First Bancshares reports Q4 adjusted EPS 59c, consensus 68c

M. Ray “Hoppy” Cole, Jr., President, and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We continued to experience margin compression during the fourth quarter as non-GAAP core net interest margin decreased 13 basis points due to increased interest costs and the seasonality of our deposit portfolio. Loan growth and credit remained strong with $80 million of net loan growth for the quarter, or 6.3% on an annualized basis. Non-performing assets decreased for the quarter and past dues were low at 23 basis points.”