LEXINGTON, S.C. - First Community Corporation (NASDAQ:FCCO), the holding company for First Community Bank, disclosed its financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2024, showcasing robust growth and continued financial health. The company's stock has demonstrated strong momentum, with a 34% return over the past year and currently trades near its 52-week high of $26.48. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears fairly valued based on its Fair Value assessment.
The company reported a net income of $4.232 million for the fourth quarter, marking an increase from the $3.297 million in the same period the previous year. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter were $0.55, up from $0.43 in the fourth quarter of 2023. For the full year, net income reached $13.955 million with a diluted EPS of $1.81, compared to $11.843 million and $1.55 respectively in 2023. Trading at a P/E ratio of 14.4x, three analysts have revised their earnings estimates upward for the upcoming period, as revealed by InvestingPro data.
Deposits saw a significant increase, with total deposits growing by $164.9 million, or 10.9%, over the year, and $31.8 million, or 1.9%, in the fourth quarter alone. Excluding brokered certificates of deposit (CDs), the growth rate was even higher, at 13.8% for the year.
Loan growth also remained strong, with an increase of $86.5 million, or 7.6%, throughout 2024, and $23.9 million, or 2.0%, in the fourth quarter. The bank's asset quality metrics remained excellent, with net charge-offs of $65 thousand and non-performing assets at 0.04% at year-end.
The bank's investment advisory services reported revenue of $1.720 million for the fourth quarter and $6.181 million for the full year. Assets under management (AUM) increased to $926.0 million as of December 31, 2024, up from $755.4 million at the end of 2023.
A cash dividend of $0.15 per common share was declared for the fourth quarter, maintaining the company's record of 92 consecutive quarters of cash dividends. Additionally, the company has a share repurchase plan in place, with no shares repurchased under the plan as of yet. InvestingPro data shows the company has maintained dividend payments for 23 consecutive years, with a current dividend yield of 2.48% and a 7.14% dividend growth rate over the last year.
The bank's regulatory capital ratios remain well above the minimum levels required, and tangible book value per share increased to $16.93 as of December 31, 2024.
First Community Corporation serves customers in South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia, offering a full range of commercial bank services, residential mortgage lending, and financial planning/investment advisory services. With an overall Financial Health score rated as 'FAIR' and several additional ProTips available, subscribers to InvestingPro can access deeper insights into the company's financial strength and growth potential.
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