KNOXVILLE, TN – January 20, 2026 – SmartFinancial, Inc. (“SmartFinancial” or the “Company”; NYSE: SMBK), today announced net income of $13.7 million, or $0.81 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to net income of $9.6 million, or $0.57 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2024, and compared to prior quarter net income of $13.7 million, or $0.81 per diluted common share. Operating earnings1, which excludes non-recurring income and expenses, net of tax adjustments, totaled $13.7 million, or $0.81 per diluted common share, in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $9.6 million, or $0.57 per diluted common share, in the fourth quarter of 2024, and compared to $14.5 million, or $0.86 per diluted common share, in the third quarter of 2025.
Highlights for the Fourth Quarter of 2025
- Operating earnings[1] of $13.7 million, or $0.81 per diluted common share
- Net organic loan and lease growth of $141 million with 13% annualized quarter-over-quarter increase
- Deposit growth of $102 million or 8% annualized quarter-over-quarter
- Net interest margin, fully tax equivalent basis (“FTE”) expanded to 3.38%, reflecting lower deposit and funding costs
- Quarter over quarter tangible book value per common share1 growth of 13%
- Seventh consecutive quarter of positive operating leverage
- Columbus, GA expansion with two additional commercial bankers
- Multi-year core contract renegotiation process completed
Billy Carroll, President & CEO, stated: “2025 marked a year of tremendous momentum build and overall improvement for our company. We generated approximately 11% positive operating leverage in 2025 capped off by our seventh consecutive quarter of positive operating leverage in Q4. The year was highlighted by approximately 12% organic loan growth, 14% organic deposit growth excluding brokered deposits and tangible book value per common share1 rose 17%. Overall, a fantastic year for our company paving the way for an even brighter 2026. I want to thank all of our Associates whose tireless work and dedication make SmartBank a great place to work and do business. They are the driving force behind our success.”
SmartFinancial’s Chairman, Miller Welborn, concluded: “2025 was an exceptional year marked by growth, profitability, and continued improvement. The Board is extremely pleased with the Company’s ongoing financial progress, which is particularly impressive considering the range of strategic initiatives completed during the year. Operational excellence and a solid foundation remain essential for sustained success, and our Associates consistently demonstrate commitment in every area. We appreciate your contributions in making SmartBank an outstanding organization and valued partner for our stakeholders.”
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income was $45.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to $42.4 million for the prior quarter. Average earning assets totaled $5.34 billion, an increase of $112.3 million from the prior quarter. The balances of average earnings assets increased quarter-over-quarter, primarily from an increase in average loans and leases of $124.0 million and average securities of $32.7 million, offset by a decrease in average interest-earning cash of $44.3 million. Average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $18.6 million from the prior quarter, primarily attributable to an increase in average interest-bearing deposits of $6.0 million and average subordinated debt of $13.9 million, offset by a decrease in borrowings of $1.3 million.
The tax equivalent net interest margin was 3.38% for the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 3.25% for the prior quarter. This increase is primarily related to declines in deposit costs, outpacing a modest decrease in asset yields. The yield on loans and leases, excluding loan fees, FTE was 6.00% for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to 6.05% for the prior quarter.
[1] Non-GAAP measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and see the Non-GAAP Reconciliations.
If you have exciting news to share with the Central Alabama business community, send your press releases (and high-quality images) to [email protected].
