FirstBank Listed Among Best U.S. Banks For Second Year in a Row

Independent Banker Magazine Rankings Measure Returns on Asset, Equity Ratios

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 28, 2015) – For the second consecutive year, FirstBank has been named one of “The Best of the Best” community banks in the nation in its size category by the ICBA Independent Banker, the magazine of the Independent Community Bankers of America. The recognition is based on the earnings and operational efficiencies of ICBA members nationwide.

FirstBank ranked 17^th among Subchapter S community banks with assets of more than $1 billion for its 2014 returns on both average asset ratios and average equity ratios.

“This recognition is a reflection of the great work being done by FirstBank associates across the state,” said Chris Holmes, FirstBank president and chief executive officer. “Last year was a record-breaking year for the bank, and we just recorded our best quarterly earnings ever in the first quarter of 2015. We are in the strongest position we have ever been in, and that is good news for our customers.”

As part of its annual recognition of high-performing ICBA member institutions, ICBA Independent Banker pulled year-end FDIC data to identify the community banks with the highest performance metrics—those with the best return on average asset ratios and the best return on average equity ratios—in six asset-size categories. The rankings separately recognize top-performing Subchapter C corporation banks and Subchapter S corporation banks.

“Whether they are serving rural, suburban or large metropolitan areas, community banks operate with the same focus by always putting their customers and communities first,” said Chris Lorence, ICBA executive vice president and chief marketing officer.

To see the ICBA Top Performers listings, read the article The Best of the Best on ICBA Independent Banker’s website at www.independentbanker.org.