20:25:42 EDT Wed 22 Jul 2026
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First Reliance Bancshares Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results

2026-07-22 16:15 ET - News Release

First Reliance Bancshares Reports Second Quarter 2026 Results

PR Newswire

FLORENCE, S.C., July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX:FSRL), the holding company for First Reliance Bank (collectively, "First Reliance" or the "Company"), today announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2026.

Second Quarter 2026 Highlights

  • Net income decreased 23.2% for the second quarter of 2026 to $2.8 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, compared to $3.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025. For the six months ended June 30, 2026, net income totaled $6.2 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, compared to $5.3 million, or $0.63 per diluted share for the same period in 2025. Operating earnings (Non-GAAP) were $3.1 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2026, compared to $2.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2025. For the first half of 2026, operating earnings (Non-GAAP) totaled $6.3 million or $0.77 per diluted share, compared to $3.9 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the first half of 2025.
  • Book value per share rose $1.67, or 15.5%, to $12.47 at June 30, 2026, from $10.80 at June 30, 2025. Tangible book value per share (Non-GAAP) increased $1.67, or 15.6%, to $12.38 from $10.71 over the same period.
  • Net interest income totaled $9.9 million for the second quarter of 2026, up $762 thousand, or 8.4%, from the same quarter in 2025 and up $348 thousand, or 3.7%, from the first quarter of 2026.
  • Net interest margin decreased during the second quarter of 2026 to 3.74%, compared to 3.77% in the first quarter of 2026, and increased 21 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2025.
  • Total loans held for investment increased $19.5 million, or 9.8% annualized, to $820.7 million at June 30, 2026, from $801.2 million at March 31, 2026. Total loan growth for 2026 totaled $40.8 million, or 10.6% annualized.
  • Unfunded commitments declined $3.1 million during the quarter, primarily due to construction loans. As a result, the unfunded commitment reserve decreased $99 thousand to $629 thousand from $728 thousand at March 31, 2026.
  • Total deposits were $920.3 million at June 30, 2026, down $8.7 million, or 3.8% annualized, from $929.0 million at March 31, 2026.
  • Asset quality remained strong as nonperforming assets declined to $626 thousand, or 0.06% of total assets, at June 30, 2026, compared with $2.1 million, or 0.19% of total assets, at March 31, 2026. The decrease was primarily due to the full collection of one loan.
  • In June 2026, the Company announced a partnership with Colony Bank (CBAN), headquartered in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, with systems conversion planned for the second quarter of 2027. Based on each company's total assets at June 30, 2026, the combined company will have nearly $5.0 billion in total assets.

Rick Saunders, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Tangible book value per share increased $1.67, or 15.6%, over the past year to $12.38. Loans grew $19.5 million, or 9.8% annualized, during the second quarter of 2026, while net interest margin expanded 21 basis points year over year to 3.74%. Asset quality remained strong, as nonperforming assets declined significantly following the payoff of our largest nonperforming loan. We were also pleased with our announced partnership with Colony Bank and look forward to joining a team that shares our commitment to exceptional customer service and support for the South Carolina communities that we serve."

Financial Summary

                                                          
 
 
  Three Months Ended                                                     Six Months Ended


                                                                 Jun 30              Mar 31   Dec 31    Sep 30     Jun 30      Jun 30                     Jun 30



 ($ in thousands, except per share data)                          2026                 2026      2025       2025        2025         2026                        2025



 
          
            Earnings:



 Net income available to common shareholders                    $2,807               $3,436    $2,926     $2,714      $3,653       $6,243                      $5,266



 Operating earnings (Non-GAAP)                                   3,089                3,233     2,852      2,714       2,248        6,322                       3,913



 Earnings per common share, diluted (GAAP)                        0.34                 0.41      0.36       0.33        0.44         0.76                        0.63



 Operating earnings per common share, diluted (Non-GAAP)          0.38                 0.39      0.35       0.33        0.27         0.77                        0.47



 Total revenue(1)                                               12,803               13,025    12,353     12,238      13,920       25,828                      25,078



 Net interest margin                                            3.74 %              3.77 %   3.71 %    3.66 %     3.53 %      3.76 %                     3.54 %



 Return on average assets(2)                                    1.00 %              1.25 %   1.06 %    0.99 %     1.32 %      1.12 %                     0.97 %



