MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo., July 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: FBSI) (the "Company"), the holding company for Stockmens Bank (the "Bank"), has released its unaudited financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026.

Second Quarter 2026 Performance

The Company reported after-tax net income of $2,136,000, or $0.89 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2026. This compares to $1,824,000, or $0.75 per diluted share, for the same period in 2025, continuing the upward trajectory established throughout 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.

The Company's banking subsidiary, Stockmens Bank, completed the acquisition of a branch in Westcliffe, Colorado, expanding the balance sheet by approximately $51,000,000. The transaction was funded entirely with organic capital, without any debt utilization, a point that is relevant for community banks because acquisitions can otherwise add financing costs or affect capital flexibility.

Key performance metrics for the quarter included:

• Net interest margin: 4.76%, supported primarily by the low cost of funds associated with the acquired deposit portfolio.
• Efficiency ratio: 56%, a slight increase attributable to acquisition-related expenses.
• After-tax return on average assets: Exceeded 1.37%.
• After-tax return on average equity: Exceeded 12.38%.

These ratios showed modest declines due to the addition of acquired assets. However, the Company indicated it expects results to continue improving as the acquired branch is integrated into the existing franchise. For readers tracking bank performance, the integration of acquired deposits and the cost of operating the expanded branch network are among the practical factors that can influence future margin and efficiency trends.

Balance Sheet Growth Since June 30, 2025

Year-over-year changes through June 30, 2026, included:

• Total assets rose 19.20% to $648.5 million.
• Loan balances increased 23.03% to $547.9 million.
• Deposit portfolio grew 20.62% to $564.9 million, reflecting both acquired deposits that added liquidity and strong organic quarter-over-quarter growth.
• Stockholders' equity advanced 11.08% to $69.2 million, driven by the robust organic earnings described above.

The Bank continues to execute its strategic growth plan, leveraging strong operating results across all fundamental performance indicators. The addition of the de novo branch in Hugo, Colorado, together with the acquired Westcliffe branch, has expanded liquidity, contributed to earnings, and enhanced franchise value — all while the organization continues to self-capitalize for future strategic opportunities.

Stockmens Bank meets all regulatory requirements for "well-capitalized" status. In bank regulation, that designation is an important capital benchmark and is commonly used to assess whether an institution has capital levels above minimum regulatory thresholds.

About the Company

First Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Stockmens Bank, an FDIC-insured Colorado state-chartered commercial bank. Its home office is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with full-service offices in Hugo, Akron, and Westcliffe, Colorado; Bartley, Nebraska; and eight Missouri locations: Mountain Grove, Marshfield, Ava, Kissee Mills, Gainesville, Crane, Hartville, and Springfield.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, Stockmens Bank, may from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements in reports to shareholders and other communications. These statements are made in good faith pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Forward-looking statements include the Company's beliefs, expectations, estimates, and intentions regarding future operating results; customer growth and retention; loan and other product demand; earnings growth and expectations; new products and services; credit quality and adequacy of reserves; results of examinations by bank regulators; technology; and employees. These statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and may change based on various factors, some beyond the Company's control.

Factors that could cause financial performance to differ materially from expectations include: the strength of the U.S. economy in general and the local economies where the Company operates; trade, monetary, and fiscal policy and legislative changes, including interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board; inflation, interest rate, market, and monetary fluctuations; the timely development and market acceptance of new products and services; changes in financial services laws and regulations; technological changes; acquisitions; shifts in consumer spending and savings habits; and the Company's success in managing and collecting assets of borrowers in default.

The foregoing list is not exhaustive. The Company does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral.

Contact: Robert M. Alexander, Chairman and CEO — (719) 955-2800