The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS) trades at $33.81 with AI Score 52/100 (Grade B). The First Bancshares, Inc. is a regional bank holding company operating primarily in the Southeastern United States. Market cap: $1.06B, Sector: Financial services.
Price live · AI analysis from May 10, 2026Analyst Coverage for FBMS: FBMS does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates FBMS against Financial Services peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a mixed fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
FBMS: 2/7 perspectives are bullish. Dominant signal: Ray Dalio bullish.
How is this calculated? →The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS) Financial Services Profile
The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS) is a regional bank holding company providing commercial and retail banking services across the Southeastern U.S. With a focus on small to medium-sized businesses and individuals, FBMS operates 90 locations and emphasizes community banking relationships, contributing to its established regional presence and steady profitability.
What Is the Investment Thesis for FBMS?
The First Bancshares, Inc. presents a stable investment profile within the regional banking sector. With a P/E ratio of 13.8 and a profit margin of 18.7%, the company demonstrates consistent profitability. Its expansion across multiple Southeastern states provides diversification and growth opportunities. The company's focus on small to medium-sized businesses and retail banking offers a relatively stable customer base. However, the absence of a dividend may deter some investors. Growth catalysts include further expansion within its existing geographic footprint and increased adoption of digital banking services. Potential risks include economic downturns impacting loan performance and increased competition from larger national banks and fintech companies.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
FBMS Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $1.06B indicates a solid mid-cap regional bank.
- P/E ratio of 13.8 suggests a reasonable valuation compared to earnings.
- Profit margin of 18.7% demonstrates strong profitability in the banking sector.
- Gross margin of 66.2% reflects efficient management of interest income and expenses.
- 90 locations across five Southeastern states provide a diversified geographic footprint.
Who Are FBMS's Competitors?
FBMS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFBC First Financial Bancorp. | $34.62 | +0.67% | $3.63B | 94 |
| CADE Cadence Bank | $42.11 | -1.66% | $7.85B | 49 |
| IBOC International Bancshares Corporation | $76.11 | +0.28% | $4.73B | 89 |
| MCHB Mechanics Bank | $16.24 | +0.50% | $3.58B | 71 |
| STLE Steele Bancorp Inc. | $43.05 | -0.67% | $80.01M | 69 |
| NASB NASB Financial, Inc. | $40.30 | +0.00% | $289.22M | 68 |
| CIBEY Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E | $2.63 | +3.54% | $8.68B | 67 |
| BUSE First Busey Corporation | $29.58 | -0.25% | $2.50B | 63 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are FBMS's Key Strengths?
- Strong regional presence in the Southeastern U.S.
- Diversified loan portfolio.
- Comprehensive suite of banking services.
- Experienced management team.
What Are FBMS's Weaknesses?
- Limited geographic diversification.
- Dependence on interest rate environment.
- Smaller size compared to national banks.
- Lack of dividend may deter some investors.
What Could Drive FBMS Stock Higher?
- Potential acquisitions of smaller regional banks to expand market share.
- Continued expansion of digital banking services to attract new customers.
- Growth in the Southeastern U.S. economy driving increased loan demand.
- Launch of new wealth management products and services.
- Strategic partnerships with real estate agents and builders to boost mortgage originations.
What Are the Key Risks for FBMS?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of -0.63 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Economic downturns leading to increased loan defaults.
- Rising interest rates impacting loan demand and profitability.
- Increased competition from larger national banks and fintech companies.
- Regulatory changes increasing compliance costs.
- Cybersecurity threats and data breaches.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for FBMS?
- Expansion within Existing Markets: The First Bancshares can deepen its market penetration within its current footprint of Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana. By opening new branches and increasing marketing efforts, the company can attract new customers and grow its deposit base. The Southeastern U.S. is experiencing population growth, creating opportunities for increased banking activity. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Digital Banking Adoption: Enhancing its digital banking platform can attract younger, tech-savvy customers and improve operational efficiency. By offering mobile banking, online account opening, and other digital services, The First Bancshares can reduce costs and expand its reach beyond its physical branch network. The market for digital banking is projected to grow significantly. Timeline: Ongoing.
