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1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

First Financial Bancorp.operates as the bank holding company for First Financial Bank that provides commercial banking and related services to individuals and businesses in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.The company accepts various deposit products, such as interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing accounts, time deposits, and cash management services for commercial customers.


It also provides real estate loans secured by residential property, such as one to four family residential housing units or commercial property comprising owner-occupied and/or investor income producing real estate consisting of apartments, shopping centers, or office buildings; commercial and industrial loans for various purposes, including inventory, receivables, and equipment; consumer loans comprising new and used vehicle loans, second mortgages on residential real estate, and unsecured loans; and home equity lines of credit.In addition, the company offers commercial financing to the insurance industry, registered investment advisors, certified public accountants, indirect auto finance companies, and restaurant franchisees.Further, it provides a range of trust and wealth management services; and lease and equipment financing services.


As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 139 full service banking centers, 29 of which are leased facilities.It operates 62 banking centers in Ohio, three banking centers in Illinois, 62 banking centers in Indiana, and 12 banking centers in Kentucky.First Financial Bancorp.


was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

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1.b. Last Insights on FFBC

First Financial Bancorp's recent performance was negatively driven by slower-than-expected loan growth, despite a 7.2% annualized increase in loans. The company's net interest margin on a fully taxable equivalent (FTE) basis decreased to 3.94%, missing analyst estimates. Additionally, noninterest income of $69.9 million fell short of the expected $70.7 million. Furthermore, the company's adjusted return on average assets of 1.47% was lower than the prior year's 1.52%. These factors weighed on the company's fourth-quarter earnings, with earnings per diluted share of $0.68, below the estimated $0.71.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. First Financial Bancorp's Q3 2025 Earnings: A Robust Performance

First Financial Bancorp reported adjusted net income of $72.6 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.76 for the third quarter of 2025, with the company achieving record revenue driven by a robust net interest margin and record noninterest income. The net interest margin was 4.02%, with asset yields declining slightly and funding costs increasing modestly. Noninterest income was a record $73.6 million, led by leasing and foreign exchange businesses. The actual EPS of $0.76 beat estimates of $0.75, indicating a strong quarterly performance.

Publication Date: Oct -27

📋 Highlights
  • Adjusted Net Income & EPS:: $72.6M net income, $0.76 EPS, driven by robust net interest margin (4.02%) and record noninterest income ($73.6M).
  • Loan Growth Outlook:: Mid-single-digit loan growth expected in Q4 despite modest Q3 decline, with healthy pipelines and construction originations offsetting specialty loan declines.
  • Capital Strength:: Tangible book value rises to $16.19; tangible common equity ratio at 8.87%, exceeding regulatory requirements with capital buffers post-acquisitions.
  • Fee Income & Efficiency:: Record noninterest income led by leasing/FX businesses; 5-10% annual FX trading growth expected, peaking in Q4 with $65-70M 2026 run rate.
  • Deposit & Cost Management:: Core deposit growth and reduced funding costs (Q4 decline) offset rate cut pressures, with $150-200M seasonal public funds boosts in Q2/Q4.

Loan Growth and Asset Quality

Loan balances declined modestly during the quarter, primarily due to lower production in specialty businesses and a greater percentage of construction originations. However, loan pipelines are healthy, and the company expects to return to mid-single-digit loan growth in the fourth quarter. Asset quality metrics were stable, with nonperforming assets flat as a percent of assets and annualized net charge-offs at 18 basis points, indicating a well-managed loan portfolio.

Efficiency Efforts and Capital Position

The company's efficiency efforts continue to impact results positively, with total noninterest expenses increasing due to higher incentive compensation. The company's capital ratios remain in excess of regulatory minimums and internal targets, with tangible book value increasing to $16.19 and the tangible common equity ratio increasing to 8.87%. This strong capital position provides a foundation for future growth.

Guidance and Outlook

For the fourth quarter, the company expects loan growth to be in the mid-single digits, with core deposit balances increasing and net interest margin between 3.92% and 3.97%. Fee income is expected to be between $77 million and $79 million, and noninterest expense is expected to be between $142 million and $144 million. The company has received formal regulatory approval for the Westfield transaction and anticipates closing in early November.

