Ameris Bancorp reports Q1 EPS $1.63, consensus $1.55

Commenting on the company’s results, Palmer Proctor, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “First quarter was a strong start to the year with our performance metrics continuing to outpace the broader industry. Our ROA expanded to 1.62%, our return on average tangible common equity grew to 14.75% and our margin expanded 3 basis points to 3.88% for the first quarter. The continued focus on expenses across the Company resulted in an efficiency ratio just under 50% despite some seasonal headwinds. Growth was robust with annualized revenue growth in the high single digits and annualized loan and deposit growth in the mid-single digits. We were more active in our share repurchase program, buying back almost $75 million of our common stock in the quarter or approximately 1.4% of our outstanding equity. Overall, another solid quarter from Ameris with our focus remaining on profitably growing our franchise across our attractive Southeast markets.”