Can SSBK's Q1 2025 forecast sustain its growth momentum?

**Southern States Bancshares (SSBK) is poised to sustain its growth momentum in Q1 2025**, based on several key factors: 1. **Strong Financial Performance**: SSBK has demonstrated robust growth in revenue and net income. The bank reported a total revenue of $28.04 million with a year-over-year growth rate of 19.21% as of 2024 Q4. The net income for the same period was $34.9 million, reflecting a 9.1% increase from the previous year. |code|Ticker|Name|Date|Total Revenue YoY|Total Revenue|market_code| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |SSBK|SSBK.O|Southern States|2024 Q1|3.6330395649728104|2.2107E7|185| |SSBK|SSBK.O|Southern States|2024 Q2|-12.72913972769453|2.2947E7|185| |SSBK|SSBK.O|Southern States|2024 Q3|45.78124124011885|2.6003E7|185| |SSBK|SSBK.O|Southern States|2024 Q4|19.207550378369188|2.804E7|185| 2. **Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions**: The bank's recent merger with FB Financial Corporation is expected to enhance its market presence significantly. This strategic move complements SSBK's growth strategy and is likely to contribute to its continued growth trajectory. 3. **Asset and Deposit Growth**: SSBK has seen substantial asset and deposit growth, with total assets increasing to $2.8 billion and deposits growing to $2.4 billion as of December 31, 2024. The annualized growth rate for loans and deposits is notable, indicating a strong customer base and operational efficiency. 4. **Positive Earnings Call Indicators**: Despite challenges, the Q4 2024 earnings call highlighted positive aspects such as deposit growth, successful strategic transactions, and improvements in net interest margin. These factors suggest a positive outlook for the bank's future performance. 5. **Market Analyst Optimism**: Although specific analyst price targets are not available, the merger announcement has been met with optimism, as reflected in the significant stock price increase following the merger news. This sentiment is likely to translate into continued confidence in SSBK's growth prospects. In conclusion, SSBK's strong financial performance, strategic mergers, asset growth, positive operational indicators, and optimistic market sentiment collectively support the notion that the bank can sustain its growth momentum in Q1 2025.