The First Bancshares, Inc. Reports Results for Third Quarter ended September 30, 2023; Increases Quarterly Dividend 4%

In this article:

HATTIESBURG, Miss., October 25, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The First Bancshares, Inc. ("FBMS" or "the Company") (NASDAQ: FBMS), holding company for The First Bank, (www.thefirstbank.com) reported today financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2023.

Highlights for the Quarter:

  • Net income available to common shareholders totaled $24.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, representing an increase of 2.4% when compared to $23.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Several one-time items are detailed in the tables located in the appendix of this release.

  • Excluding one-time items detailed in the tables located in the appendix of this release, net earnings available to common shareholders, operating (non-GAAP) decreased $2.8 million, or 10.4% to $24.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 as compared to $26.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

  • Total loans increased $78.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, representing net growth of 6.3% on an annualized basis, as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

  • Annualized net interest margin decreased 29 basis points to 3.47% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 from 3.76% for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 due to the reduction of accretion income as well as increased deposit cost.

  • Core net interest margin decreased 16 basis points during the quarter ended September 30, 2023 from 3.43% to 3.27%.

  • Cost of deposits averaged 121 basis points for the third quarter of 2023 compared to 91 basis points for the second quarter 2023.

  • During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, the Company received a $6.2 million award from the U.S. Treasury Equitable Recovery Program.

  • Past dues loans to total loans were $15.7 million or 0.31% for the quarter ending September 30, 2023, compared to $12.6 million, or 0.25% for the quarter ending June 30, 2023, and $11.6 million, or 0.31% for the quarter ending September 30, 2022.

  • Annualized quarter-to-date net charge-offs and recoveries to total loans were $49 thousand, or 0.004% for the quarter ending September 30, 2023, compared to $837 thousand, or 0.07% for the quarter ending June 30, 2023 and a net recovery of $353 thousand, or (0.04%) for the quarter ending September 30, 2022.

  • Nonperforming assets to total assets were $22.4 million, or 0.28% for the quarter ending September 30, 2023, compared to $21.6 million, or 0.28% for the quarter ending June 30, 2023, and $26.7 million, 0.41% for the quarter ending September 30, 2022.

  • For additional information, see the investor presentation filed and available under presentations and press releases included in the investor relations section of the Company's website: www.thefirstbank.com.

M. Ray "Hoppy" Cole, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The third quarter results demonstrated another solid performance in a difficult operating environment. We were pleased to see positive loan growth of 6.3%, on an annualized basis, for the quarter. Credit metrics remained strong with low past dues and charge-offs with no material increase in non-performing assets. Deposit costs accelerated a bit, increasing 30 basis points to 1.21% but on a relative basis remain well contained with a cycle to date interest bearing beta of 31%."

Quarterly Earnings

Net income available to common shareholders totaled $24.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $0.6 million, or 2.4%, when compared to $23.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Excluding one-time items detailed in the tables included with this press release, net earnings available to common shareholders, operating (non-GAAP) decreased $2.8 million, or 10.4%, to $24.0 million for quarter ended September 30, 2023 as compared to $26.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Accretion income decreased $2.3 million as well as increased deposit costs of $4.7 million contributed to the decrease.

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $1.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 and $1.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Earnings Per Share

For the third quarter of 2023, diluted earnings per share were $0.77 compared to $0.75 for the second quarter of 2023 and $0.61 for the third quarter of 2022.

Diluted earnings per share, operating (non-GAAP) were $0.76 for the third quarter of 2023 compared to $0.85 for the second quarter of 2023 and $0.85 for the third quarter of 2022.

Effective January 1, 2023, the Company issued 6,920,422 shares of its common stock in conjunction with the closing of the acquisition of Heritage Southeast Bank ("Heritage Bank"). Effective August 1, 2022, the Company issued 3,498,936 shares of its common stock in conjunction with the closing of the acquisition of Beach Bancorp, Inc. ("Beach Bank").

Balance Sheet

Consolidated assets increased $22.2 million to $7.884 billion at September 30, 2023 from $7.862 billion at June 30, 2023. Loans increased $78.9 million, or 1.6%, for the quarterly comparison.

Total loans were $5.090 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $5.011 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and $3.719 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, representing an increase of $78.9 million, or 1.6%, for the sequential quarter comparison, and an increase of $1.370 billion, or 36.8%, for the prior year quarterly comparison. During January 2023, loans totaling $1.159 billion, net of purchase accounting adjustments, were recorded from the Heritage Bank acquisition.

Total loans increased $78.9 million, or 1.6% as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2023, or 6.3% on an annualized basis.

Excluding the acquired Heritage Bank loans, total loans increased $211.4 million, or 5.7% compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Total deposits were $6.480 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $6.492 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2023, and $5.551 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, representing a decrease of $12.2 million, or 0.2%, for the sequential quarter comparison, and an increase of $928.7 million, or 16.7%, for the prior year quarterly comparison. During January 2023, deposits totaling $1.392 billion, net of purchase accounting adjustments, were acquired in the Heritage Bank acquisition.

Deposits decreased $12.2 million, or 0.2% for the prior quarter comparison. Excluding an increase in brokered deposits of $110.0 million, deposits decreased $122.2 million, or 1.9% for the prior quarter comparison. Seasonal fluctuations and public funds account for $51.7 million of the decrease in deposits.

Book value per share decreased to $28.57 at September 30, 2023 from $28.64 at June 30, 2023.

Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP) remained unchanged at $17.62 at September 30, 2023 and at June 30, 2023. The balance in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) increased $20.0 million to $165.2 million at September 30, 2023 from $145.2 million at June 30, 2023.