 Return on average assets - Operating Non-GAAP(2)               1.10 %              1.18 %   1.03 %    0.99 %     0.81 %      1.14 %                     0.72 %



 Return on average equity(2)                                   11.58 %             14.53 %  12.83 %   12.55 %    17.84 %     13.04 %                    13.14 %



 Return on average equity - Operating Non-GAAP(2)              12.75 %             13.67 %  12.51 %   12.55 %    10.98 %     13.20 %                     9.76 %



 Efficiency ratio(3)                                           71.44 %             64.84 %  71.08 %   69.61 %    64.61 %     68.11 %                    69.46 %



 Adjusted efficiency ratio - Non-GAAP(3)                       68.67 %             66.16 %  71.59 %   69.61 %    74.03 %     67.42 %                    74.52 %

                                                                              
  
 As of


                                                              Jun 30     Mar 31        Dec 31    Sep 30     Jun 30



          ($ in thousands)                                      2026       2026           2025       2025        2025



          
            Balance Sheet:



          Total assets                                    $1,126,912 $1,118,388     $1,093,359 $1,097,846  $1,102,203



          Total loans receivable                             820,741    801,243        779,935    779,997     784,749



          Total deposits                                     920,329    929,045        948,120    959,300     950,339



          Total transaction deposits(4) to total deposits    38.29 %   36.83 %       36.59 %   40.68 %    39.50 %



          Loans to deposits                                  89.18 %   86.24 %       82.26 %   81.31 %    82.58 %



          
            Bank Capital Ratios:



          Total risk-based capital ratio                     14.26 %   14.15 %       13.82 %   13.58 %    12.88 %



          Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio                    13.16 %   13.04 %       12.72 %   12.48 %    11.84 %



          Tier 1 leverage ratio                              10.53 %   10.53 %       10.16 %    9.94 %     9.74 %



          Common equity tier 1 capital ratio                 13.16 %   13.04 %       12.72 %   12.48 %    11.84 %



          
            Asset Quality Ratios:



          Nonperforming assets as a percentage of             0.06 %    0.19 %        0.23 %    0.03 %     0.02 %
   total assets



          Allowance for credit losses as a percentage         1.14 %    1.14 %        1.13 %    1.12 %     1.09 %
of total loans receivable



          Annualized net charge-offs as a percentage        (0.00 %)  (0.01 %)      (0.03 %)    0.02 %     0.03 %
of average total loan receivables

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - Unaudited

                                                                                        
       
 Three Months Ended                                Six Months Ended


                                                                                 Jun 30 Mar 31             Dec 31    Sep 30     Jun 30                      Jun 30



         ($ in thousands, except per share data)                                  2026    2026                2025       2025        2025       2026            2025



         
            Interest income



         Loans                                                                 $12,252 $11,534             $11,518    $11,842     $11,657    $23,786         $22,950



         Investment securities                                                   2,292   2,413               2,302      2,300       2,145      4,705           4,311



         Other interest income                                                     307     189                 406        323         505        496             823



         Total interest income                                                  14,851  14,136              14,226     14,465      14,307     28,987          28,084



         
            Interest expense



         Deposits                                                                4,065   3,930               4,215      4,536       4,703      7,995           9,171



         Other interest expense                                                    915     683                 393        476         495      1,598           1,039



         Total interest expense                                                  4,980   4,613               4,608      5,012       5,198      9,593          10,210



         Net interest income                                                     9,871   9,523               9,618      9,453       9,109     19,394          17,874



         Provision for credit losses                                               123     175                  76         90          88        298             795



         Net interest income after provision for credit losses                   9,748   9,348               9,542      9,363       9,021     19,096          17,079



         
            Noninterest income



         Mortgage banking income                                                 1,764   2,103               1,405      1,577       1,586      3,867           2,937



         Service fees on deposit accounts                                          361     366                 405        412         299        727             618



         Debit card and other service charges,                                     528     506                 527        531         543      1,034           1,072
  commissions, and fees



         Income from bank owned life insurance                                     107     104                 107        108         104        211             206



         Loss on sale of securities, net                                                  (6)              (294)                            (6)          (182)



         Gain on sale of branches                                                                                               2,313                     2,313



         Gain on sale of mortgage servicing right (MSR)                                   266                                                266



         Gain on early extinguishment of debt                                                                                                              140



         Gain (loss) on disposal /write down of fixed assets                                                 382                 (200)                    (200)



         Other income                                                              172     163                 203        157         166        335             300



