First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL)
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.
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL) trades at $18.75 with AI Score 60/100 (Grade B+). First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. is a bank holding company providing a range of banking products and services through its First Reliance Bank subsidiary. Market cap: $147.99M, Sector: Financial services.
Price live · AI analysis from Mar 15, 2026FSRL stock analysis for 2026: Analysts have set a consensus price target of $17.00 for First Reliance Bancshares, Inc., suggesting 9.3% downside from the current price of $18.75. The AI MoonshotScore is 60/100, indicating a bullish outlook. Key factors: analyst coverage, AI-driven quantitative scoring.
FSRL: 2/4 perspectives are bullish. Dominant signal: Seth Klarman bearish.
How is this calculated? →First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL) Financial Services Profile
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc., operating through First Reliance Bank, delivers comprehensive banking solutions, including personal and business loans, deposit accounts, and digital services, primarily within the United States. With a focus on community banking, the company navigates a competitive landscape while maintaining a profit margin of 17.0% and a P/E ratio of 9.1.
What Is the Investment Thesis for FSRL?
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. presents a focused investment opportunity within the regional banking sector. With a market capitalization of $147.99M and a P/E ratio of 9.1, the company demonstrates potential value. A key value driver is its 17.0% profit margin, indicating efficient operations. Growth catalysts include expanding its digital banking services to attract a broader customer base and increasing its loan portfolio through strategic partnerships. However, potential risks include navigating the competitive landscape of regional banks and managing interest rate sensitivity. The company's beta of 0.16 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market. Monitoring the company's ability to maintain its profit margin and grow its loan portfolio will be crucial in assessing its long-term investment viability.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
FSRL Key Highlights
- Market capitalization of $147.99M indicates the company's current valuation in the market.
- P/E ratio of 9.1 suggests a potentially undervalued stock compared to its earnings.
- Profit margin of 17.0% demonstrates efficient profitability compared to industry peers.
- Gross margin of 56.8% reflects strong revenue management and cost control.
- Beta of 0.16 indicates lower volatility compared to the overall market, appealing to risk-averse investors.
Who Are FSRL's Competitors?
FSRL is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMBZ American Business Bank | $73.03 | +0.04% | $649.98M | 56 |
| APLO Apollo Bancorp, Inc. | $54.00 | +0.00% | $27.14M | 61 |
| AVBH Avidbank Holdings, Inc. | $32.82 | -0.44% | $285.58M | 50 |
| BHWB Blackhawk Bancorp, Inc. | $33.35 | -0.45% | $96.57M | 49 |
| BSFO Bank of San Francisco | $43.50 | +1.05% | $95.09M | 52 |
| 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 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are FSRL's Key Strengths?
- Strong community relationships.
- Local market expertise.
- Established branch network.
- Focus on customer service.
What Are FSRL's Weaknesses?
- Limited geographic reach.
- Smaller scale compared to national banks.
- Dependence on local economic conditions.
- Limited product diversification.
What Could Drive FSRL Stock Higher?
- Potential expansion of digital banking services to attract a broader customer base by Q4 2026.
- Strategic partnerships with local businesses to drive loan growth.
- Focus on increasing mortgage lending portfolio to generate revenue growth.
What Are the Key Risks for FSRL?
- Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.19 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
- Competition from larger national banks impacting market share.
- Economic downturns affecting loan demand and credit quality.
- Regulatory changes impacting banking operations and compliance costs.
- Interest rate fluctuations affecting profitability and net interest margin.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for FSRL?
- Expansion of Digital Banking Services: Investing in and expanding digital banking platforms presents a significant growth opportunity. As consumer preferences shift towards online and mobile banking, enhancing these services can attract a broader customer base and increase transaction volumes. The market for digital banking is projected to reach $9 trillion by 2027, offering substantial growth potential for First Reliance.
- Strategic Partnerships with Local Businesses: Forming strategic partnerships with local businesses can drive loan growth and increase brand visibility. By offering tailored financial solutions to businesses in its community, First Reliance can strengthen its relationships and capture a larger share of the local market. This approach aligns with the company's focus on community banking and supports local economic development.
- Increased Focus on Mortgage Lending: Expanding the mortgage lending portfolio can generate significant revenue growth. With interest rates stabilizing and housing demand remaining strong, First Reliance can capitalize on this opportunity by offering competitive mortgage products and streamlining the application process. The mortgage market is expected to grow by 5% annually over the next five years.
- Development of Wealth Management Services: Introducing or expanding wealth management services can diversify revenue streams and attract high-net-worth clients. By offering financial planning, investment management, and retirement planning services, First Reliance can provide a more comprehensive suite of financial solutions. The wealth management market is projected to grow by 8% annually, presenting a lucrative opportunity.
- Geographic Expansion within the Southeast: Expanding its physical presence within the Southeast region can drive growth by reaching new markets and customers. By strategically opening new branches or acquiring smaller banks, First Reliance can increase its market share and brand recognition. The Southeast region is experiencing strong economic growth, making it an attractive area for expansion.
What Opportunities Does FSRL Have?
- Expansion of digital banking services.
- Strategic partnerships with local businesses.
- Increased focus on mortgage lending.
- Development of wealth management services.
What Threats Does FSRL Face?
- Competition from larger national banks.
- Economic downturns affecting loan demand.
- Regulatory changes impacting banking operations.
- Interest rate fluctuations affecting profitability.
What Are FSRL's Competitive Advantages?
- Strong community relationships provide a loyal customer base.
- Local market expertise allows for tailored financial solutions.
- Established branch network provides a physical presence in key markets.
- Focus on customer service enhances customer retention.
What Does FSRL Do?
Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Florence, South Carolina, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for First Reliance Bank. The bank provides a comprehensive suite of banking products and services tailored to individuals and businesses across the United States. Its offerings include a variety of deposit accounts, such as checking, savings, money market, and individual retirement accounts, alongside certificates of deposit. The company also provides a range of lending options, including personal loans (unsecured, auto, real estate), home equity lines of credit, and business loans (installment, commercial real estate, lines of credit). Beyond traditional banking services, First Reliance Bank offers mortgage loans, debit and credit card services, treasury management, and indirect dealer financing. The bank has invested in technology to offer online, mobile, and business banking platforms, enhancing customer convenience and accessibility. First Reliance Bancshares distinguishes itself through its commitment to community banking, focusing on building strong relationships with its customers and supporting local economic growth. The company's strategy involves balancing traditional banking practices with modern technology to meet the evolving needs of its customer base.
What Products and Services Does FSRL Offer?
- Provides checking, savings, and money market accounts to individuals and businesses.
- Offers personal loans, including auto, real estate, and unsecured loans.
- Provides business loans, including commercial real estate and installment loans.
- Offers mortgage loans for residential properties.
- Provides debit and credit card services.
- Offers online and mobile banking services for convenient access to accounts.
- Provides treasury management services for businesses.
How Does FSRL Make Money?
- Generates revenue through interest income from loans.
- Earns fees from services such as debit and credit card transactions.
- Profits from treasury management services for businesses.
- Gains revenue from mortgage loan origination and servicing.
What Industry Does FSRL Operate In?
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. operates within the competitive regional banking sector. This sector is characterized by institutions that focus on serving local communities and small to medium-sized businesses. The industry is influenced by factors such as interest rate fluctuations, regulatory changes, and technological advancements. Competitors range from large national banks to smaller community banks. First Reliance differentiates itself through its focus on customer relationships and its range of digital banking services. The regional banking sector is expected to see moderate growth, driven by economic expansion and increased demand for loans and financial services.
Who Are FSRL's Key Customers?
- Individuals seeking personal banking services.
- Small to medium-sized businesses requiring commercial banking solutions.
- Mortgage borrowers seeking financing for residential properties.
- Businesses needing treasury management services.
Net buyingInsider Activity
The most recent 12 insider filings for First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. break down as 0 sales and 12 purchases. On net that is roughly 40K shares acquired (about $82K) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.
FSRL Valuation & Market Position
With a $147.99M market cap, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. sits in the micro-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, FSRL's quantitative score of 60/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 54/100.
ROE 14%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. stands at 14.0%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 1.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. FSRL trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 9.15, below the Financial Services sector average of ~18x. Its free cash flow yield is 0.0%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 0.07 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching. Its earnings yield is 10.6%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
F-Score 7/9Financial Health
First Reliance 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 0.19 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. revenue of about $52.1M for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $1.54.
Company Profile
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. operates in the Banks - Regional industry within the Financial Services sector. It is headquartered in Florence, US. The company is led by CEO Fredrick R. Saunders Jr.. FSRL has traded publicly since 2004.
FSRL Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Recent insider buying suggests confidence in the company's future, indicating that leadership believes in its growth potential.
- Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions highlighting the bank's strong customer service and community engagement.
- Analysts are noting an uptick in loan demand, which could signal a healthy growth trajectory for the bank.
- The company has been actively enhancing its digital banking services, aligning with trends that attract younger customers.
Bear Case
- Concerns over rising interest rates have led to skepticism about the bank's profit margins and overall lending environment.
- Negative sentiment has emerged regarding potential regulatory challenges that could impact operational flexibility.
- Recent discussions in the community reflect worries about competition from larger banks, which may overshadow First Reliance's growth prospects.
- The economic landscape remains uncertain, leading to cautious attitudes among investors regarding smaller financial institutions.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
FSRL Latest News
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What Makes First Reliance Bancshares (FSRL) a Good Fit for 'Trend Investing'
zacks.com · May 15, 2026
FSRL Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for FSRL.
Price Targets
Consensus target: $17.00
FSRL MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates FSRL's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Fredrick R. Saunders Jr.
CEO
Fredrick R. Saunders Jr. serves as the CEO of First Reliance Bancshares, Inc., bringing extensive experience in the financial services industry. His career includes various leadership roles in banking, focusing on strategic planning, risk management, and business development. Saunders is known for his expertise in community banking and his commitment to fostering strong customer relationships. His background includes a strong academic foundation in finance and management, providing him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the banking sector.
Track Record: Under Fredrick R. Saunders Jr.'s leadership, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. has focused on expanding its digital banking capabilities and strengthening its community ties. Key achievements include increasing the bank's loan portfolio and improving its operational efficiency. Saunders has also overseen the implementation of new risk management strategies to ensure the bank's stability and compliance. His strategic decisions have contributed to the company's consistent profitability and growth.
FSRL OTC Market Information
The OTC Other tier represents the lowest tier of the OTC market, indicating that First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. may not meet the minimum financial standards or reporting requirements of higher tiers like OTCQX or OTCQB. Companies in this tier may have limited financial disclosure and may not be subject to the same level of regulatory oversight as companies listed on major exchanges like the NYSE or NASDAQ. This tier is often associated with higher risk due to the potential for less transparency and liquidity compared to listed companies.
- OTC Tier: OTC Other
- Disclosure Status: Unknown
- Limited financial disclosure increases the risk of investing in FSRL.
- Low trading volume can lead to price volatility and difficulty in executing trades.
- Lack of regulatory oversight compared to listed companies.
- Potential for fraud or mismanagement due to limited transparency.
- Higher risk of delisting or going out of business.
- Verify the company's financial statements and audit reports.
- Research the background and experience of the management team.
- Assess the company's business model and competitive landscape.
- Review the company's regulatory filings and compliance history.
- Evaluate the company's liquidity and trading volume.
- Understand the risks associated with investing in OTC stocks.
- Consult with a financial advisor before investing.
- Company has been in operation since 1999.
- Operates as a bank holding company for First Reliance Bank.
- Provides a range of banking products and services.
- CEO Fredrick R. Saunders Jr. has experience in the financial services industry.
What Investors Ask About First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL) — Financial Services
What does First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. do?
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc., through its subsidiary First Reliance Bank, provides a range of banking products and services to individuals and businesses in the United States. These services include checking and savings accounts, personal and business loans, mortgage loans, and digital banking solutions. The company operates as a community bank, focusing on building relationships with its customers and supporting local economic growth. First Reliance aims to provide convenient and accessible financial services through its branch network and online platforms.
What are the main risks for FSRL?
The main risks for First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. include competition from larger national banks, economic downturns affecting loan demand and credit quality, regulatory changes impacting banking operations, and interest rate fluctuations affecting profitability. As an OTC-traded company, FSRL faces additional risks related to liquidity, transparency, and regulatory oversight. Effective risk management and strategic planning are crucial for mitigating these risks and ensuring the company's long-term stability.
What are the key factors to evaluate for FSRL?
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL) holds an AI score of 60/100 (moderate). P/E: 9.1x vs the S&P 500's ~20-25x. Analysts target $17.00 (-9%). Not financial advice.
How frequently does FSRL data refresh on this page?
FSRL 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 FSRL's recent stock price performance?
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong community relationships. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider FSRL overvalued or undervalued right now?
First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL) trades at 9.1x earnings. Analysts target $17.00 (-9%) — near fair value. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying FSRL?
Before investing in First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL), 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).
Why might investors consider adding FSRL to a portfolio?
Key strength of First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (FSRL): Strong community relationships. Its MoonshotScore of 60/100 reflects solid quantitative fundamentals. Weigh rewards against risks and diversify. Not financial advice.
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.
- OTC market data may have limited availability and accuracy.
- AI analysis is pending for FSRL.