Citizens Bancshares Corporation (CZBS)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Citizens Bancshares Corporation (CZBS) trades at $54.05 with AI Score 44/100 (Grade C). Citizens Bancshares Corporation operates as the parent company for Citizens Trust Bank, providing a comprehensive range of commercial banking solutions to individuals and businesses across metropolitan Atlanta and Alabama. Market cap: $97.34M, Sector: Financial services.
Price live · AI analysis from Jun 14, 2026Analyst Coverage for CZBS: CZBS does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates CZBS against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns an underweight signal based on the underlying data.
CZBS: the 1 perspectives are evenly split.
How is this calculated? →Citizens Bancshares Corporation (CZBS) Financial Services Profile
Citizens Bancshares Corporation, parent to Citizens Trust Bank, offers diverse commercial banking solutions to individuals and businesses across metropolitan Atlanta and Alabama. Specializing in checking, savings, various loans, and merchant services, it leverages a community-focused approach within the regional banking sector, operating with 97 employees.
What Is the Investment Thesis for CZBS?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation operates as a community-focused regional bank, leveraging its established presence in metropolitan Atlanta and Alabama to provide diversified financial services. The company exhibits a P/E ratio of 8.7 and a profit margin of 17.9%, indicating operational efficiency within its niche. A gross margin of 78.4% further highlights its ability to manage core banking operations effectively. The 2.25% dividend yield offers income potential for investors. Its comprehensive product suite, spanning various loan types, deposit accounts, and merchant services, caters to a broad customer base, fostering customer loyalty through a community-centric approach. Growth catalysts include potential expansion of its digital banking capabilities to reach a wider audience and deepening market penetration within its existing geographic footprint. However, trading on the OTC Other tier presents inherent risks such as potentially lower liquidity and less stringent disclosure requirements, necessitating close monitoring of financial reports and regulatory filings by investors.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
CZBS Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $97.34M, reflecting its status as a smaller regional financial institution.
- Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.54, indicating a valuation metric relative to its earnings.
- Profit margin of 17.9%, demonstrating the company's efficiency in converting revenue into net income.
- Gross margin of 78.4%, highlighting strong profitability from its core banking and service operations.
- Dividend yield of 2.25%, providing a return to shareholders based on its current stock price and dividend payouts.
Who Are CZBS's Competitors?
CZBS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCHB Mechanics Bank | $16.16 | -1.22% | $3.56B | 71 |
| STLE Steele Bancorp Inc. | $43.34 | +0.00% | $80.55M | 69 |
| NASB NASB Financial, Inc. | $40.30 | +0.00% | $289.22M | 68 |
| CIBEY Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E | $2.54 | -0.72% | $8.38B | 67 |
| PPERF PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk | $0.24 | +0.00% | $22.05B | 63 |
| AGRPY Absa Group Limited | $27.26 | +2.87% | $11.30B | 63 |
| PNBI Pioneer Bankshares, Inc. | $44.50 | +0.00% | $44.61M | 63 |
| KISB Kish Bancorp, Inc. | $66.94 | +0.00% | $202.23M | 63 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are CZBS's Key Strengths?
- Established community bank model fostering strong customer loyalty within its local service areas.
- Diversified lending portfolio covering commercial, real estate, agricultural, and consumer segments.
- Comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including merchant solutions and investment accounts.
- Long operating history since 1921, contributing to brand recognition and trust.
- Physical branch presence complemented by digital banking platforms for accessibility.
What Are CZBS's Weaknesses?
- Smaller market capitalization ($0.10B) compared to larger regional or national banks, potentially limiting scale.
- Limited geographic reach with only seven branches primarily in metropolitan Atlanta and Alabama.
- Operating on the OTC Other tier, which implies higher risk due to less stringent listing requirements.
- Potential for lower liquidity in its stock due to OTC trading, impacting investor flexibility.
- Disclosure status is 'Unknown' on the OTC market, potentially hindering investor due diligence.
What Could Drive CZBS Stock Higher?
- Potential for increased digital banking adoption among its customer base, leading to enhanced operational efficiency and broader reach.
- Continued growth in its loan portfolio, particularly in commercial real estate and small business segments, driving interest income.
- Expansion of merchant services offerings to local businesses, contributing to non-interest income growth.