         Total noninterest income                                                2,932   3,502               2,735      2,785       4,811      6,434           7,204



         
            Noninterest expense



         Compensation and benefits                                               5,726   5,447               5,499      5,431       5,574     11,173          10,855



         Occupancy and equipment                                                   724     796                 725        736         770      1,520           1,561



         Data processing, technology, and communications                         1,315   1,218               1,216      1,061       1,143      2,533           2,299



         Professional fees                                                         144      77                  85        195         248        221             401



         Marketing                                                                  65      96                  71        155         175        161             298



         Other                                                                   1,172     812               1,185        941       1,083      1,984           2,006



         Total noninterest expense                                               9,146   8,446               8,781      8,519       8,993     17,592          17,420



         
            Income before provision for income taxes                   3,534   4,404               3,496      3,629       4,839      7,938           6,863



         Income tax expense                                                        727     968                 570        915       1,186      1,695           1,597



         
            Net income available to common shareholders               $2,807  $3,436              $2,926     $2,714      $3,653     $6,243          $5,266



         (Subtract gain) / addback loss on fixed assets, net of tax                                        (320)                  151                       151



         Subtract gain on sale of branches, net of tax                                                                        (1,746)                  (1,746)



         Subtract gain on sale of MSR, net of tax                                       (208)                                             (208)



         Subtract gain on early extinguishment of debt, net of tax                                                                                       (111)



         Addback expenses related to merger/branch sale, net of tax                282                                             190        282             208



         Addback securities losses, net of tax                                              5                 246                               5             145



         
            Operating net income (non-GAAP)                           $3,089  $3,233              $2,852     $2,714      $2,248     $6,322          $3,913



         Weighted average common shares - basic                                  7,784   7,866               7,745      7,902       7,892      7,825           7,880



         Weighted average common shares - diluted                                8,210   8,302               8,218      8,349       8,350      8,259           8,342



         
            Basic net income per common share*                         $0.36   $0.44               $0.38      $0.34       $0.46      $0.80           $0.67



         
            Diluted net income per common share*                       $0.34   $0.41               $0.36      $0.33       $0.44      $0.76           $0.63



         
            Operating basic net income per common share (nonGAAP)*     $0.40   $0.41               $0.37      $0.34       $0.28      $0.81           $0.50



         
            Operating diluted net income per common share (nonGAAP)*   $0.38   $0.39               $0.35      $0.33       $0.27      $0.77           $0.47

*Note that the sum of the quarters may not equal the YTD result due to rounding of earnings per share each quarter, given the weighted average shares outstanding basic and/or diluted.

Footnotes to table located at the end of this release.

Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2026, was $2.8 million, or $0.34 per diluted common share, compared to $3.7 million, or $0.44 per diluted common share, for the three months ended June 30, 2025. Operating net income (Non-GAAP), for the three months ended June 30, 2026, was $3.1 million, or $0.38 per diluted common share, compared to $2.2 million, or $0.27 per diluted common share for the three months ended June 30, 2025. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2026, totaled $6.2 million, or $0.76 per diluted common share, compared to $5.3 million, or $0.63 per diluted common share, at June 30, 2025. On an operating basis, diluted EPS (Non-GAAP) was $0.77 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2026, which includes adding back the impact of securities losses, net of tax, subtracting the gain on the sale of mortgage servicing rights, net of tax, and adding back the impact of merger related expenses, net of tax. The items affecting June 30, 2025, net of tax, include the following: the addback of loss on fixed asset write downs, adding back the impact of expenses related to the branch sales, adding back securities losses, offset by subtracting the gain recognized on the sale of branches and the gain from the early extinguishment of debt, which resulted in $0.47 per diluted common share, for the six months ended June 30, 2025.

Noninterest income, for the three months ended June 30, 2026, was $2.9 million, a decrease of $1.9 million from $4.8 million for the same period in 2025. Mortgage banking income totaled $1.8 million in the second quarter of 2026 compared to $1.6 million in the second quarter of 2025. In the second quarter of 2025, the Company sold its two branches in NC recognizing a gain of $2.3 million and wrote down a parcel of land by $200 thousand.

