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First Community Corporation Reports Significant Financial Growth for 2025

In a recent announcement, First Community Corporation (Nasdaq: FCCO) disclosed its impressive financial results for the fourth quarter and the entirety of the year ending December 31, 2025. This report demonstrates notable increases in net income and a consistent commitment to shareholder returns through cash dividends.

Financial Highlights

For the fourth quarter of 2025, First Community Corporation reported a net income of $4.83 million, slightly lower than the $5.19 million achieved in Q3 2025 but a significant increase compared to $4.23 million in Q4 2024. The diluted earnings per share (EPS) for this quarter stood at $0.62, a dip from $0.67 in Q3 2025 but an increase from $0.55 in the same quarter of the previous year. When excluding the after-tax effects of merger expenses, net income for Q4 2025 increased to $5.36 million, resulting in an EPS of $0.69.

For the entire year of 2025, the corporation reported a net income of $19.21 million, marking a 37.6% rise from $13.96 million in 2024. The diluted EPS for the year was $2.47, reflecting a 36.5% increase from $1.81 in 2024. After accounting for merger expenses, net income reached $20.35 million, resulting in an adjusted diluted EPS of $2.62.

Growth in Loans and Deposits

One key driver behind the strong financial results was the growth in loans and deposits. Total loans grew by $90.5 million, or 7.4%, over the year, with a notable increase of $31.7 million in the fourth quarter alone, achieving an annualized growth rate of 9.8%. Meanwhile, total deposits witnessed a significant increase of $73.6 million, or 4.4%, throughout 2025, although there was a slight decline of $21.6 million during the last quarter.

In addition, assets under management in the investment advisory segment reached a record $1.17 billion, up from $1.10 billion just three months prior, and significantly higher than the $926 million reported at the end of the previous year. The revenue from investment advisory services for Q4 2025 was $2.15 million, contributing to an annual revenue of $7.57 million from this line of business.

Cash Dividend and Share Repurchase Plans

The Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of $0.16 per common share for the fourth quarter, extending its streak to 96 consecutive quarters of dividends to common shareholders. This distribution is set to be paid on February 24, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 10, 2026.

In a move to enhance shareholder value, the Board also approved a plan to repurchase up to $7.5 million worth of its common stock, representing approximately 4.5% of total shareholder equity as of December 31, 2025. This buyback plan grants the company greater flexibility in managing its capital structure moving forward.

Solid Asset Quality

Despite the aggressive growth, First Community Corporation maintained excellent asset quality, evidenced by non-performing assets at just 0.02% of total assets at year-end 2025, and a past due loans ratio of only 0.07%. Net charge-offs remained minimal at $52,000 for 2025, underscoring the stability and quality of the bank's loan portfolio.

Conclusion

The solid financial performance and strategic decisions made by First Community Corporation signal a strong foundation for future growth as the company continues to build on its successes. The recent acquisition of Signature Bank of Georgia, completed on January 8, 2026, is expected to further enhance its capabilities and expand its market presence. With a committed leadership team and a focus on shareholder returns, First Community Corporation stands poised for continued success in the evolving financial landscape.