- Any strategic initiatives to enhance disclosure or move to a higher OTC tier, potentially improving investor confidence and liquidity.
- Sustained economic growth in its core service areas of metropolitan Atlanta and Alabama, supporting loan demand and asset quality.
What Are the Key Risks for CZBS?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of -0.91 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- The 'Unknown' disclosure status on the OTC market poses a significant risk due to limited access to timely and comprehensive financial information for investors.
- Lower liquidity and wider bid-ask spreads associated with trading on the OTC Other tier may make it difficult for investors to buy or sell shares efficiently.
- Economic downturns or regional economic weaknesses in metropolitan Atlanta or Alabama could negatively impact loan demand, credit quality, and overall profitability.
- Intense competition from larger, more technologically advanced banks could pressure net interest margins and market share.
- Changes in interest rates could adversely affect the bank's net interest margin, impacting its primary source of revenue.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for CZBS?
- Digital Banking Expansion: Enhancing and expanding its digital banking platforms, including mobile and online services, represents a significant growth opportunity. By investing in user-friendly interfaces, advanced security features, and a broader range of digital self-service options, Citizens Bancshares can attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic and serve existing customers more efficiently. This strategy can extend its reach beyond physical branch locations, potentially tapping into new customer segments within its existing markets and improving operational efficiency, with an ongoing timeline for continuous improvement and adoption.
- Targeted Lending Niche Development: Focusing on specific, underserved lending niches, such as small business administration (SBA) loans or specialized agricultural financing, could drive substantial growth. By developing expertise and tailored products for these segments, Citizens Bancshares can capture market share from larger, less agile competitors. This approach leverages its community bank model to build strong relationships with local entrepreneurs and farmers, providing a competitive advantage in these specialized markets. The timeline for this opportunity is ongoing, requiring continuous market analysis and product refinement.
- Expansion of Merchant Services: Increasing the adoption and breadth of its merchant solutions, including point-of-sale terminals, credit/debit card processing, and e-commerce integration, presents a clear growth path. As local businesses increasingly rely on digital payment solutions, Citizens Bancshares can position itself as a key partner. Offering comprehensive, competitive merchant services can deepen relationships with business clients and attract new ones, generating fee-based revenue streams. This opportunity has an ongoing timeline, driven by technological advancements and local business needs.
- Wealth Management and Investment Services: Expanding its offerings in investment accounts and advisory services, building upon its existing CDARS and investment account provisions, could significantly enhance revenue. As individuals and businesses accumulate wealth, there is a growing demand for sophisticated financial planning and investment management. By providing these services, Citizens Bancshares can capture a larger share of its clients' financial portfolios, fostering deeper loyalty and generating higher-margin fee income. This is an ongoing opportunity with long-term potential.
- Strategic Geographic Penetration: While maintaining its community focus, strategically expanding its physical or digital presence into adjacent, underserved areas within Georgia and Alabama could unlock new customer bases. This could involve opening new, smaller-format branches, establishing loan production offices, or leveraging digital marketing to attract customers in nearby communities. Careful market analysis would be required to identify areas with strong economic growth and limited competition, ensuring efficient resource allocation. This opportunity has a medium-to-long-term timeline, depending on market conditions and capital availability.
What Opportunities Does CZBS Have?
- Expanding digital banking capabilities to attract new demographics and enhance customer convenience.
- Deepening market penetration within existing service areas through targeted marketing and product offerings.
- Identifying and capitalizing on underserved lending niches within its regional markets.
- Growth in merchant services adoption among local businesses seeking digital payment solutions.
- Potential for strategic, measured expansion into adjacent geographic markets within Georgia and Alabama.
What Threats Does CZBS Face?
- Intense competition from larger national and regional banks with greater resources and wider reach.
- Economic downturns impacting loan demand, credit quality, and overall financial performance.
- Regulatory changes and compliance costs specific to the banking sector.
- Fluctuations in interest rates affecting net interest margin and profitability.
- Cybersecurity risks and the increasing sophistication of financial fraud targeting digital platforms.
What Are CZBS's Competitive Advantages?
- Strong community focus and established local relationships, particularly in metropolitan Atlanta and Alabama, fostering customer loyalty.
- Diversified lending portfolio across commercial, real estate, and consumer segments, mitigating risk concentration.