For the six months ended June 30, 2026, noninterest income decreased $770 thousand compared with the same period in 2025. The decline was due to the $2.3 million gain on the sale of branches and the $140 thousand gain on early debt extinguishment recognized in 2025. These two items were partially offset by a $930 thousand increase in mortgage banking income, a $266 thousand gain on the sale of mortgage servicing rights, a $109 thousand increase in deposit account service fees, no fixed-asset write-down in 2026, and a $176 thousand reduction in losses on securities sold.

Noninterest expense was $9.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2026, up $152 thousand from $9.0 million for the same period in 2025. The increase was driven by a $152 thousand rise in compensation and benefits, primarily due to higher incentives and mortgage commissions, partially offset by lower salaries, payroll taxes, and insurance benefits. All other expense categories offset one another.

Noninterest expense was $17.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, up $172 thousand from the prior-year period. The increase was primarily driven by a $318 thousand rise in compensation and benefits related to mortgage commissions, incentives, and stock compensation expense, partially offset by lower salaries, payroll taxes, and benefits. Data processing, technology, and communications expense increased $234 thousand. These increases were partially offset by a $137 thousand decrease in marketing expense and $181 thousand decrease in professional fees related to FDICIA compliance audit and legal costs.

Operating adjustments - 2Q 2026

During the second quarter of 2026, the Company announced the partnership with Colony Bank (CBAN) headquartered in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The Company incurred $354 thousand of merger related expenses.

Operating adjustments - 1Q 2026

During the first quarter of 2026, the Company sold mortgage servicing rights (MSRs) related to approximately $565.9 million of underlying mortgage loans for an initial gain of $266 thousand, net of direct expenses. The Company also sold securities at a net loss of $6 thousand.

Operating adjustments - 4Q 2025

During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company sold a property in Florence which resulted in a gain of $382 thousand and sold five securities resulting in a net loss of $294 thousand.

There were no operating adjustments in 3Q 2025.

Operating adjustments - 2Q 2025

During the second quarter of 2025, the Company sold the two North Carolina locations to Carter Bank from Virginia. This sale resulted in a gain of $2.3 million on the deposits assumed by Carter Bank, before expenses. Expenses directly related to the branches sold totaled $252 thousand in the second quarter of 2025. Operating net income reflects the removal of these two items. Total deposits assumed by Carter Bank were $55.9 million. No loans were acquired in this transaction by Carter Bank.

Additionally, the Company wrote down a parcel of land in North Charleston by $200 thousand. This parcel is currently under contract to be sold. Operating net income reflects the add back of this item, net of tax, totaling $151 thousand.

NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN - Unaudited- QTD

                                                                                                                 
 
          For the  Three Months Ended


                                                                                        
  June 30, 2026                
          March 31, 2026                    
          June 30, 2025


                                                                              
    Average      Income/  Yield/        Average              Income/       Yield/        Average              Income/      Yield/



          ($ in thousands)                                                   
    Balance      Expense   Rate         Balance              Expense        Rate         Balance              Expense       Rate



          
            Assets



          Interest-earning assets



          Federal funds sold and interest-                                        $31,859          $261   3.28 %        $23,893                  $166        2.82 %        $46,216                  $478       4.15 %
bearing deposits



          Investment securities                                                   194,063         2,292   4.74 %        197,798                 2,413        4.95 %        186,573                 2,145       4.61 %



          Nonmarketable equity securities                                           4,147            46   4.49 %          2,994                    24        3.21 %          1,665                    28       6.65 %



          Loans held for sale                                                      16,354           318   7.80 %         10,469                   163        6.34 %         16,269                   353       8.70 %



          Loans                                                                   811,650        11,934   5.90 %        788,645                11,370        5.85 %        783,489                11,304       5.79 %



          Total interest-earning assets                                         1,058,073        14,851   5.63 %      1,023,799                14,136        5.60 %      1,034,212                14,307       5.55 %



          Allowance for credit losses                                             (9,181)                             (8,886)                                          (8,652)



          Noninterest-earning assets                                               78,237                               82,451                                            80,987



          Total assets                                                         $1,127,129                           $1,097,364                                        $1,106,547





          
            Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity



          Interest-bearing liabilities



          NOW accounts                                                           $101,523          $163   0.64 %        $94,858                  $155        0.66 %       $158,726                  $242       0.61 %



          Savings & money market                                                  429,446         2,679   2.50 %        429,693                 2,612        2.47 %        435,548                 3,127       2.88 %



          Time deposits                                                           152,404         1,223   3.22 %        153,746                 1,163        3.07 %        158,378                 1,334       3.38 %