- Mortgage Banking Division Growth: The First Bancshares can expand its mortgage banking division by offering competitive rates and a wider range of mortgage products. The housing market in the Southeastern U.S. is generally strong, creating opportunities for increased mortgage origination. Strategic partnerships with real estate agents and builders can further drive growth. Timeline: Upcoming: 2027.
- Wealth Management Services: Expanding its wealth management services can generate additional fee income and diversify its revenue streams. By offering financial planning, investment management, and trust services, The First Bancshares can cater to the growing wealth management needs of its customer base. The market for wealth management services is projected to grow. Timeline: Upcoming: 2027.
- Strategic Acquisitions: The First Bancshares can pursue strategic acquisitions of smaller banks or financial institutions in its target markets. Acquisitions can provide access to new customers, markets, and products, accelerating growth and increasing market share. Careful due diligence and integration are crucial for successful acquisitions. Timeline: Ongoing.
What Opportunities Does FBMS Have?
- Expansion within existing markets.
- Increased adoption of digital banking services.
- Growth in mortgage banking division.
- Expansion of wealth management services.
What Threats Does FBMS Face?
- Economic downturns impacting loan performance.
- Increased competition from larger banks and fintech companies.
- Regulatory changes.
- Interest rate fluctuations.
What Are FBMS's Competitive Advantages?
- Established regional presence in the Southeastern U.S.
- Strong relationships with local businesses and communities.
- Diversified loan portfolio.
- Comprehensive suite of banking services.
What Does FBMS Do?
The First Bancshares, Inc., incorporated in 1995 and headquartered in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, operates as the bank holding company for The First, A National Banking Association. The bank provides a comprehensive suite of commercial and retail banking services, catering primarily to small to medium-sized businesses, professional concerns, individuals, associations, organizations, and governmental authorities. The company's operations are divided into three segments: Commercial/Retail Bank, Mortgage Banking Division, and Holding Company. Its deposit services include checking, NOW, and savings accounts, as well as time deposits like money market accounts and certificates of deposit. Loan offerings encompass commercial loans for working capital and expansion, consumer loans for various personal needs, and real estate construction and acquisition loans. Additionally, The First Bancshares originates residential mortgages and provides financial and wealth management services. The company leverages technology through internet banking, ATMs, and mobile deposit, while also offering traditional services like safe deposit boxes and credit cards. As of December 31, 2021, The First Bancshares operated 90 locations across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana, solidifying its regional presence in the Southeastern United States.
What Products and Services Does FBMS Offer?
- Provides commercial and retail banking services.
- Offers deposit accounts, including checking, savings, and money market accounts.
- Provides commercial loans for working capital and business expansion.
- Offers consumer loans for automobiles, home improvements, and education.
- Originates residential mortgages for home purchases and refinancing.
- Provides financial and wealth management services.
- Offers internet banking, ATMs, and mobile deposit services.
How Does FBMS Make Money?
- Generates revenue from interest income on loans.
- Earns fees from deposit accounts and other banking services.
- Profits from mortgage origination and servicing.
- Receives fees from wealth management services.
What Industry Does FBMS Operate In?
The First Bancshares operates within the regional banking sector, which is characterized by increasing consolidation and competition from larger national banks and fintech companies. The industry is influenced by interest rate fluctuations, regulatory changes, and economic conditions. Regional banks like The First Bancshares differentiate themselves through local market knowledge, personalized customer service, and community involvement. The market is seeing increased adoption of digital banking solutions and a focus on efficiency and cost management to maintain profitability.
Who Are FBMS's Key Customers?
- Small to medium-sized businesses.
- Professional concerns.
- Individuals.
- Associations and organizations.
- Governmental authorities.