Asset Quality

Nonperforming assets totaled $22.4 million at September 30, 2023, an increase of $0.8 million compared to $21.6 million at June 30, 2023 and a decrease of $4.3 million compared to $26.7 million at September 30, 2022.

Nonaccrual loans totaled $17.4 million, an increase of $1.4 million as compared to June 30, 2023 and an increase of $1.6 million as compared to September 30, 2022.

The ratio of the allowance for credit losses (ACL) to total loans was 1.05% at September 30, 2023, 1.05% at June 30, 2023 and 1.03% at September 30, 2022. The ratio of annualized net charge-offs (recoveries) to total loans was 0.004% for the quarter ended September 30, 2023 compared to 0.07% for the quarter ended June 30, 2023 and (0.04%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.

Third Quarter 2023 vs Second Quarter 2023 Earnings Comparison

Net income available to common shareholders for the third quarter of 2023 increased $0.6 million to $24.4 million compared to $23.8 million for the second quarter of 2023.

Excluding one-time items detailed in the tables included with this press release, net earnings available to common shareholders, operating (non-GAAP) decreased $2.8 million, or 10.4%, to $24.0 million for quarter ended September 30, 2023 as compared to $26.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2023. Accretion income decreased $2.3 million as well as increased deposit costs of $4.7 million contributed to the decrease.

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2023 was $60.7 million as compared to $66.0 million for the second quarter of 2023, a decrease of $5.3 million. The decrease was largely due to the decrease in accretion of purchase accounting adjustments of $2.3 million as well as increased interest expense of $4.8 million partially offset by an increase in interest income of $1.7 million.

Third quarter 2023 net interest margin of 3.47% included 25 basis points related to purchase accounting adjustments compared to 3.76% for the second quarter in 2023, which included 37 basis points related to purchase accounting adjustments.

Core net interest margin decreased 16 basis points to 3.27% for the third quarter of 2023 from 3.43% for the second quarter of 2023.

Investment securities totaled $1.836 billion, or 23.3% of total assets at September 30, 2023, compared to $1.898 billion, or 24.1% of total assets at June 30, 2023. The average balance of investment securities decreased $61.2 million in sequential-quarter comparison. The average tax equivalent yield on investment securities (non-GAAP) increased 3 basis points to 2.26% from 2.23% in sequential-quarter comparison. The investment portfolio had a net unrealized loss of $184.9 million at September 30, 2023 as compared to a net unrealized loss of $157.6 million at June 30, 2023.

The FTE average yield on all earning assets (non-GAAP) decreased in sequential-quarter comparison from 4.91% to 4.90%. Interest expense on average interest bearing liabilities increased 40 basis points from 1.65% for the second quarter of 2023 to 2.05% for the third quarter of 2023.

Cost of all deposits averaged 121 basis points for the third quarter of 2023 compared to 91 basis points for the second quarter of 2023. This increase was a result of rising interest rates and increased competition for deposits.

Non-interest income increased $6.9 million from $12.4 million in the second quarter of 2023 to $19.3 million in the third quarter of 2023, primarily attributable to a U.S. Treasury award of $6.2 million.

Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2023 was $47.7 million compared to $46.9 million for the second quarter of 2023, an increase of $0.8 million, attributed to the expenses of $5.2 million related to the U.S. Treasury awards and was partially offset by a decrease in acquisition charges of $3.5 million.

Third Quarter 2023 vs. Third Quarter 2022 Earnings Comparison

Net income available to common shareholders for the third quarter of 2023 totaled $24.4 million compared to $14.0 million for the third quarter of 2022, an increase of $10.3 million or 73.5%.

Excluding one-time items detailed in the tables included with this press release, net earnings available to common shareholders, operating (non-GAAP) increased $4.4 million, or 22.4%, to $24.0 million for quarter ended September 30, 2023, as compared to $19.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. This increase is attributable to net income associated from the acquisitions of Heritage Bank and Beach Bank.

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2023 was $60.7 million, an increase of $11.6 million or 23.5% when compared to the third quarter of 2022. Fully tax equivalent ("FTE") net interest income (non-GAAP) totaled $61.7 million and $50.1 million for the third quarter of 2023 and 2022, respectively. Purchase accounting adjustments increased $3.1 million for the third quarter comparisons. The increase was largely due to increased interest rates as well as the acquisitions of Beach Bank and Heritage Bank.

Third quarter of 2023 net interest margin was 3.47%, which included 25 basis points related to purchase accounting adjustments compared to 3.43% for the same quarter in 2022, which included 5 basis points related to purchase accounting adjustments. Excluding the purchase accounting adjustments, the core net interest margin (non-GAAP) decreased 16 basis points in prior year quarterly comparison primarily due to an increase in rates on interest bearing liabilities.

Non-interest income increased $10.3 million for the third quarter of 2023 as compared to the third quarter of 2022. This increase was attributed to increases in service charges on deposit accounts and interchange fee income of $3.4 million as well as the $6.2 million award from the U.S. Treasury.

Third quarter 2023 non-interest expense was $47.7 million, an increase of $11.8 million, or 32.9% as compared to the third quarter of 2022. This increase was attributed to an increase of $6.3 million in charges related to the ongoing operations of Beach Bank and Heritage Bank, increased FDIC premiums of $0.7 million, increased amortization of core deposit intangibles of $1.2 million, and $5.2 million related to the U.S. Treasury awards.