                              
               Total interest-bearing deposits      683,373         4,065   2.39 %        678,297                 3,930        2.35 %        752,652                 4,703       2.51 %



          FHLB advances and other borrowings                                       69,780           673   3.87 %         45,861                   439        3.88 %         17,913                   191       4.29 %



          Subordinated debentures                                                  19,799           242   4.90 %         19,791                   244        5.00 %         23,228                   304       5.25 %



          Total interest-bearing liabilities                                      772,952         4,980   2.58 %        743,949                 4,613        2.51 %        793,793                 5,198       2.63 %



          Noninterest bearing deposits                                            244,109                              246,142                                           217,979



          Other liabilities                                                        13,139                               12,659                                            12,885



          Shareholders' equity                                                     96,929                               94,614                                            81,890



          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity                           $1,127,129                           $1,097,364                                        $1,106,547





          Net interest income (tax equivalent) / interest                                       $9,871   3.05 %                              $9,523        3.09 %                              $9,109       2.92 %
  rate spread



          Net Interest Margin                                                                           3.74 %                                           3.77 %                                          3.53 %





          Cost of funds, including noninterest-bearing deposits                                         1.96 %                                           1.89 %                                          2.06 %

Net interest income for the three months ended June 30, 2026, was $9.9 million, compared with $9.1 million for the same period in 2025. The increase reflected a $544 thousand rise in interest income and a $218 thousand decrease in interest expense. Net interest margin improved to 3.74% from 3.53% a year earlier. Loans and securities generated the largest increases in both income and yields compared with the prior year, while lower yields on most interest-bearing liabilities, excluding NOW accounts, also contributed to the margin improvement. In addition, the total cost of funds, including noninterest-bearing deposits, decreased to 1.96% in the second quarter of 2026, compared to 2.06% in the second quarter of 2025.

NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN - Unaudited - YTD

                                                                                 
       
     For the Six Months Ended


                                                                        
  June 30, 2026                            
        June 30, 2025


                                                                   Average      Income/    Yield/                  Average            Income/    Yield/



          ($ in thousands)                                        Balance      Expense     Rate                   Balance            Expense     Rate



          
            Assets



          Interest-earning assets



          Federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits        $27,898          $427     3.08 %                  $39,262                $769     3.95 %



          Investment securities                                   195,921         4,704     4.84 %                  183,408               4,311     4.74 %



          Nonmarketable equity securities                           3,574            70     3.95 %                    1,676                  54     6.45 %



          Loans held for sale                                      13,428           482     7.24 %                   17,937                 717     8.06 %



          Loans                                                   800,211        23,304     5.87 %                  776,521              22,233     5.77 %



          Total interest-earning assets                         1,041,032        28,987     5.62 %                1,018,804              28,084     5.56 %



          Allowance for credit losses                             (9,035)                                         (8,593)



          Noninterest-earning assets                               80,332                                           80,765



          Total assets                                         $1,112,329                                       $1,090,976





          
            Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity



          Interest-bearing liabilities



          NOW accounts                                            $98,209          $318     0.65 %                 $152,565                $473     0.62 %



          Savings & money market                                  429,569         5,291     2.48 %                  427,502               5,998     2.83 %



          Time deposits                                           153,071         2,386     3.14 %                  157,773               2,700     3.45 %



          Total interest-bearing deposits                         680,849         7,995     2.37 %                  737,840               9,171     2.51 %



          FHLB advances and other borrowings                       57,887         1,112     3.88 %                   18,732                 404     4.35 %



          Subordinated debentures                                  19,795           486     4.95 %                   24,111                 635     5.31 %



          Total interest-bearing liabilities                      758,531         9,593     2.55 %                  780,683              10,210     2.64 %



          Noninterest bearing deposits                            245,120                                          217,556



          Other liabilities                                        12,900                                           12,585



          Shareholders' equity                                     95,778                                           80,152



          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity           $1,112,329                                       $1,090,976





          Net interest income (tax equivalent) / interest                      $19,394     3.07 %                                     $17,874     2.92 %
  rate spread



          Net Interest Margin                                                             3.76 %                                                3.54 %





          Cost of funds,including noninterest bearing deposits                            1.93 %                                                2.06 %

