First Reliance Bancshares Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results

Core Insights - First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. reported a significant increase in net income for the second quarter of 2025, reaching $3.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, an increase of 88.1% compared to the same quarter in 2024 [5][8] - The company experienced a tangible book value per share increase of $1.58, or 17.3%, from $9.13 to $10.71 year-over-year [3][5] - Total deposits decreased by $28.3 million, or 11.6% annualized, primarily due to the sale of two branches to Carter Bank [5][23] Financial Performance - Net interest income for Q2 2025 was $9.1 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 18.8%, compared to Q2 2024 [5][18] - The net interest margin improved to 3.53% in Q2 2025 from 3.20% in Q2 2024, reflecting better yields on loans and a decrease in the cost of funds [5][18] - Operating earnings (Non-GAAP) for Q2 2025 were $2.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, compared to $1.9 million, or $0.24 per diluted share in Q2 2024 [5][8] Balance Sheet Highlights - Total assets as of June 30, 2025, were $1.102 billion, up from $1.067 billion a year earlier [20] - Total loans receivable stood at $784.7 million, showing a slight increase from $784.5 million at the end of Q1 2025 [20] - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans receivable was 1.09% as of June 30, 2025 [6] Asset Quality - Nonperforming assets decreased to $205,000, or 0.02% of total assets, down from $933,000, or 0.09% of total assets at the end of Q1 2025 [5][6] - The company reported annualized net charge-offs of 0.03% of average total loan receivables for Q2 2025 [6] Noninterest Income and Expenses - Noninterest income for Q2 2025 was $4.8 million, an increase of $2.2 million from $2.6 million in Q2 2024, driven by mortgage banking income and a gain from the sale of branches [10][11] - Noninterest expenses increased to $9.0 million in Q2 2025, up from $7.7 million in Q2 2024, primarily due to higher compensation and benefits [12][13] Strategic Initiatives - The company approved a stock repurchase program of up to $3.0 million, set to expire on June 30, 2026, considering various factors including stock price and expected growth [5]