First Bank (FRBA) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Loan Growth Loans grew over $90 million during the quarter, with 3/4 of the net loan growth coming from strategic C&I and owner-occupied segments. This represents an 11% annualized growth rate. Over the last 12 months, loans have grown $329 million or 11%. The growth is attributed to the focus on core areas like C&I and owner-occupied commercial real estate loans.
Deposit Growth Deposits grew by $50 million during the quarter, fueled by gains in the noninterest-bearing category. Over the last 12 months, deposits grew $201 million or nearly 7%. This growth was supported by initiatives and banker incentives aimed at building and maintaining profitable relationships.
Net Interest Income Net interest income increased by $1.9 million compared to the first quarter, representing a 6% linked quarter growth. The increase was primarily due to margin stability on a growing balance sheet.
Pre-Provision Net Revenue Pre-provision net revenue increased by $2.9 million compared to the first quarter, representing a 21% linked quarter growth. This was driven by strong balance sheet growth and revenue generation.
Allowance to Nonperforming Loans The allowance to nonperforming loans sits at 255% coverage, well above the industry average. This reflects strong credit quality despite economic uncertainties.
Net Income Net income for the quarter was $10.2 million or $0.41 per diluted share, with a 1.04% return on average assets. Core profitability is tracking closer to 1.10% or 1.15% ROA.
Noninterest Income Noninterest income totaled $2.7 million in the second quarter, up from $2 million in Q1. The increase reflects higher loan fees and a $397,000 gain on the sale of the Paoli location.
Noninterest Expenses Noninterest expenses were $20.9 million for the second quarter compared to $20.4 million in Q1. The increase was primarily due to $841,000 in executive severance payments.
Net Charge-Offs and Nonperforming Assets Net charge-offs remain relatively low, and nonperforming assets to total assets declined to 40 basis points compared to 42 basis points at March 31 and 56 basis points at June 30, 2024. This reflects the sale of an OREO asset and a net increase in nonperforming loans.
Subordinated Debt Offering The company completed a $35 million subordinated debt offering at a 7.18% interest rate, one of the lowest coupons for a community bank this year. This will replace $30 million of older, higher-rate subordinated debt, expected to save approximately $240,000 monthly starting in September.
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Strategic Branch Optimization: First Bank has announced a new plan aimed at optimizing its branch network to enhance operational efficiency and customer service.
Focus on Customer Experience: The initiative is designed to improve the overall customer experience by strategically positioning branches in high-demand areas.
Cost Efficiency Measures: The bank aims to reduce costs associated with underperforming branches while reallocating resources to more profitable locations.
Long-term Growth Strategy: This optimization plan is part of First Bank's broader strategy for sustainable growth and adapting to changing market conditions.
- Net Income Growth: First Bank reported a net income of $12.3 million for Q4 2025, translating to $0.49 per diluted share and a return on average assets of 1.21%, indicating robust profitability despite rising loan payoffs.
- Loan and Deposit Dynamics: Total loans declined by $81 million in the quarter, yet increased by $149 million year-over-year, primarily due to $135 million in loan payoffs, with management targeting $200 million in net loan growth for 2026.
- Expense Management and Income: Noninterest income reached $2.3 million, while noninterest expenses were $17.1 million, benefiting from a $1.9 million one-time gain from an OREO sale, leading to an improved efficiency ratio of 49.46%, showcasing effective cost control.
- Strategic Adjustments and Outlook: Management plans to enhance profitability through optimizing deposit costs and strengthening relationship banking, with a focus on improving credit quality in small business loans to address current delinquency and charge-off risks.
- Earnings Growth: First Bank's Q4 net income reached $12.32 million, translating to an EPS of $0.49, which marks a significant increase from last year's $10.50 million and $0.41 per share, indicating improved profitability.
- Revenue Increase: The company's revenue rose by 13.9% to $38.46 million compared to $33.77 million last year, demonstrating enhanced competitiveness in the market.
- Financial Performance Overview: Under GAAP standards, First Bank's earnings and revenue exceeded market expectations, reflecting robust performance and effective management in the current economic environment.
- Increased Market Confidence: The dual growth in earnings and revenue is likely to boost investor confidence in First Bank, potentially having a positive impact on its stock price and further driving the company's future growth.
- Earnings Performance: First Bank's Q4 GAAP EPS stands at $0.49, aligning with market expectations, demonstrating the company's consistent ability to maintain stable profitability.
- Significant Revenue Growth: The bank reported revenues of $38.46 million for Q4, reflecting a 13.9% year-over-year increase, surpassing market expectations by $1.04 million, indicating strong momentum in its core business areas.
- Positive Market Reaction: The revenue beat is likely to positively impact First Bank's stock price, enhancing investor confidence in its future growth potential and increasing market interest in its shares.
- Optimistic Future Outlook: With ongoing operational optimizations and market share expansion, the bank is expected to lay a solid foundation for its financial performance in 2025 and beyond, attracting more investor attention to its long-term growth strategy.
Short-term Investing Strategy: The article emphasizes the importance of identifying sustainable trends in stock prices for short-term investing, highlighting that quick reversals can lead to losses.
First Bank (FRBA) Performance: FRBA is noted for its solid price increase over 12 weeks and a significant 7.9% rise in the last four weeks, indicating a strong upward trend and potential for further gains.
Zacks Rank and Broker Recommendations: FRBA holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and an Average Broker Recommendation of #1 (Strong Buy), suggesting strong confidence in its near-term performance based on earnings estimates.
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