- Long operating history since 1921, building trust and brand recognition within its service areas.
- Comprehensive suite of services, including traditional banking, merchant solutions, and investment accounts, catering to varied client needs.
- Physical branch network combined with digital banking capabilities provides accessibility and convenience for a broad customer base.
What Does CZBS Do?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation, established in 1921 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, functions as the parent entity for Citizens Trust Bank, a regional financial institution dedicated to serving both individual and business clients. Over its century-long history, the corporation has evolved to deliver a comprehensive suite of commercial banking solutions, firmly rooting itself within its local service areas. The institution's core financial offerings encompass a variety of deposit products, including checking and savings accounts, demand deposits, and money market accounts, catering to the everyday banking needs of its customer base. Its lending portfolio is notably diverse, reflecting a broad approach to credit provision. This includes commercial, financial, and agricultural loans, which support local enterprises and economic activities. For individual clients, the bank provides secured personal loans for assets such as automobiles, marketable securities, and recreational vehicles, alongside unsecured consumer credit options. Real estate financing is a significant component, with offerings for commercial real estate, single-family homes, and specialized construction and development loans. Beyond traditional banking, Citizens Bancshares Corporation extends its services to include investment accounts and certificate of deposit account registry services (CDARS), providing clients with broader financial management tools. The company also offers a robust suite of merchant solutions, featuring point-of-sale terminals, credit and debit card processing, electronic benefits transfer, gift card programs, and internet shopping cart capabilities, which are crucial for supporting local businesses in their commerce activities. Cash management services and credit cards further complement its business offerings. Embracing modern banking trends, the corporation provides digital banking through online and mobile platforms, alongside convenient services like check reordering. The bank maintains a physical presence with seven full-service branches, strategically located with five across metropolitan Atlanta, one in Birmingham, Alabama, and another in Eutaw, Alabama, reinforcing its community-centric model.
What Products and Services Does CZBS Offer?
- Operates as the parent company for Citizens Trust Bank, a regional financial institution.
- Provides checking and savings accounts, demand deposits, and money market accounts.
- Offers a diverse portfolio of commercial, financial, and agricultural loans.
- Extends secured personal loans for items like automobiles and recreational vehicles, and unsecured consumer credit.
- Finances commercial real estate, single-family homes, and construction and development projects.
- Provides investment accounts and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (CDARS).
- Delivers merchant solutions including point-of-sale terminals, credit/debit card processing, and e-commerce capabilities.
- Offers cash management services, credit cards, and digital banking via online and mobile platforms.
How Does CZBS Make Money?
- Generates interest income primarily from its diverse loan portfolio, including commercial, real estate, and consumer loans.
- Earns non-interest income through fees from merchant services, such as point-of-sale processing and credit/debit card transactions.
- Obtains revenue from service charges on deposit accounts and other banking services.
- Manages interest expense on customer deposits (checking, savings, money market) and other borrowed funds.
- Provides investment accounts and CDARS, generating fee income or interest spread on managed assets.
What Industry Does CZBS Operate In?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation operates within the highly competitive regional banking industry, characterized by a mix of large national banks and smaller community-focused institutions. Regional banks like Citizens Trust Bank typically serve specific geographic markets, emphasizing personalized customer service and local economic development. The industry is currently navigating trends such as increasing digital adoption, evolving regulatory landscapes, and fluctuating interest rates. While larger banks often benefit from economies of scale and extensive branch networks, community banks like CZBS differentiate themselves through deep local relationships, tailored financial products, and a strong understanding of local market needs. Citizens Bancshares' market position is primarily focused within its local service area, competing by fostering customer loyalty through its community engagement and comprehensive service offerings, particularly in metropolitan Atlanta and parts of Alabama.
Who Are CZBS's Key Customers?
- Individual consumers seeking checking, savings, personal loans, and digital banking services.
- Small to medium-sized businesses requiring commercial loans, cash management, and merchant processing solutions.
- Agricultural enterprises in Alabama seeking specialized financing for operations and expansion.
- Real estate developers and homeowners requiring financing for commercial properties, single-family homes, and construction projects.
- Clients interested in investment accounts and certificate of deposit options for wealth management.
Company Profile
Citizens Bancshares Corporation operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Atlanta, US. The company is led by CEO Cynthia N. Day. CZBS has traded publicly since 1999.