Company Profile
The First Bancshares, Inc. operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Hattiesburg, US. The company is led by CEO Dawn Ard. FBMS has traded publicly since 2003.
F-Score 7/9Financial Health
The First Bancshares, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 7/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — signaling solid underlying fundamentals. Its Altman Z-Score of -0.63 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
ROE 8%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for The First Bancshares, Inc. stands at 7.9%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 1.0%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. FBMS trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 13.81, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 7.8%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.12 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 7.2%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
FBMS Valuation & Market Position
With a $1.06B market cap, The First Bancshares, Inc. sits in the small-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, FBMS's quantitative score of 52/100 is below the peer average of 74/100.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project The First Bancshares, Inc. revenue of about $258.3M for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $2.85.
FBMS Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2024
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Strong regional presence in the Southeastern U.S.
- Diversified loan portfolio.
- Comprehensive suite of banking services.
- Experienced management team.
Bear Case
- Limited geographic diversification.
- Dependence on interest rate environment.
- Smaller size compared to national banks.
- Lack of dividend may deter some investors.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · July 2026
FBMS Latest News
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Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs On Friday
· Dec 20, 2019
FBMS Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for FBMS.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for FBMS.
FBMS MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates FBMS's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Dawn Ard
CEO
Dawn Ard serves as the CEO of The First Bancshares, Inc., leading the company's strategic direction and overseeing its operations across multiple states. Her career in the banking industry spans several decades, with extensive experience in commercial lending, retail banking, and wealth management. She has held various leadership positions within The First Bancshares, demonstrating a deep understanding of the company's business model and culture. Dawn Ard is actively involved in community organizations and serves on several boards, reflecting her commitment to the bank's local markets.
Track Record: Under Dawn Ard's leadership, The First Bancshares has expanded its geographic footprint and increased its market share in the Southeastern U.S. She has overseen the successful integration of several acquisitions and has implemented initiatives to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer service. The company has maintained strong financial performance and has navigated challenging economic conditions effectively.
Common Questions About FBMS (Financial Services)
What does The First Bancshares, Inc. do?
The First Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for The First, A National Banking Association, providing a range of commercial and retail banking services. These services include deposit accounts like checking, savings, and money market accounts, as well as loan products such as commercial loans for businesses and consumer loans for individuals. The company also originates residential mortgages and offers financial and wealth management services. It serves small to medium-sized businesses, individuals, and other organizations across Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Louisiana, emphasizing community banking relationships.
What do analysts say about FBMS stock?
Analyst coverage of The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS) generally focuses on its regional banking performance, asset quality, and growth potential within the Southeastern U.S. Key valuation metrics such as P/E ratio and price-to-book value are often compared to peers in the regional banking sector. Growth considerations include the company's ability to expand its loan portfolio, increase fee income, and manage operating expenses efficiently. Analyst ratings and price targets reflect expectations for future earnings growth and market conditions, but do not constitute investment recommendations.
What are the main risks for FBMS?
The First Bancshares, Inc. faces several risks inherent to the banking industry. Economic downturns in the Southeastern U.S. could lead to increased loan defaults and reduced profitability. Rising interest rates could impact loan demand and net interest margin. Increased competition from larger national banks and fintech companies could erode market share. Regulatory changes could increase compliance costs and restrict business activities. Cybersecurity threats and data breaches pose a significant risk to the company's operations and reputation. Effective risk management is crucial for mitigating these challenges.
What are the key factors to evaluate for FBMS?
The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS) holds an AI score of 52/100 (moderate). P/E: 13.8x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Not financial advice.
How frequently does FBMS data refresh on this page?
FBMS prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven FBMS's recent stock price performance?
The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong regional presence in the Southeastern U.S. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider FBMS overvalued or undervalued right now?
The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS) trades at 13.8x earnings. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying FBMS?
Before investing in The First Bancshares, Inc. (FBMS), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Financial data is based on information available as of 2021-12-31.
- Market conditions and company performance may have changed since the last reporting period.