fourth quarter of 2019. Quarterly cash dividends increased 9.7% from $0.31 to $0.34 per share of common stock in January 2020.
Asset quality improved in Q4 2019, resulting in a $17.7 million decrease in non-performing assets and a $28.7 million decrease in criticized loans compared to Q3 2019.
Efficiency ratio improved to 54.3% during Q4 2019, compared to 57.8% during Q3 2019 and 63.3% during Q4 2018.
Net income of $52.4 million during Q4 2019, an increase of $12.0 million from the same period in the prior year.
Net interest margin ratio increased to 3.94% for Q4 2019, a one basis point increase from the prior quarter and a five basis point decrease from the same period in the prior year.
First Interstate BancSystem is well positioned to continue generating profitable growth and further enhancing the value of its franchise in the coming years.