Peoples Financial Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter And Year-End Results

BILOXI, Miss., Jan. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Peoples Financial Corporation (NASDAQ Capital Market: PFBX), parent of The Peoples Bank, reported net income of $717,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2015, as compared to a net loss of $9,119,000 for the quarter ended December 31, 2014, announced Chevis C. Swetman, chairman and chief executive officer of the holding company and the bank. 

Financial results for the fourth quarter of 2015 reflected substantial progress in improving the company's asset quality. For the fourth quarter of 2015, the company recorded a $225,000 reversal to the provision for loan losses compared to a $2,789,000 expense for the same period last year. The improved loan loss provision over the prior year was primarily related to significant credit quality improvement of the loan portfolio. Charge-offs of $275,000 were considerably lower during the fourth quarter of 2015 compared to $4,698,000 for the same period last year. Non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2015 decreased substantially to $15,186,000 compared to $33,298,000 as of December 31, 2014. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans was 2.39% as of December 31, 2015 compared to 2.54% as of December 31, 2014.

"We are very pleased with our fourth quarter financial results highlighted by our improved asset quality," said Swetman. He further added, "We look forward to continuing this positive momentum into 2016."

Earnings per weighted average common share for the fourth quarter of 2015 were $0.14 compared to a loss of $1.78 for the same period of 2014. For the full year, loss per weighted average common share totaled $0.90 in 2015, compared to a loss of $1.95 in 2014. Net losses per share figures are based on weighted average common shares outstanding of 5,123,186 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

The holding company's primary capital ratio was 15.06% at December 31, 2015, compared to 14.64% at December 31, 2014. The company's book value per share was $17.93 and $18.53 at the end of 2015 and 2014.

Founded in 1896, with $641 million in assets as of December 31, 2015, The Peoples Bank operates 18 branches along the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson and Stone counties. In addition to offering a comprehensive range of retail and commercial banking services, the bank also operates a trust and investment services department that has provided customers with financial, estate and retirement planning services since 1936. 

Peoples Financial Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol PFBX. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.thepeoples.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and reflects industry conditions, company performance and financial results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risk factors and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ from the anticipated results and expectation expressed in such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Peoples Financial Corporation