Valuation and Growth Prospects

With a Price-to-Tangible Book Value (P/TBV) of approximately 0.87, the stock appears reasonably valued relative to its book value. The Dividend Yield of 4.03% provides an attractive return for income-focused investors. Analysts estimate next year's revenue growth at 19.7%, indicating a positive outlook for the company's future performance. As the company continues to execute on its growth strategy and improve efficiency, it is well-positioned to deliver strong returns to shareholders.

3. NewsRoom

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Fisher Asset Management LLC Lowers Stock Holdings in First Financial Bancorp. $FFBC

Dec -04

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Comparing Civista Bancshares (NASDAQ:CIVB) & First Financial Bancorp. (NASDAQ:FFBC)

Nov -22

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First Financial Bancorp Is A Stellar Prospect

Nov -14

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FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. ANNOUNCES PRICING OF SUBORDINATED NOTES OFFERING

Nov -07

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Teacher Retirement System of Texas Sells 3,533 Shares of First Financial Bancorp. $FFBC

Nov -06

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Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd Acquires New Holdings in First Financial Bancorp. $FFBC

Nov -05

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First Financial Bancorp. Announces the Completion of its Acquisition of Westfield Bancorp, Inc., and Westfield Bank, FSB

Nov -03

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State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D Acquires 6,204 Shares of First Financial Bancorp. $FFBC

Nov -02

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (3.00%)

6. Segments

Commercial Banking and Other Banking and Banking-related Activities

Expected Growth: 3.0%

First Financial Bancorp's 3.0% growth in Commercial Banking and Other Banking and Banking-related Activities is driven by increasing loan demand, expansion of commercial lending products, and strategic partnerships. Additionally, the bank's focus on digital transformation, cost savings initiatives, and a favorable interest rate environment contribute to its growth momentum.

7. Detailed Products

Commercial Banking

Provides financial solutions to businesses, including cash management, lending, and treasury management services.

Consumer Banking

Offers personal banking services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and personal loans.

Mortgage Banking

Provides mortgage lending services to individuals and families, including purchase and refinance loans.

Wealth Management

Offers investment and wealth management services, including financial planning, investment management, and trust services.

Insurance Services

Provides insurance products, including life insurance, long-term care insurance, and annuities.

Treasury Management

Offers cash management and treasury management services to businesses, including account management and payment processing.

8. First Financial Bancorp.'s Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

The threat of substitutes for First Financial Bancorp is moderate due to the presence of alternative financial institutions and digital payment platforms.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

The bargaining power of customers is low for First Financial Bancorp as customers have limited negotiating power and the bank has a strong brand presence.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

The bargaining power of suppliers is moderate for First Financial Bancorp as the bank relies on a few large suppliers for technology and services.

Threat Of New Entrants

The threat of new entrants is low for First Financial Bancorp due to the high barriers to entry in the banking industry, including regulatory hurdles and capital requirements.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The intensity of rivalry is high for First Financial Bancorp due to the competitive nature of the banking industry, with many established players competing for market share.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 36.23%
Debt Cost 6.69%
Equity Weight 63.77%
Equity Cost 9.11%
WACC 8.23%
Leverage 56.80%

11. Quality Control: First Financial Bancorp. passed 3 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

Stock-Card
PCB Bank

A-Score: 7.3/10

Value: 7.4

Growth: 6.8

Quality: 6.0

Yield: 8.0

Momentum: 7.5

Volatility: 8.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
First Financial

A-Score: 6.6/10

Value: 7.2

Growth: 6.1

Quality: 5.8

Yield: 8.0

Momentum: 5.0

Volatility: 7.7

1-Year Total Return ->

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Bankwell Financial Group

A-Score: 6.5/10

Value: 6.8

Growth: 6.1

Quality: 5.4

Yield: 4.0

Momentum: 9.0

Volatility: 7.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Peoples Bancorp

A-Score: 6.4/10

Value: 6.7

Growth: 5.4

Quality: 6.0

Yield: 8.0

Momentum: 4.0

Volatility: 8.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
CNB Financial

A-Score: 6.1/10

Value: 6.7

Growth: 4.9

Quality: 6.7

Yield: 6.0

Momentum: 5.0

Volatility: 7.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Premier Financial

A-Score: 5.4/10

Value: 5.1

Growth: 3.2

Quality: 5.5

Yield: 6.0

Momentum: 7.0

Volatility: 5.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

25.76$

Current Price

25.76$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows