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First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC)
NASDAQ:FFBC
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First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) AI Stock Analysis

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FFBC

First Financial Bancorp

(NASDAQ:FFBC)

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Outperform 77 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:77Outperform
Price Target:
$29.00
▲(12.32% Upside)
First Financial Bancorp's overall score reflects strong technical momentum and positive earnings call sentiment, supported by a solid valuation. Financial performance is stable, though revenue growth and cash flow liquidity present challenges. Strategic acquisitions and market expansion efforts further bolster the outlook.

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

First Financial Bancorp Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFirst 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.
How the Company Makes MoneyFirst Financial Bancorp generates revenue primarily through interest income from loans and investments, as well as non-interest income from fees and service charges. The bank provides various types of loans, including commercial, consumer, and real estate loans, which yield interest payments that contribute significantly to its earnings. Additionally, FFBC earns revenue from deposits and asset management services, including wealth management products and advisory services. The bank also generates non-interest income through transaction fees, service charges on deposit accounts, and other financial services. Partnerships with local businesses and institutions further enhance its customer base and revenue opportunities, as do its efforts in expanding online and digital banking services, which attract a broader audience.

First Financial Bancorp Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jul 24, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Oct 23, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted strong financial performance with record revenue, robust net interest margin, and increased noninterest income, while addressing challenges in commercial real estate loan growth and a slight increase in nonperforming assets. The sentiment leans positive due to the predominance of strong financial metrics and strategic growth initiatives.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Revenue and Profitability
Achieved record revenue of $226.3 million, a 5% increase over the same quarter last year, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.74, return on assets of 1.54%, and return on tangible common equity of 20%.
Strong Net Interest Margin
Net interest margin remained strong at 4.05%, a 17 basis point increase from the first quarter, driven by declining funding costs and increased asset yields.
Increased Noninterest Income
Adjusted noninterest income increased 11% over the linked quarter and 10% over the second quarter of 2024, with broad-based growth in fees, including mortgage, bankcard, leasing business, and foreign exchange income.
Tangible Common Equity Growth
Tangible common equity increased 16% over last year to 8.4%, with tangible book value per share increasing 4% from the linked quarter and 19% over the same period last year.
Dividend Increase
Board of Directors approved a $0.01 or 4.2% increase in the common dividend to $0.25, with dividend payout remaining approximately 35% of net income.
Negative Updates
Commercial Real Estate Loan Decline
Loan growth was 2% on an annualized basis, with commercial real estate declining due to higher payoffs.
Slight Increase in Nonperforming Assets
NPAs as a percentage of assets increased slightly during the period, driven by downgrades of two commercial borrowers.
Company Guidance
During the Second Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call for First Financial Bancorp, the company reported strong financial performance. They achieved record revenue of $226.3 million, marking a 5% increase from the previous year, and adjusted earnings per share of $0.74. Return on assets was reported at 1.54%, and return on tangible common equity stood at 20%. The net interest margin was robust at 4.05%, a 17 basis point increase from the prior quarter. Loan growth was modest at 2% on an annualized basis, with a notable decline in commercial real estate due to higher payoffs. Adjusted noninterest income increased by 11% over the previous quarter to $67.8 million, driven by significant growth in mortgage, bankcard, leasing, and foreign exchange income. Asset quality was stable, with net charge-offs declining 15 basis points to 21 basis points of total loans. Tangible common equity grew 16% over the previous year to 8.4%, and the tangible book value per share increased to $15.40, reflecting a 4% rise from the linked quarter. The board approved a 4.2% increase in the common dividend to $0.25, maintaining a dividend payout of approximately 35% of net income.

First Financial Bancorp Financial Statement Overview

Summary
First Financial Bancorp demonstrates solid profitability and a stable balance sheet, with efficient operational management reflected in strong margins. However, challenges in revenue growth and cash flow liquidity slightly dampen the financial outlook.
Income Statement
75
Positive
First Financial Bancorp has shown strong profitability with a consistent gross profit margin above 64% and a net profit margin around 19% in the TTM. However, the revenue growth rate has recently declined by 2.1%, indicating potential challenges in revenue generation. The EBIT and EBITDA margins remain healthy, reflecting efficient operational management.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The company maintains a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.40 in the TTM, which is a positive sign of financial stability. Return on equity is solid at 9.6%, indicating effective use of equity capital. However, the equity ratio is not explicitly provided, which limits a full assessment of asset financing.
Cash Flow
68
Positive
Operating cash flow to net income ratio is relatively low at 0.42, suggesting potential liquidity constraints. Free cash flow growth is modest at 2.6%, and the free cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 0.93, indicating good cash conversion from profits. However, the overall cash flow position could be more robust.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue1.23B1.23B1.12B774.65M654.72M714.09M
Gross Profit813.67M787.92M797.09M697.07M641.75M575.08M
EBITDA321.18M306.74M356.39M280.53M280.49M225.65M
Net Income238.63M228.83M255.86M217.61M205.16M155.81M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets18.63B18.57B17.53B17.00B16.33B15.97B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments3.48B3.36B4.03B4.01B4.64B3.68B
Total Debt1.03B1.10B1.28B1.63B706.03M507.81M
Total Liabilities16.08B16.13B15.26B14.96B14.07B13.69B
Stockholders Equity2.56B2.44B2.27B2.04B2.26B2.28B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow268.71M241.08M462.83M187.07M372.82M91.90M
Operating Cash Flow288.07M262.16M486.97M200.85M388.16M108.36M
Investing Cash Flow-399.32M-1.00B-701.26M-883.11M-510.03M-1.20B
Financing Cash Flow127.64M699.08M219.85M669.73M110.85M1.13B

First Financial Bancorp Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price25.82
Price Trends
50DMA
25.18
Positive
100DMA
24.65
Positive
200DMA
25.03
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.15
Positive
RSI
51.01
Neutral
STOCH
54.75
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For FFBC, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 25.82 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 26.05, above the 50-day MA of 25.18, and above the 200-day MA of 25.03, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.15 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 51.01 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 54.75 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for FFBC.

First Financial Bancorp Risk Analysis

First Financial Bancorp disclosed 42 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. First Financial Bancorp reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

First Financial Bancorp Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
2.56B11.068.53%4.90%66.96%67.27%
77
Outperform
$2.47B10.349.77%3.76%4.62%2.69%
75
Outperform
2.44B11.817.52%3.46%8.75%5.16%
73
Outperform
2.43B11.3410.48%2.36%17.17%
71
Outperform
2.63B25.834.31%2.40%49.10%
70
Outperform
2.21B9.939.61%3.72%-1.18%23.43%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FFBC
First Financial Bancorp
25.82
1.49
6.12%
FRME
First Merchants
38.22
2.30
6.40%
BANC
Banc of California
16.68
2.34
16.32%
PFS
Provident Financial Services
19.61
1.96
11.10%
TRMK
Trustmark
40.28
9.26
29.85%
WAFD
Washington Federal
30.96
-2.70
-8.02%

First Financial Bancorp Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
First Financial Bancorp Highlights Strong Financial Performance
Positive
Aug 21, 2025

First Financial Bancorp has announced its intention to use materials from an investor presentation in meetings with investors and analysts. The company highlights its strong financial performance, robust capital position, and strategic focus on growing core deposits and diversifying revenue streams. The announcement underscores First Financial’s commitment to maintaining its top quartile performance and prudent risk management, which are crucial for its continued success in the financial industry.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
First Financial Bancorp to Acquire BankFinancial
Positive
Aug 11, 2025

On August 11, 2025, First Financial Bancorp announced its agreement to acquire BankFinancial Corporation, expanding its presence in the Chicago market. The acquisition, valued at approximately $142 million, will be an all-stock transaction and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. This strategic move will add 18 retail locations to First Financial’s portfolio, enhance its commercial banking capabilities, and integrate BankFinancial’s consumer, trust/wealth management, and selected commercial credit lines into its operations. The merger aims to strengthen First Financial’s market position and provide a broader range of financial solutions to Chicago clients.

M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
First Financial Bancorp to Acquire Westfield Bancorp
Positive
Jun 23, 2025

On June 23, 2025, First Financial Bancorp announced a definitive agreement to acquire Westfield Bancorp from Ohio Farmers Insurance Company for $325 million, comprising cash and stock. This acquisition will expand First Financial’s presence in Northeast Ohio, adding Westfield Bank’s retail locations and services, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. The acquisition aligns with First Financial’s strategic growth in the Midwest and enhances its commercial banking capabilities, benefiting clients and employees of both institutions. The transaction is anticipated to be 12% accretive to First Financial’s earnings.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Sep 09, 2025