Investment securities totaled $1.836 billion, or 23.3% of total assets at September 30, 2023, compared to $2.004 billion, or 31.0% of total assets at September 30, 2022. For the third quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2022, the average balance of investment securities decreased $208.6 million. The average tax equivalent yield on investment securities (non-GAAP) increased 4 basis points to 2.26% from 2.22% in the prior year quarterly comparison. The investment portfolio had a net unrealized loss of $184.9 million at September 30, 2023 as compared to a net unrealized loss of $216.9 million at September 30, 2022.

The average yield on all earning assets increased 114 basis points in prior year quarterly comparison, from 3.76% for the third quarter of 2022 to 4.90% for the third quarter of 2023. Interest expense on average interest bearing liabilities increased 157 basis points from 0.48% for the third quarter of 2022 to 2.05% for the third quarter of 2023.

Cost of all deposits averaged 121 basis points for the third quarter of 2023 compared to 19 basis points for the third quarter of 2022.

Year-to-Date Earnings Comparison

In the year-over-year comparison, net income available to common shareholders increased $17.8 million, or 38.1%, from $46.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, to $64.4 million for the same period ended September 30, 2023.

Net interest income was $191.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $61.8 million as compared to the same period ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to interest income earned on a higher volume of loans (including loans acquired from Heritage Bank and Beach Bank).

Non-interest income was $44.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $15.5 million as compared to the same period ended September 30, 2022. Service charges on deposit accounts accounted for $4.4 million of the increase as well as $4.7 million in interchange fee income and $5.3 million increase in awards from the U.S. Treasury.

Non-interest expense was $140.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, an increase of $44.8 million as compared to the same period ended September 30, 2022. The increase was partially attributable to $3.3 million in acquisition and charter conversion charges and $27.2 million in increased operating expenses related to the acquisitions of Beach Bank and Heritage Bank as well as $5.2 million in expenses associated with the U.S. Treasury awards and increases in FDIC premiums of $1.0 million and a $3.8 million increase in core deposit amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Declaration of Cash Dividend

The Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.24 per share, a 4% increase over previous quarter, per share to be paid on its common stock on November 24, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on November 8, 2023.

Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call for analysts and investors to discuss the Company’s financial results at 9:00 a.m. Central Time on Thursday, October 26, 2023. Investors and analysts may participate by clicking on the Participant Conference Link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI68bf3aa848aa45e49109eb1ad52aff4f. An audio archive of the conference call along with the transcript will be available within 24-48 hours after the call and placed in the Investor Relations section of our website.

About The First Bancshares, Inc.

The First Bancshares, Inc., headquartered in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is the parent company of The First Bank ("The First"). Founded in 1996, The First has operations in Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The Company’s stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol FBMS. Information is available on the Company’s website: www.thefirstbank.com.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Our accounting and reporting policies conform to generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States and prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, certain non-GAAP measures are used by management to supplement the evaluation of our performance. This press release includes pre-tax, pre-provision operating earnings, FTE net interest income, FTE net interest margin, core net interest margin, FTE average yield on investment securities, FTE average yield on all earning assets, total tangible common equity, tangible book value per common share, net earnings available to common shareholders, operating, diluted earnings per share, operating, efficiency ratio, operating and certain ratios derived from these non-GAAP financial measures. The Company believes that the non-GAAP financial measures included in this press release allow management and investors to understand and compare results in a more consistent manner for the periods presented in this press release. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered supplemental and not a substitute for the Company’s results reported in accordance with GAAP for the periods presented, and other bank holding companies may define or calculate these measures differently. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation and do not purport to be an alternative to net income, earnings per share, net interest income, book value, net interest margin, common equity, net earnings available to common shareholders, diluted earnings per share, efficiency ratio, average yield on investment securities, average yield on all earning assets, or other GAAP financial measures as a measure of operating performance. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable GAAP measure is provided in this press release following the Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited).

Forward Looking Statements

This news release and certain of our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission contain statements that constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of, and subject to the protections of, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Such statements can generally be identified by such words as "believes," "anticipates," "expects," "may," "will," "assumes," "should," "predicts," "could," "would," "intends," "targets," "estimates," "projects," "plans," "potential," "positioned" and other similar words and expressions of the future or otherwise regarding the outlook for the Company’s future business and financial performance and/or the performance of the banking industry and economy in general. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risk and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the information known to, and current beliefs and expectations of, the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) competitive pressures among financial institutions increasing significantly; (2) prevailing, or changes in, economic or political conditions, either nationally or locally, particularly in areas in which the Company conducts operations, including the effects of declines in the real estate market, high unemployment rates, inflationary pressure, elevated interest rates and slowdowns in economic growth, as well as the financial stress on borrowers as a result of the foregoing; (3) interest rate risk, including the effects of rising interest rates; (4) developments in our mortgage banking business, including loan modifications, general demand, and the effects of judicial or regulatory requirements or guidance; (5) changes in applicable laws, rules, or regulations; (6) risks related to the Company’s recently completed acquisitions, including that the anticipated benefits from the recently completed acquisitions are not realized in the time frame anticipated or at all as a result of changes in general economic and market conditions or other unexpected factors or events; (7) changes in management’s plans for the future; (8) credit risk associated with our lending activities; (9) changes in loan demand, real estate values, or competition; (10) changes in accounting principles, policies, or guidelines; (11) adverse results from current or future litigation, regulatory examinations or other legal and/or regulatory actions, including as a result of the Company's participation in and execution of government programs related to the COVID-19 pandemic and related variants; (12) higher inflation and its impacts; (13) significant turbulence or disruption in the capital or financial markets and the effect of a fall in stock market prices on our investment securities; (14) potential impacts of the adverse developments in the banking industry highlighted by high-profile bank failures, including impacts on customer confidence, deposit outflows, liquidity and the regulatory response thereto; (15) the effects of war or other conflicts including the impacts relating to or resulting from Russia's military action in Ukraine or the conflict in Israel and surrounding areas, and (16) other general competitive, economic, political, and market factors, including those affecting our business, operations, pricing, products, or services.

These and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, as well as a discussion of the risks and uncertainties that may affect our business, can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings we make with the SEC, which are available on the SEC’s website, http://www.sec.gov. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments.

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands except per share data)

EARNINGS DATA

Quarter
Ended
9/30/23

Quarter
Ended
6/30/23

Quarter
Ended
3/31/23

Quarter
Ended
12/31/22

Quarter
Ended
9/30/22

Total Interest Income

$

85,681

$

86,194

$

80,338

$

57,923

$

53,874

Total Interest Expense

24,977

20,164

15,412

10,002

4,726

Net Interest Income

60,704

66,030

64,926

47,921

49,148

Net Interest Income excluding PPP Fee Income

60,703

66,029

64,718

47,899

48,986

FTE net interest income*

61,696

67,028

65,924

48,916

50,122

Provision for credit losses

1,000

1,250

11,000

705

4,300

Non-interest income

19,324

12,423

12,612

8,131

9,022

Non-interest expense

47,724

46,899

45,670

35,040

35,903

Earnings before income taxes

31,304

30,304

20,868

20,307

17,967

Income tax expense

6,944

6,525

4,597

4,012

3,924

Net income available to common shareholders

$

24,360

$

23,779

$

16,271

$

16,295

$

14,043

PER COMMON SHARE DATA

Basic earnings per share

$

0.78

$

0.76

$

0.52

$

0.68

$

0.61

Diluted earnings per share

0.77

0.75

0.52

0.67

0.61

Diluted earnings per share, operating*

0.76

0.85

0.86

0.71

0.85

Quarterly dividends per share

0.23

0.22

0.21

0.20

0.19

Book value per common share at end of period

28.57

28.64

28.58

26.92

25.86

Tangible book value per common share at period end*

17.62

17.62

17.49

17.97

16.93

Market price at end of period

26.97

25.84

25.83

32.01

29.87

Shares outstanding at period end

31,404,231

31,406,220

31,364,973

24,025,762

24,028,120

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

31,405,439

31,378,364

31,309,458

24,027,189

22,861,795

Diluted

31,609,564

31,591,665

31,541,213

24,168,544

22,979,529

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET DATA

Total assets

$

7,873,345

$

7,882,130

$

8,003,254

$

6,446,521

$

6,372,872

Loans and leases

5,038,928

4,982,368

4,975,663

3,749,561

3,492,110

Total deposits

6,466,141

6,501,372

6,816,473

5,515,713

5,503,040

Total common equity

905,070

901,499

868,995

617,049

630,744

Total tangible common equity*

560,071

554,792

538,903

408,365

424,873

SELECTED RATIOS

Annualized return on avg assets (ROA)

1.24

%

1.21

%

0.81

%

1.01

%

0.88

%

Annualized return on avg assets, operating*

1.22

%

1.36

%

1.36

%

1.07

%

1.23

%

Annualized pre-tax, pre-provision, operating*

1.62

%

1.81

%

1.78

%

1.38

%

1.63

%

Annualized return on avg common equity, operating*

10.63

%

11.91

%

12.48

%

11.14

%

12.46

%

Annualized return on avg tangible common equity, operating*

17.17

%

19.35

%

20.13

%

16.83

%

18.49

%

Average loans to average deposits

77.93

%

76.64

%

72.99

%

67.98

%

63.46

%

FTE Net Interest Margin*

3.52

%

3.82

%

3.69

%

3.37

%

3.50

%

Efficiency Ratio

58.90

%

59.02

%

58.15

%

61.42

%

60.70

%

Efficiency Ratio, operating*

56.06

%

53.87

%

53.32

%

59.34

%

54.55

%

*See reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures

CREDIT QUALITY

Allowance for credit losses (ACL) as a % of total loans

1.05

%

1.05

%

1.06

%

1.03

%

1.03

%

Nonperforming assets to tangible equity + ACL

3.69

%

3.57

%

3.73

%

3.76

%

6.01

%

Nonperforming assets to total loans + OREO

0.44

%

0.43

%

0.45

%

0.47

%

0.72

%

Annualized QTD net charge-offs (recoveries) to total loans

0.004

%

0.07

%

0.01

%

0.004

%

(0.04

)%

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

(in thousands)

BALANCE SHEET

September 30,
2023

June 30,
2023

March 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

September 30,
2022

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

$

197,632

$

194,050

$

333,491

$

145,315

$

163,841

Securities available for sale

1,141,971

1,199,103

1,249,791

1,257,101

1,379,410

Securities held to maturity

658,524

663,473

678,161

691,484

593,553

Other investments

35,872

35,725

34,423

33,944

31,060

Total investment securities

1,836,367

1,898,301

1,962,375

1,982,529

2,004,023

Loans held for sale

5,960

6,602

4,073

4,443

2,225

Total loans

5,089,800

5,010,925

4,969,776

3,774,157

3,719,388

Allowance for credit losses

(53,565

)

(52,614

)

(52,450

)

(38,917

)

(38,356

)

Loans, net

5,036,235

4,958,311

4,917,326

3,735,240

3,681,032

Premises and equipment

183,740

186,381

186,688

153,068

150,480

Other Real Estate Owned

4,920

5,588

5,066

4,832

10,328

Goodwill and other intangibles

343,869

346,104

347,777

214,890

214,708

Other assets

275,562

266,771

260,520

221,400

228,211

Total assets

$

7,884,285

$

7,862,108

$

8,017,316

$

6,461,717

$

6,454,848

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Non-interest bearing deposits

$

1,967,661

$

2,086,666

$

2,082,441

$

1,630,203

$

1,770,848

Interest-bearing deposits

4,512,364

4,405,601

4,585,515

3,864,201

3,780,450

Total deposits

6,480,025

6,492,267

6,667,956

5,494,404

5,551,298

Borrowings

302,000

280,000

250,000

130,100

90,000

Subordinated debentures

128,300

128,214

154,127

145,027

144,952

Other liabilities

76,739

62,181

48,806

45,523

47,127

Total liabilities

6,987,064

6,962,662

7,120,889

5,815,054

5,833,377

Total shareholders’ equity

897,221

899,446

896,427

646,663

621,471

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

7,884,285

$

7,862,108

$

8,017,316

$

6,461,717

$

6,454,848

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

(in thousands except per share data)

EARNINGS STATEMENT

Three Months Ended

9/30/2023

6/30/2023

3/31/2023

12/31/2022

9/30/2022

Interest Income:

Loans, including fees

$

70,349

$

68,057

$

64,264

$

45,583

$

41,456

Investment securities

10,614

10,815

11,707

11,251

11,598

Accretion of purchase accounting adjustments

4,277

6,533

3,469

1,086

818

Other interest income

441

789

898

3

2

Total interest income

85,681

86,194

80,338

57,923

53,874

Interest Expense:

Deposits

19,314

14,613

12,183

7,206

2,863

Borrowings

3,556

3,264

959

1,015

92

Subordinated debentures

1,849

2,138

2,176

1,946

1,886

Accretion of purchase accounting adjustments

258

149

94

(165

)

(115

)

Total interest expense

24,977

20,164

15,412

10,002

4,726

Net interest income

60,704

66,030

64,926

47,921

49,148

Provision for credit losses

1,000

1,250

11,000

705

4,300

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

59,704

64,780

53,926

47,216

44,848

Non-interest Income:

Service charges on deposit accounts

3,646

3,425

3,657

2,277

2,219

Mortgage Income

878

773

633

625

1,221

Interchange Fee Income

5,280

4,543

4,498

3,093

3,310

Gain (Loss) on securities, net

2

(48

)

1

Treasury Awards

6,197

Loss on sale of premises and equipment

(104

)

Other charges and fees

3,425

3,730

3,824

2,136

2,271

Total non-interest income

19,324

12,423

12,612

8,131

9,022

Non-interest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits

22,807

23,315

23,572

19,934

19,099

Occupancy expense

5,343

5,041

5,296

4,305

3,826

FDIC/OCC premiums

1,158

758

670

514

496

Marketing

559

45

158

135

50

Amortization of core deposit intangibles

2,385

2,391

2,402

1,309

1,227

Other professional services

1,499

1,570

1,068

971

1,256

Acquisition and charter conversion charges

588

4,101

3,793

1,190

3,640

Other non-interest expense

13,385

9,678

8,711

6,682

6,309

Total non-interest expense

47,724

46,899

45,670

35,040

35,903

Earnings before income taxes

31,304

30,304

20,868

20,307

17,967

Income tax expense

6,944

6,525

4,597

4,012

3,924

Net income available to common shareholders

$

24,360

$

23,779

$

16,271

$

16,295

$

14,043

Diluted earnings per common share

$

0.77

$

0.75

$

0.52

$

0.67

$

0.61

Diluted earnings per common share, operating*

$

0.76

$

0.85

$

0.86

$

0.71

$

0.85

*See reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

(in thousands except per share data)

EARNINGS STATEMENT

Year to Date

2023

2022

Interest Income:

Loans, including fees

$

202,460

$

107,172

PPP loan fee income

210

1,696

Investment securities

33,136

31,324

Accretion of purchase accounting adjustments

14,279

2,223

Other interest income

2,128

47

Total interest income

252,213

142,462

Interest Expense:

Deposits

46,110

7,089

Borrowings

7,779

92

Subordinated debentures

6,163

5,546

Amortization of purchase accounting adjustments

501

(152

)

Total interest expense

60,553

12,575

Net interest income

191,660

129,887

Provision for credit losses

13,250

4,900

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

178,410

124,987

Non-interest Income:

Service charges on deposit accounts

10,728

6,297

Mortgage Income

2,284

3,678

Interchange Fee Income

14,321

9,609

Gain (loss) on securities, net

(46

)

(82

)

Treasury Awards

6,197

873

Bargain Purchase Gain and gain on sale of premises and equipment

559

165

BOLI income from death proceeds

1,630

Other charges and fees

10,316

6,673

Total non-interest income

44,359

28,843

Non-interest expense:

Salaries and employee benefits

69,695

53,135

Occupancy expense

15,680

11,530

FDIC/OCC premiums

2,586

1,608

Marketing

762

258

Amortization of core deposit intangibles

7,178

3,355

Other professional services

4,137

2,587

Acquisition & charter conversion charges

8,482

5,220

Other non-interest expense

31,773

17,755

Total Non-interest expense

140,293

95,448

Earnings before income taxes

82,476

58,382

Income tax expense

18,066

11,758

Net income available to common shareholders

64,410

46,624

Diluted earnings per common share

$

2.04

$

2.17

Diluted earnings per common share, operating*

$

2.47

$

2.38

*See reconciliation of Non-GAAP financial measures

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

COMPOSITION OF LOANS

September 30,
2023

Percent
of Total

June 30,
2023

March 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

September 30,
2022

Percent
of Total

Commercial, financial and agricultural

$

753,120

14.8

%

$

753,415

$

750,371

$

506,907

$

489,225

13.1

%

Real estate – construction

633,682

12.4

%

634,120

691,285

475,956

481,100

12.9

%

Real estate – commercial

2,317,666

45.5

%

2,251,710

2,181,384

1,626,066

1,595,944

42.8

%

Real estate – residential

1,298,980

25.5

%

1,286,343

1,262,244

1,094,204

1,082,488

29.1

%

Lease Financing Receivable

1,548

%

1,187

2,056

2,118

1,907

0.1

%

Obligations of States & subdivisions

29,650

0.6

%

31,137

31,652

26,143

25,757

0.7

%

Consumer

55,154

1.1

%

53,013

50,784

42,763

42,967

1.2

%

Loans held for sale

5,960

0.1

%

6,602

4,073

4,443

2,225

0.1

%

Total loans

$

5,095,760

100

%

$

5,017,527

$

4,973,849

$

3,778,600

$

3,721,613

100.0

%

COMPOSITION OF DEPOSITS

September 30,
2023

Percent
of Total

June 30,
2023

March 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

September 30,
2022

Percent
of Total

Non-interest bearing

$

1,967,661

30.4

%

$

2,086,666

$

2,082,441

$

1,630,203

$

1,770,848

31.9

%

NOW and other

1,962,383

30.3

%

2,014,420

2,095,599

1,769,699

1,786,213

32.2

%

Money Market/Savings

1,532,822

23.7

%

1,565,212

1,678,609

1,368,108

1,423,953

25.7

%

Time Deposits of less than $250,000

766,553

11.8

%

627,782

562,240

590,564

418,931

7.5

%

Time Deposits of $250,000 or more

250,606

3.8

%

198,187

249,067

135,830

151,353

2.7

%

Total Deposits

$

6,480,025

100

%

$

6,492,267

$

6,667,956

$

5,494,404

$

5,551,298

100.0

%

ASSET QUALITY DATA

September 30,
2023

June 30,
2023

March 31,
2023

December 31,
2022

September 30,
2022

Nonaccrual loans

$

17,423

$

16,037

$

17,312

$

12,591

$

15,844

Loans past due 90 days and over

53

73

289

571

Total nonperforming loans

17,476

16,037

17,385

12,880

16,415

Other real estate owned

4,920

5,588

5,066

4,832

10,328

Total nonperforming assets

$

22,396

$

21,625

$

22,451

$

17,712

$

26,743

Nonperforming assets to total assets

0.28

%

0.28

%

0.28

%

0.27

%

0.41

%

Nonperforming assets to total loans + OREO

0.44

%

0.43

%

0.45

%

0.47

%

0.72

%

ACL to nonperforming loans

306.51

%

328.08

%

301.70

%

302.15

%

233.66

%

ACL to total loans

1.05

%

1.05

%

1.06

%

1.03

%

1.03

%

Qtr-to-date net charge-offs (recoveries)

$

49

$

837

$

142

$

39

$

(353

)

Annualized QTD net chg-offs (recs) to loans

0.004

%

0.07

%

0.01

%

0.004

%

(0.04

%)

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC and SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Financial Information (unaudited)

(in thousands)

Yield

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

Analysis

September 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

September 30, 2022

Tax

Tax

Tax

Tax

Tax

Avg

Equivalent

Yield/

Avg

Equivalent

Yield/

Avg

Equivalent

Yield/

Avg

Equivalent

Yield/

Avg

Equivalent

Yield/

Balance

interest

Rate

Balance

interest

Rate

Balance

interest

Rate

Balance

interest

Rate

Balance

interest

Rate

Taxable securities

$

1,419,343

$

7,685

2.17

%

$

1,473,166

$

7,867

2.14

%

$

1,565,623

$

8,758

2.24

%

$

1,522,953

$

8,312

2.18

%

$

1,612,066

$

8,723

2.16

%

Tax-exempt securities

463,329

3,921

3.39

%

470,742

3,946

3.35

%

462,718

3,946

3.41

%

453,651

3,934

3.47

%

479,168

3,849

3.21

%

Total investment securities

1,882,672

11,606

2.47

%

1,943,908

11,813

2.43

%

2,028,341

12,704

2.51

%

1,976,604

12,246

2.48

%

2,091,234

12,572

2.40

%

Int bearing dep in other banks

79,448

441

2.22

%

93,464

789

3.38

%

146,663

898

2.45

%

72,910

3

0.02

%

143,867

2

0.01

%

Loans

5,038,928

74,626

5.92

%

4,982,368

74,590

5.99

%

4,975,663

67,734

5.45

%

3,749,561

46,670

4.98

%

3,492,110

42,274

4.84

%

Total interest earning assets

7,001,048

86,673

4.95

%

7,019,740

87,192

4.97

%

7,150,667

81,336

4.55

%

5,799,075

58,919

4.06

%

5,727,211

54,848

3.83

%

Other assets

872,297

862,390

852,587

647,446

645,661

Total assets

$

7,873,345

$

7,882,130

$

8,003,254

$

6,446,521

$

6,372,872

Interest-bearing liabilities:

Deposits

$

4,459,869

$

19,572

1.76

%

$

4,465,800

$

14,762

1.32

%

$

4,738,076

$

12,277

1.04

%

$

3,801,632

$

7,041

0.74

%

$

3,777,059

$

2,748

0.29

%

Borrowed Funds

296,963

3,556

4.79

%

277,531

3,264

4.70

%

77,098

959

4.98

%

108,881

1,015

3.73

%

13,261

92

2.78

%

Subordinated debentures

128,251

1,849

5.77

%

145,418

2,138

5.88

%

155,084

2,176

5.61

%

144,985

1,946

5.37

%

144,910

1,886

5.21

%

Total interest bearing

liabilities

4,885,083

24,977

2.05

%

4,888,749

20,164

1.65

%

4,970,258

15,412

1.24

%

4,055,498

10,002

0.99

%

3,935,230

4,726

0.48

%

Other liabilities

2,083,192

2,091,882

2,164,001

1,773,974

1,806,898

Shareholders' equity

905,070

901,499

868,995

617,049

630,744

Total liabilities and

shareholders' equity

$

7,873,345

$

7,882,130

$

8,003,254

$

6,446,521

$

6,372,872

Net interest

income (FTE)*

$

61,696

2.91

%

$

67,028

3.32

%

$

65,924

3.31

%

$

48,917

3.08

%

$

50,122

3.35

%

Net interest margin (FTE)*

3.52

%

3.82

%

3.69

%

3.37

%

3.50

%

Core net interest margin*

3.27

%

3.43

%

3.47

%

3.29

%

3.44

%

*See reconciliation for Non-GAAP financial measures

THE FIRST BANCSHARES, INC and SUBSIDIARIES

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures (unaudited)

(in thousands except per share data)

Three Months Ended

Per Common Share Data

Sept 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2022

Sept 30, 2022

Book value per common share

$

28.57

$

28.64

$

28.58

$

26.92

$

25.86

Effect of intangible assets per share

10.95

11.02

11.09

8.95

8.93

Tangible book value per common share

$

17.62

$

17.62

$

17.49

$

17.97

$

16.93

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.77

$

0.75

$

0.52

$

0.68

$

0.61

Effect of acquisition and charter conversion charges

0.02

0.13

0.11

0.05

0.16

Tax on acquisition and charter conversion charges

(0.01

)

(0.03

)

(0.02

)

(0.02

)

(0.05

)

Effect of Treasury awards

(0.20

)

Tax on Treasury awards

0.05

Effect on contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

0.17

Tax on contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

(0.04

)

Initial provision for acquired loans

0.34

0.17

Tax on initial provision for acquired loans

(0.09

)

(0.04

)

Diluted earnings per share, operating

$

0.76

$

0.85

$

0.86

$

0.71

$

0.85

Year to Date

2023

2022

Diluted earnings per share

$

2.04

$

2.17

Effect of acquisition and charter conversion charges

0.27

0.24

Tax on acquisition and charter conversion charges

(0.07

)

(0.06

)

Effect of bargain purchase gain and loss on sale of fixed assets

(0.01

)

Effect of Treasury awards

(0.20

)

(0.04

)

Tax on Treasury awards

0.05

0.01

BOLI income from death proceeds

(0.08

)

Effect on contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

0.17

0.01

Tax on contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

(0.04

)

Initial provision for acquired loans

0.34

0.18

Tax on initial provision for acquired loans

(0.09

)

(0.04

)

Diluted earnings per share, operating

$

2.47

$

2.38

Year to Date

2023

2022

Net income available to common shareholders

$

64,410

$

46,624

Acquisition and charter conversion charges

8,482

5,220

Tax on acquisition and charter conversion charges

(2,146

)

(1,320

)

Bargain purchase gain and loss on sale of fixed assets

(165

)

Tax on bargain purchase gain and loss on sale of fixed assets

42

Treasury awards

(6,197

)

(872

)

Tax on Treasury awards

1,568

221

BOLI income from death proceeds

(1,630

)

Contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

5,190

165

Tax on contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

(1,313

)

(42

)

Initial provision for acquired loans

10,727

3,855

Tax on initial provision for acquired loans

(2,714

)

(976

)

Net earnings available to common shareholders, operating

$

78,007

$

51,122

Three Months Ended

Average Balance Sheet Data

Sept 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2022

Sept 30, 2022

Total average assets

A

$

7,873,345

$

7,882,130

$

8,003,254

$

6,446,521

$

6,372,872

Total average earning assets

B

$

7,001,048

$

7,019,740

$

7,150,667

$

5,799,075

$

5,727,211

Common Equity

C

$

905,070

$

901,499

$

868,995

$

617,049

$

630,744

Less intangible assets

344,999

346,707

330,092

208,684

205,871

Total Tangible common equity

D

$

560,071

$

554,792

$

538,903

$

408,365

$

424,873

Three Months Ended

Net Interest Income Fully Tax Equivalent

Sept 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2022

Sept 30, 2022

Net interest income

E

$

60,704

$

66,030

$

64,926

$

47,921

$

49,148

Tax-exempt investment income

(2,929

)

(2,948

)

(2,948

)

(2,939

)

(2,875

)

Taxable investment income

3,921

3,946

3,946

3,934

3,849

Net Interest Income Fully Tax Equivalent

F

$

61,696

$

67,028

$

65,924

$

48,916

$

50,122

Annualized Net Interest Margin

E/B

3.47

%

3.76

%

3.63

%

3.31

%

3.43

%

Annualized Net Interest Margin, Fully Tax Equivalent

F/B

3.52

%

3.82

%

3.69

%

3.37

%

3.50

%

Total Interest Income, Fully Tax Equivalent

Total Interest Income

R

$

85,681

$

86,194

$

80,338

$

57,923

$

53,874

Tax-exempt investment income

(2,929

)

(2,948

)

(2,948

)

(2,939

)

(2,875

)

