Southern States Bancshares Inc (SSBK) News & EventsSSBKNews & EventsSouthern States Bancshares Inc

Southern States reports Q1 core EPS $1.03 vs. 90c last year

Net interest margin of 3.75%, up 9 basis points from the prior quarter. Reports CET1 ration 10.18%. Mark Chambers, CEO said, "In the first quarter, we reported net income of $10.4 million and diluted EPS of $1.03, which was supported by a 9 basis point improvement in net interest margin and lower noninterest expense. We're particularly encouraged by the continued improvement in our deposit costs and the exceptionally low level of non-performing loans, which reflects our prudent credit culture and strong risk management." "We are embarking on an exciting new chapter for our bank, our customers, our employees and the communities we proudly serve. Joining forces with Nashville-based FB Financial, which has $13 billion in total assets and operates as FirstBank, is an ideal combination. We are culturally aligned in our customer-centric philosophy. We are geographically committed to serving vibrant communities in the South, which now includes Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia. This merger allows us to expand our capabilities, enhance the customer experience, and continue delivering the trusted, relationship-based banking our clients have come to expect. While our name may change, our commitment to our customers and communities remains stronger than ever."

Southern States, FB Financial enter definitive merger agreement

FB Financial (FBK) and Southern States Bancshares (SSBK) announced their entry into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Southern States will be merged with and into FB Financial. Southern States is headquartered in Anniston, Alabama, with 15 branches across Alabama and Georgia, along with two loan production offices in the Atlanta MSA. Southern States' core markets include a mix of community and metropolitan markets that match FB Financial's desired areas for growth, including Atlanta, Auburn-Opelika, Birmingham, Columbus, and Huntsville. Southern States reported total assets of $2.8 billion, loans of $2.2 billion and deposits of $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2024. As part of the transaction, both Mr. Chambers and Lynn J. Joyce, CFO, plan to fill meaningful roles in the combined company. Other key employees and producers are also vital parts of the merger and will be offered employment arrangements with the combined company. Following the close of the transaction, one Southern States Director agreed upon by both companies, will be appointed to FB Financial's Board of Directors. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, Southern States' shareholders will receive 0.800 shares of FB Financial common stock for each share of Southern States stock. Based on FB Financial's closing stock price of $47.05 per share as of March 28, 2025, the implied transaction value is approximately $37.64 per Southern States share, or $381 million, in the aggregate. The transaction is intended to qualify as a tax-free reorganization for federal income tax purposes and to provide a tax-free exchange for Southern States stockholders for FB Financial common stock they will receive. The merger agreement has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards of directors. The merger is expected to close late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2025 and is subject to regulatory approvals, approval by FB Financial's and Southern States' shareholders and other customary closing conditions.

Southern States reports Q4 core EPS $1.04 vs 81c last year

Book value per share $28.30. Reports CET1 capital ratio 9.84%. Mark Chambers, Chief Executive Officer and President of Southern States Bancshares, Inc., said "We are proud to report record net income of $11.2 million for the fourth quarter and $34.9 million for the full year, a testament to our team's diligent execution and superior customer service. Our strong operating results reflect our continued consistent growth supported by a healthy net interest margin of 3.66% for the fourth quarter, coupled with an efficiency ratio of 46.67%."