Net interest income was $19.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2026, an increase of $1.5 million from $17.9 million for the same period in 2025. Net interest margin rose year over year to 3.76% from 3.54%. Yields improved on investment securities and loans, while yields declined across all interest-bearing liability categories except NOW accounts. The total cost of funds, including noninterest-bearing deposits, decreased to 1.93% from 2.06% in 2025.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - Unaudited

                                                                                 
 
 As of


                                                                 Jun 30    Mar 31       Dec 31    Sep 30     Jun 30



          ($ in thousands)                                        2026       2026          2025       2025        2025



          
            Assets



          Cash and cash equivalents:



          Cash and due from banks                               $4,036     $4,236        $4,031     $5,072      $4,066



          Interest-bearing deposits with banks                  22,991     26,477        28,101     26,695      29,487



          Total cash and cash equivalents                       27,027     30,713        32,132     31,767      33,553



          Investment securities:



          Investment securities available for sale             188,825    200,886       196,043    199,674     194,136



          Other investments                                      4,400      3,682         1,764      1,527       2,497



          Total investment securities                          193,225    204,568       197,807    201,201     196,633



          Mortgage loans held for sale                          18,135     15,636        12,280     13,336      14,944



          Loans receivable:



          Loans                                                820,741    801,243       779,935    779,997     784,749



          Less allowance for credit losses                     (9,334)   (9,105)      (8,827)   (8,741)    (8,535)



          Loans receivable, net                                811,407    792,138       771,108    771,256     776,214



          Property and equipment, net                           24,321     24,454        24,348     23,313      22,469



          Mortgage servicing rights                              9,481      8,728        14,656     14,421      14,093



          Bank owned life insurance                             19,240     19,134        19,029     18,922      18,815



          Deferred income taxes                                  6,944      6,438         6,117      6,221       6,510



          Other assets                                          17,132     16,579        15,882     17,409      18,972



          Total assets                                      $1,126,912  1,118,388     1,093,359  1,097,846   1,102,203



          
            Liabilities



          Deposits                                            $920,329   $929,045      $948,120   $959,300    $950,339



          Federal Home Loan Bank advances                       75,000     60,000        20,000     15,000      32,500



          Federal funds and repurchase agreements                                                              207



          Subordinated debentures                                9,492      9,484         9,476      9,469       9,461



          Junior subordinated debentures                        10,310     10,310        10,310     10,310      10,310



          Reserve for unfunded commitments                         629        728           822        767         925



          Other liabilities                                     12,736     12,937        11,565     13,498      12,560



          Total liabilities                                  1,028,496  1,022,504     1,000,293  1,008,344   1,016,302



          
            Shareholders' equity



          Preferred stock - Series D non-cumulative, no par          1          1             1          1           1
  value



          Common Stock - $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares          89         89            88         88          88
  authorized



          Treasury stock, at cost                              (8,635)   (8,536)      (8,085)   (7,883)    (6,654)



          Nonvested restricted stock                           (1,241)   (1,592)      (1,949)   (2,359)    (2,536)



          Additional paid-in capital                            57,041     57,026        56,869     56,931      56,708



          Retained earnings                                     56,821     54,014        50,578     47,652      44,937



          Accumulated other comprehensive loss                 (5,660)   (5,118)      (4,436)   (4,928)    (6,643)



          Total shareholders' equity                            98,416     95,884        93,066     89,502      85,901



          Total liabilities and shareholders' equity        $1,126,912 $1,118,388    $1,093,359 $1,097,846  $1,102,203

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $27.0 million at June 30, 2026, compared with $30.7 million at March 31, 2026. Cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank was $22.4 million, compared with $26.3 million at March 31, 2026.

First Reliance had no held-to-maturity (HTM) securities for any reported period. All debt securities were classified as available-for-sale (AFS), with balances of $188.8 million at June 30, 2026, and $194.1 million at June 30, 2025. The unrealized loss on these securities was $7.5 million at June 30, 2026, compared with $6.8 million at March 31, 2026, an increase of $700 thousand before taxes during the second quarter of 2026.

Deposits decreased $8.7 million, or 3.8% annualized, as of June 30, 2026, primarily due to lower money market account balances. The decline was partially offset by increases in noninterest-bearing deposits, DDA and NOW accounts, and time deposits under $250 thousand. See the table on page 10 for details.

The Company had $75.0 million in outstanding borrowings with the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Atlanta at June 30, 2026, up from $60.0 million at March 31, 2026. The Company had remaining credit availability in excess of $245.0 million with the FHLB of Atlanta, subject to collateral requirements.

