First Bancshares (NASDAQ:FBMS) Coverage Initiated at StockNews.com

Stock analysts at StockNews.com began coverage on shares of First Bancshares (NASDAQ:FBMS) in a research report issued on Tuesday. The firm set a “hold” rating on the bank’s stock.

First Bancshares Stock Performance

Shares of FBMS stock opened at $33.75 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.84 and a quick ratio of 0.84. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $34.73 and a 200-day moving average of $35.24. First Bancshares has a one year low of $23.60 and a one year high of $39.21. The company has a market cap of $1.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.83 and a beta of 0.92.

Institutional Trading of First Bancshares

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC purchased a new stake in shares of First Bancshares during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $56,256,000. Susquehanna International Group LLP increased its position in First Bancshares by 436.7% in the fourth quarter. Susquehanna International Group LLP now owns 376,549 shares of the bank’s stock worth $13,179,000 after buying an additional 306,390 shares during the last quarter. Gardner Lewis Asset Management L P increased its position in First Bancshares by 346.5% in the fourth quarter. Gardner Lewis Asset Management L P now owns 360,555 shares of the bank’s stock worth $12,619,000 after buying an additional 279,812 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC bought a new stake in First Bancshares in the 4th quarter valued at about $6,296,000. Finally, ABC Arbitrage SA purchased a new stake in shares of First Bancshares during the fourth quarter worth $4,543,000. 69.95% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

First Bancshares Company Profile

The First Bancshares, Inc operates as the bank holding company for The First Bank that provides general commercial and retail banking services. The company operates through three segments: Commercial/Retail Bank, Mortgage Banking Division, and Holding Company. It offers deposit services, including checking, NOW, and savings accounts; other time deposits, such as daily money market accounts and longer-term certificates of deposit; and individual retirement and health savings accounts.