#United States #Greenville #Southern First #SFST

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Southern First Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: SFST), the parent company of Southern First Bank, recently disclosed its financial performance for the fourth quarter and the entirety of 2025. The results exhibit a remarkable upward trajectory, validating the bank's resilient strategies and commitment to excellence in client service.

In a statement reflecting on the quarter, Art Seaver, CEO of Southern First Bancshares, expressed satisfaction with the performance, which marked the strongest quarter of 2025. He noted that the sustained momentum throughout the year was underscored by impressive loan growth fueled by an even more significant increase in client deposits. This indicates that their banking model, which emphasizes building full banking relationships, is effectively enhancing financial returns.

Seaver highlighted that the net interest margin reached 2.72%, growing by 10 basis points from the previous quarter and 36 basis points year-over-year. Asset quality has also shown notable improvement, with nonperforming assets accounting for merely 0.32% of total assets. The CEO acknowledged the growing resilience of their operational markets in the Southeast and emphasized the bank’s commitment to expanding its teams to harness upcoming growth opportunities effectively.

Key Financial Highlights

For the fourth quarter that ended on December 31, 2025, Southern First Bancshares reported:

• - Diluted Earnings Per Share: $1.21, reflecting a 13% increase from Q3 2025 and a 73% rise compared to Q4 2024.
• - Total Loans: Reached $3.8 billion, a 6% increase from Q4 2024.
• - Core Deposits: Improved by 8% year-over-year, amounting to $2.9 billion.
• - Net Interest Margin: Increased to 2.72%, exceeding 2.62% in the prior quarter.
• - Capital Strengthening: The bank continues to maintain robust capital levels, which provided backing for its growth and expansion plans.

The total assets of Southern First Bancshares grew to approximately $4.4 billion, representing a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to effective management of interest income and expenses. For instance, net interest income for the fourth quarter climbed to $28.7 million, bolstered by a strategic reduction in interest expenses related to deposits, illustrating significant improvement in the bank's operational efficiency.

Supporting the Community

Southern First Bancshares is recognized for its strong community involvement and commitment to enhancing the quality of client experiences. Seaver reiterated their focus on attracting seasoned banking professionals who are aligned with the company's ethos of exceptional client service and regional support. This foundation not only helps solidify the bank's market position but also significantly contributes to the local communities in which they operate.

Moreover, the bank plans to capitalize on the prospect of a strong business pipeline throughout 2026, setting ambitious objectives aimed at ongoing financial enhancement and further bolstering its market presence.

Forward Looking Statements

While Southern First has optimistic foresight for the new year, the bank remains cognizant of external economic conditions that could impact operations. Seaver emphasized an emphasis on disciplined growth and risk management, which fundamentally shapes their strategic direction moving forward. By consistently aiming for superior performance in both financial metrics and client satisfaction, Southern First Bancshares plans to further establish its reputation as a key player within the Southeastern market.

In conclusion, the fourth quarter results not only reflect financial strength but also underscore a commitment to client relationships and community engagement, setting a solid foundation for continued growth and success in 2026.