Saturday, August 4, 2007

The First Bancshares Inc. (MS)

The First Bancshares Inc. (MS) is a NASDAQ listed security that has been trading in a range between $21.07 and $36.46 over the past year. With 2,983,050 shares outstanding, a recent price of $22.98 gives a total market capitalization of $68,538,556. While there are certainly larger companies, The First Bancshares Inc. (MS) has definitely earned its place in the pack. Last year, The First Bancshares Inc. (MS) created $1.21 in earnings for every share outstanding.

The First Bancshares Inc. (MS) is currently priced by the market at 19.10 times last year’s earnings. Many trading multiples around the world are quite attractive these days, but don’t be fooled. A Price to Earnings ratio of 0 simply means that the security didn’t make any money last year.

With a share price under $50 a share and earnings per share in excess of $1 a share, The First Bancshares Inc. (MS) could be an interesting value proposition. Consistent earnings are the key to high valuations and this security is well on its way.

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