Stockmens Bank parent's net income climbs

Stockmens Bank parent company First Bancshares Inc. (OTCQX: FBSI) reported increased profits in both the fourth quarter and full year.

Mountain Grove-based First Bancshares, which operates a Springfield branch of Stockmens Bank at 1465 E. Sunshine St., recorded fourth-quarter net income of $2.1 million, a 22% increase from $1.7 million in the same quarter of 2024, according to a news release. Diluted share earnings rose to 87 cents from 71 cents.

For the full year, First Bancshares' earnings came to $7.6 million, or $3.15 per share, up from $6.6 million, or $2.71 per share, in 2024.

Stockmens Bank President Garith R. Dedmon cited terminology from the release: “conscientious capital allocation and continued improvement in operational efficiency.”

"Namely, continued quality loan growth with an emphasis on full banking relationships, coupled with disciplined management of the banks’ cost of funds and improvement in the operations of both physical locations and processes," Dedmon said via email.

As of Dec. 31, First Bancshares' assets were $564.6 million and deposits were $484.9 million, according to the release.

The company's over-the-counter stock closed yesterday at $33.57 per share. The FBSI stock's 52-week range is $24.10 to $35.96.