Great Southern boosts profits in Q1

Great Southern Bancorp Inc. (Nasdaq: GSBC) started the year with a 28% jump in profits.

The Springfield-based operator of Great Southern Bank reported first-quarter net income of $17.2 million, an increase from $13.4 million in the same quarter of 2024, according to a news release. Year-over-year diluted share earnings rose to $1.47 from $1.13.

"Our first-quarter 2025 results reflect the strength of our underlying strategy and our ability to adapt with discipline amid ongoing economic and financial sector challenges," Great Southern President and CEO Joe Turner said in the release. "Despite external economic pressures, our core operations remained strong."

Net interest income during the first quarter came to $49.3 million, up from $44.8 million a year earlier.

As of March 31, Great Southern's assets were nearly $6 billion and deposits were $4.8 billion. The company has 89 branches in Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska, as well as commercial lending offices in Atlanta; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Omaha, Nebraska; and Phoenix.

GSBC shares were trading at $52.97 as of 11:30 a.m., compared with a 52-week range of $47.57 to $68.02 per share.