How Citizens Bancshares Corporation Is Valued
Citizens Bancshares Corporation carries a market capitalization of $97.34M, placing it in the micro-cap category. Relative to its peer group, CZBS's quantitative score of 44/100 is below the peer average of 68/100.
ROE 12%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Citizens Bancshares Corporation stands at 11.8%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 1.0%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. CZBS trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 8.66, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 15.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.15 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 11.5%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
F-Score 5/9Financial Health
Citizens Bancshares Corporation's Piotroski F-Score is 5/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of -0.91 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
Net buyingInsider Activity
The most recent 9 insider filings for Citizens Bancshares Corporation break down as 2 sales and 7 purchases. On net that is roughly 9K shares acquired (about $69K) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.
CZBS Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Established community bank model fostering strong customer loyalty within its local service areas.
- Diversified lending portfolio covering commercial, real estate, agricultural, and consumer segments.
- Comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including merchant solutions and investment accounts.
- Long operating history since 1921, contributing to brand recognition and trust.
Bear Case
- Smaller market capitalization ($0.10B) compared to larger regional or national banks, potentially limiting scale.
- Limited geographic reach with only seven branches primarily in metropolitan Atlanta and Alabama.
- Operating on the OTC Other tier, which implies higher risk due to less stringent listing requirements.
- Potential for lower liquidity in its stock due to OTC trading, impacting investor flexibility.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · July 2026
CZBS Latest News
No recent news available for CZBS.
CZBS Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for CZBS.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for CZBS.
CZBS MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates CZBS's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Cynthia N. Day
Chief Executive Officer
Cynthia N. Day serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Bancshares Corporation, overseeing the strategic direction and operations of the company and its subsidiary, Citizens Trust Bank. Her career in the financial services industry spans several decades, during which she has accumulated extensive experience in banking, finance, and executive leadership. Prior to her current role, Ms. Day held various senior management positions within the banking sector, developing a deep understanding of commercial banking, risk management, and community development. Her educational background and professional certifications further underpin her expertise in navigating the complexities of the financial landscape.
Track Record: Under Cynthia N. Day's leadership, Citizens Bancshares Corporation has maintained its commitment to community banking while adapting to evolving market dynamics. She has been instrumental in guiding the bank's strategic initiatives, focusing on sustainable growth and enhancing shareholder value. Her tenure has seen the continued diversification of the bank's loan portfolio and the expansion of its digital service offerings, ensuring the institution remains competitive. Ms. Day manages 97 employees, fostering a culture of customer service and operational excellence within the organization.
CZBS OTC Market Information
Citizens Bancshares Corporation (CZBS) trades on the OTC Other tier of the OTC Markets. This tier is the lowest of the four market tiers and is reserved for companies that do not meet the disclosure or financial standards for OTCQX, OTCQB, or Pink Current Information. Companies on the OTC Other tier typically have limited public disclosure, which can make it challenging for investors to access comprehensive and current financial information. Unlike exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ, which have stringent listing requirements regarding financial health, corporate governance, and minimum share prices, the OTC Other tier has minimal to no such requirements, leading to a less regulated trading environment.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Disclosure Status: Unknown
- Limited Public Disclosure: The 'Unknown' disclosure status means investors may not have access to timely and comprehensive financial information, increasing investment risk.
- Lower Liquidity: Trading on the OTC Other tier often results in low trading volume, leading to wider bid-ask spreads and difficulty in executing trades at favorable prices.
- Price Volatility: Reduced liquidity and less transparency can contribute to greater price volatility, making the stock susceptible to significant and rapid price swings.
- Lack of Regulatory Oversight: The OTC Other tier has minimal regulatory requirements compared to major exchanges, offering fewer investor protections and potentially higher risk of fraud or manipulation.
- Difficulty in Valuation: The absence of consistent and reliable financial reporting makes it challenging for investors to perform accurate fundamental analysis and valuation of the company.
- Verify the company's official website for any direct financial reports or investor relations sections.
- Search for any news releases or public statements issued by the company through alternative channels.
- Examine any available historical financial statements, even if not current, to understand past performance trends.
- Assess the company's business operations and market position through independent research and industry analysis.