First Reliance also has access to approximately $17.9 million through the Federal Reserve Bank discount window with posted collateral. There are currently no borrowings against the Federal Reserve Bank discount window.

COMMON STOCK SUMMARY - Unaudited

                                                              As of


                                              Jun 30  Mar 31  Dec 31   Sep 30    Jun 30



          (shares in thousands)                2026     2026     2025      2025       2025



          Voting common shares outstanding    8,905    8,896    8,804     8,794      8,787



          Treasury shares outstanding       (1,010) (1,003)   (972)    (954)     (830)



            Total common shares outstanding   7,895    7,893    7,832     7,840      7,957





          Book value per common share        $12.47   $12.15   $11.88    $11.42     $10.80



          Tangible book value per common     $12.38   $12.06   $11.79    $11.33     $10.71
share - Non-GAAP(5)





          
            Stock price:



            High                             $18.75   $16.03   $13.70    $10.21     $10.00



            Low                              $13.03   $12.00   $10.00     $9.36      $9.00



            Period end                       $18.43   $13.90   $12.26    $10.10      $9.60

ASSET QUALITY MEASURES - Unaudited

                                                                          
   
        As of


                                                           Jun 30   Mar 31                Dec 31          Sep 30       Jun 30



 ($ in thousands)                                           2026      2026                   2025             2025          2025



 
            Nonperforming Assets



 
            Commercial



 Owner occupied RE                                          $332    $1,357                 $1,573              $36           $39



 Non-owner occupied RE



 Construction



 Commercial business                                          24        27                     31               38            43



 
            Consumer



 Real estate                                                 208        69                     36              226            39



 Home equity



 Construction



 Other                                                        62        65                     71               69            84



 Nonaccruing loan modifications



 Total nonaccrual loans                                     $626    $1,518                 $1,711             $369          $205



 Loans past due 90 days or more & accruing interest                  $592                   $744  
 $           -



 Other assets repossessed                                                                     6



 Total nonperforming assets                                 $626    $2,110                 $2,461             $369          $205



 Nonperforming assets as a percentage of:



 Total assets                                             0.06 %   0.19 %                0.23 %          0.03 %       0.02 %



 Total loans receivable                                   0.08 %   0.26 %                0.32 %          0.05 %       0.03 %



 Accruing loan modifications                                $526      $555                   $668             $683          $797




                                                                   
        
   Three Months Ended


                                                           Jun 30   Mar 31                Dec 31          Sep 30       Jun 30



 ($ in thousands)                                           2026      2026                   2025             2025          2025



 
            Allowance for Credit Losses



 Balance, beginning of period                             $9,105    $8,827                 $8,741           $8,535        $8,654



 Loans charged-off                                            10         8                     15               48           110



 Recoveries of loans previously charged-off                   17        17                     80                6            57



 Net charge-offs (recoveries)                                (7)      (9)                  (65)              42            53



 Provision for credit losses                                 222       269                     21              248          (66)



 Balance, end of period                                   $9,334    $9,105                 $8,827           $8,741        $8,535



 Allowance for credit losses to gross loans receivable    1.14 %   1.14 %                1.13 %          1.12 %       1.09 %



 Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans       1491.67 % 599.78 %              515.87 %       2368.83 %    4163.41 %

Asset quality improved in the second quarter of 2026, as nonperforming assets declined to $626 thousand, or 0.06% of total assets, primarily due to the payoff of one nonaccrual loan. The allowance for credit losses was 1.14% of total loans receivable at June 30, 2026, unchanged from March 31, 2026, and up from 1.09% at June 30, 2025. During the second quarter of 2026, the allowance increased $229 thousand, reflecting a $222 thousand provision for credit losses and $7 thousand in net recoveries. In the second quarter of 2025, the Company recorded $53 thousand in net charge-offs and reduced the allowance through a $66 thousand provision for credit losses. The allowance was 1.09% of total loans at June 30, 2025.

Footnotes to table located at the end of this release.