Taxable investment income

3,921

3,946

3,946

3,934

3,849

Total Interest Income, Fully Tax Equivalent

G

$

86,673

$

87,192

$

81,336

$

58,918

$

54,848

Yield on Average Earning Assets

R/B

4.90

%

4.91

%

4.49

%

4.00

%

3.76

%

Yield on Average Earning Assets, Fully Tax Equivalent

G/B

4.95

%

4.97

%

4.55

%

4.06

%

3.83

%

Interest Income Investment Securities, Fully Tax Equivalent

Interest Income Investment Securities

S

$

10,614

$

10,815

$

11,706

$

11,251

$

11,598

Tax-exempt investment income

(2,929

)

(2,948

)

(2,948

)

(2,939

)

(2,875

)

Taxable investment Income

3,921

3,946

3,946

3,934

3,849

Interest Income Investment Securities, Fully Tax Equivalent

H

$

11,606

$

11,813

$

12,704

$

12,246

$

12,572

Average Investment Securities

I

$

1,882,672

$

1,943,908

$

2,028,341

$

1,976,604

$

2,091,234

Yield on Investment Securities

S/I

2.26

%

2.23

%

2.31

%

2.28

%

2.22

%

Yield on Investment Securities, Fully Tax Equivalent

H/I

2.47

%

2.43

%

2.51

%

2.48

%

2.40

%

Three Months Ended

Core Net Interest Margin

Sept 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2022

Sept 30, 2022

Net interest income (FTE)

$

61,696

$

67,028

$

65,924

$

48,916

$

50,122

Less purchase accounting adjustments

4,276

6,533

3,469

1,086

818

Net interest income, net of purchase accounting adj

J

$

57,420

$

60,495

$

62,455

$

47,830

$

49,304

Total average earning assets

$

7,001,048

$

7,019,740

$

7,150,667

$

5,799,075

$

5,727,211

Add average balance of loan valuation discount

31,269

38,306

42,945

10,928

2,681

Avg earning assets, excluding loan valuation discount

K

$

7,032,317

$

7,058,046

$

7,193,612

$

5,810,003

$

5,729,892

Core net interest margin

J/K

3.27

%

3.43

%

3.47

%

3.29

%

3.44

%

Three Months Ended

Efficiency Ratio

Sept 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2022

Sept 30, 2022

Operating Expense

Total non-interest expense

$

47,724

$

46,899

$

45,670

$

35,040

$

35,903

Pre-tax non-operating expenses

(5,777

)

(4,101

)

(3,793

)

(1,190

)

(3,641

)

Adjusted Operating Expense

L

$

41,947

$

42,798

$

41,877

$

33,850

$

32,262

Operating Revenue

Net interest income, FTE

$

61,696

$

67,028

$

65,924

$

48,916

$

50,122

Total non-interest income

19,324

12,423

12,612

8,131

9,022

Pre-tax non-operating items

(6,197

)

Adjusted Operating Revenue

M

$

74,823

$

79,451

$

78,536

$

57,047

$

59,144

Efficiency Ratio, operating

L/M

56.06

%

53.87

%

53.32

%

59.34

%

54.55

%

Three Months Ended

Return Ratios

Sept 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2022

Sept 30, 2022

Net income available to common shareholders

N

$

24,360

$

23,779

$

16,271

$

16,295

$

14,043

Acquisition and charter conversion charges

588

4,101

3,793

1,190

3,641

Tax on acquisition and charter conversion charges

(149

)

(1,037

)

(960

)

(301

)

(920

)

Treasury awards

(6,197

)

Tax on Treasury awards

1,568

Contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

5,190

Tax on contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

(1,313

)

Initial provision for acquired loans

10,727

3,855

Tax on initial provision for acquired loans

(2,714

)

(976

)

Net earnings available to common shareholders, operating

O

$

24,047

$

26,843

$

27,117

$

17,184

$

19,643

Three Months Ended

Pre-Tax Pre-Provision Operating Earnings

Sept 30, 2023

June 30, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2022

Sept 30, 2022

Earnings before income taxes

P

$

31,304

$

30,304

$

20,868

$

20,307

$

17,967

Acquisition and charter conversion charges

588

4,101

3,793

1,190

3,641

Provision for credit losses

1,000

1,250

11,000

705

4,300

Treasury awards

(6,197

)

Contributions/consulting/advertising related to Treasury awards

5,190

Pre-Tax, Pre-Provision Operating Earnings

Q

$

31,885

$

35,655

$

35,661

$

22,202

$

25,908

Annualized return on avg assets

N/A

1.24

%

1.21

%

0.81

%

1.01

%

0.88

%

Annualized return on avg assets, oper

O/A

1.22

%

1.36

%

1.36

%

1.07

%

1.23

%

Annualized pre-tax, pre-provision, oper

Q/A

1.62

%

1.81

%

1.78

%

1.38

%

1.63

%

Annualized return on avg common equity, oper

O/C

10.63

%

11.91

%

12.48

%

11.14

%

12.46

%

Annualized return on avg tangible common equity, operating

O/D

17.17

%

19.35

%

20.13

%

16.83

%

18.49

%

Three Months Ended

Capital Ratios

Sept 30, 2023*

June 30, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Dec 31, 2022

Sept 30, 2022

Common equity tier 1 (CET1) ratio

12.0

%

11.5

%

11.2

%

12.7

%

12.6

%

Leverage (Tier 1) ratio

9.6

%

9.1

%

8.8

%

9.3

%

9.3

%

Total risk based capital ratio

15.1

%

14.5

%

14.7

%

16.7

%

16.7

%

Tangible common equity ratio

7.3

%

7.4

%

7.2

%

6.9

%

6.5

%

*estimated

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231025087536/en/

Contacts

M. Ray "Hoppy" Cole
Chief Executive Officer
Dee Dee Lowery
Chief Financial Officer
(601) 268-8998

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