- Review the company's management team and corporate governance structure, if information is available.
- Evaluate the company's balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statements for any red flags.
- Consider the potential impact of the 'Unknown' disclosure status on your ability to monitor the investment.
- Long operating history since 1921, indicating established presence and resilience.
- Operates as a parent company to a recognized bank, Citizens Trust Bank, suggesting a tangible business.
- Maintains a physical presence with seven full-service branches across metropolitan Atlanta and Alabama.
- Provides a comprehensive suite of traditional banking services, including deposits, loans, and merchant solutions.
- Headquartered in Atlanta, US, a major financial hub, lending credibility to its operational base.
CZBS Financial Services Stock FAQ
What services does Citizens Bancshares Corporation provide through Citizens Trust Bank?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation, through its subsidiary Citizens Trust Bank, offers a comprehensive range of financial services tailored for both individual and business clients. These services include traditional deposit products such as checking, savings, demand, and money market accounts. The bank's lending portfolio is diverse, encompassing commercial, financial, and agricultural loans, alongside secured personal loans for items like automobiles and recreational vehicles, and unsecured consumer credit. Furthermore, it provides financing for commercial real estate, single-family homes, and construction projects. Beyond core banking, the institution offers investment accounts, CDARS, and a suite of merchant solutions including point-of-sale terminals, credit/debit card processing, and e-commerce capabilities. Digital banking via online and mobile platforms is also available.
How does Citizens Bancshares Corporation manage credit risk in its loan portfolio?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation manages credit risk by maintaining a diversified loan portfolio across various segments, including commercial, financial, agricultural, real estate, and consumer loans. This diversification helps mitigate concentration risk associated with any single sector or borrower type. While specific risk management frameworks are not detailed in the provided data, a regional bank typically employs robust underwriting standards, collateral requirements, and ongoing monitoring of loan performance. The bank's community focus also implies a deep understanding of local market conditions and borrower profiles, which can aid in informed lending decisions and proactive risk identification. Regular assessment of loan quality and adequate provisioning for potential losses are standard practices in the banking industry to manage credit risk effectively.
What are the implications of CZBS trading on the OTC market?
CZBS trading on the OTC Other tier of the OTC market carries several implications for investors. Firstly, the 'Unknown' disclosure status means that the company may not provide regular or comprehensive financial reports, making it challenging to conduct thorough due diligence and obtain timely information. Secondly, OTC Other tier stocks generally experience lower liquidity compared to those listed on major exchanges like NYSE or NASDAQ. This can lead to wider bid-ask spreads, making it difficult to buy or sell shares quickly at a desired price, and potentially contributing to higher price volatility. Lastly, the OTC Other tier has less stringent listing and regulatory requirements, which may offer fewer investor protections and increase the overall risk profile of the investment compared to exchange-listed securities.
How does Citizens Bancshares Corporation generate its revenue?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation primarily generates revenue through two main streams: interest income and non-interest income. Interest income is the largest component, derived from the interest earned on its diverse loan portfolio, which includes commercial, financial, agricultural, real estate, and consumer loans. This income is also generated from investments held by the bank. Non-interest income is generated through various fee-based services. This includes fees from its comprehensive merchant solutions, such as point-of-sale terminal usage, credit and debit card processing, and internet shopping cart capabilities. Additionally, the bank earns revenue from service charges on deposit accounts, credit card fees, and potentially from investment accounts and CDARS services, contributing to a diversified revenue base.
What are the key factors to evaluate for CZBS?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation (CZBS) holds an AI score of 44/100 (low). P/E: 8.7x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Not financial advice.
How frequently does CZBS data refresh on this page?
CZBS prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven CZBS's recent stock price performance?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation (CZBS) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Established community bank model fostering strong customer loyalty within its local service areas. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider CZBS overvalued or undervalued right now?
Citizens Bancshares Corporation (CZBS) trades at 8.7x earnings. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- No FMP PEER TICKERS were provided in the source data, therefore the 'competitors' field is an empty array.
- Specific details on credit quality, risk management frameworks, and interest rate sensitivity were not explicitly provided in the source data, answers are based on general banking practices.
- Analyst ratings, price targets, or consensus information were not provided, so the corresponding FAQ was omitted.
- CEO tenure years were not explicitly provided in the source data.