LOAN COMPOSITION - Unaudited

                                    
 
 
   As of


                                            Jun 30  Mar 31  Dec 31   Sep 30    Jun 30



 ($ in thousands)                            2026     2026     2025      2025       2025



 Commercial real estate                  $480,996 $475,483 $466,293  $471,002   $483,278



 Consumer real estate                     251,864  238,369  230,379   220,767    223,310



 Commercial and industrial                 78,375   76,142   71,212    71,802     61,255



 Consumer and other                         9,506   11,249   12,051    16,426     16,906



 Total loans, net of deferred fees        820,741  801,243  779,935   779,997    784,749



 Less allowance for credit losses           9,334    9,105    8,827     8,741      8,535



 Total loans, net                        $811,407 $792,138 $771,108  $771,256   $776,214

DEPOSIT COMPOSITION - Unaudited

                                           
 
 As of


                             Jun 30  Mar 31       Dec 31   Sep 30    Jun 30



 ($ in thousands)             2026     2026          2025      2025       2025



 Noninterest-bearing      $249,674 $247,577      $254,618  $292,107   $219,352



 Interest-bearing:



 DDA and NOW accounts      102,681   94,579        92,310    98,135    156,062



 Money market accounts     368,363  394,279       419,683   360,621    379,078



 Savings                    35,206   36,168        37,416    38,279     38,995



 Time, less than $250,000  120,402  103,678       104,671   126,195    125,607



 Time, $250,000 and over    44,003   52,764        39,422    43,963     31,245



 Total deposits           $920,329 $929,045      $948,120  $959,300   $950,339

Footnotes to tables:

(1) Total revenue is the sum of net interest income and noninterest income.
(2) Annualized for the respective period.
(3) Noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income.
(4) Includes noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing DDA and NOW accounts.
(5) The tangible book value per share is calculated as total shareholders' equity less intangible assets, divided by period-end outstanding common shares.

ABOUT FIRST RELIANCE

Founded in 1999, First Reliance Bancshares, Inc. (OTCQX: FSRL), is based in Florence, South Carolina and has assets of approximately $1.13 billion. The Company employs approximately 160 professionals and has locations throughout South Carolina. First Reliance has redefined community banking with a commitment to making customers' lives better, its founding principle. Customers of the Company have given it a 92% customer satisfaction rating, well above the bank industry average of 82%. First Reliance is also one of two companies throughout South Carolina to receive the Best Places to Work in South Carolina award all 20 years since the program began. We believe that this recognition confirms that our associates are engaged and committed to our brand and the communities we serve. The Company offers a full range of personalized community banking products and services for individuals, small businesses, and corporations. The Company also offers a full suite of digital banking services, Treasury Services, a Customer Service Guaranty, a Mortgage Service Guaranty, and First Reliance Wealth Strategies.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this news release contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, such as statements relating to future plans and expectations, and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements that are not historical facts, and other statements identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "targets," and "projects," as well as similar expressions. Such statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although we believe that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, we can give no assurance that the results contemplated in the forward-looking statements will be realized. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be construed as a representation by the Company or any person that the future events, plans, or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements: (1) competitive pressures among depository and other financial institutions may increase significantly and have an effect on pricing, spending, third-party relationships and revenues; (2) the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations may be different than expected resulting in, among other things, a deterioration in the credit quality or a reduced demand for credit, including the resultant effect on the Company's loan portfolio and allowance for credit losses; (3) the rate of delinquencies and amounts of charge-offs, the level of allowance for credit loss, the rates of loan growth, or adverse changes in asset quality in our loan portfolio, which may result in increased credit risk-related losses and expenses; (4) the risk that the preliminary financial information reported herein and our current preliminary analysis will be different when our review is finalized; (5) changes in the U.S. legal and regulatory framework including, but not limited to, the Dodd-Frank Act and regulations adopted thereunder; (6) adverse conditions in the stock market, the public debt market and other capital markets (including changes in interest rate conditions) could have a negative impact on the Company, including the value of its MSR asset; (7) the business related to acquisitions may not be integrated successfully or such integration may take longer to accomplish than expected; (8) the expected cost savings and any revenue synergies from acquisitions may not be fully realized within expected timeframes; and (9) disruption from acquisitions may make it more difficult to maintain relationships with clients, associates or suppliers. Moreover, a trade war or other governmental action related to tariffs or international trade agreements or policies, as well as other potential epidemics or pandemics, have the potential to negatively impact ours and/or our customers' costs, demand for our customers' products, and/or the U.S. economy or certain sectors thereof and, thus, adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements concerning the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements above. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

Contact:
Robert Haile
SEVP & Chief Financial Officer
(843) 656-5000
rhaile@firstreliance.com

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SOURCE First Reliance Bancshares, Inc.

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