For the first nine months of the year, net income of Fresno First Bank was $2.1 million, up 7.1 percent from the same period last year.

“We posted solid financial results in the third quarter, delivering strong revenue and improving asset quality. While increasing revenue 22.5% from the third quarter of 2015 and 6.7% from the second quarter, we kept our overhead expense growth to 1.8% during the quarter and 3.6% year-over-year. Consequently, our efficiency ratio improved to 53.62% in the third quarter,” said Steve Miller, president and CEO. “At the same time, we proactively charged off $1.96 million from a single $2.4 million nonperforming loan, leaving only $295,000 in nonaccrual loans.”

The bank’s total assets as of Sept. 30 were $333.5 million, up 14.4 percent from a year earlier.

“Our strategic plan to expand our client base and increase business deposits continues to gain traction in Central California. We have seen disruptions in our local markets with the acquisition of two neighborhood banks and other national events in the banking market, and we are finding customers are very receptive to change. Deposits increased by $45.9 million, or 17.8%, during the quarter,” Miller said. “We are delighted to welcome these new customers into our franchise and look forward to tailoring our superior products and services to meet their continuing financial needs. As we go forward, we will continue to stay focused on the best revenue growth opportunities, while prudently controlling expenses.”

Fresno First Bank was also the top community bank lender for the local 15-county Small Business Administration district for fiscal 2016, with 37 7(a) loans totaling $16.7 million.

The SBA guarantees 7(a) loans, which are used for business operational expenses.