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Oceanfirst Financial (OCFC)
NASDAQ:OCFC
US Market

Oceanfirst Financial (OCFC) AI Stock Analysis

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OCFC

Oceanfirst Financial

(NASDAQ:OCFC)

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Neutral 69 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:69Neutral
Price Target:
$20.00
▲(3.41% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:01/26/26
OCFC scores above average primarily on stable financials (strong margins and free cash flow improvement) and a constructive earnings outlook with reiterated growth/NIM guidance and solid asset quality. Valuation is supportive with a moderate P/E and ~4.33% yield, while technical signals are mixed and slightly negative, keeping the overall score in check.
Positive Factors
Sustained loan and NII growth
Consistent, sizable loan originations and a $474M quarterly loan increase underpin durable net interest income growth. Persistent organic lending expansion supports long‑term revenue generation, leverages existing deposit base, and provides structural NII upside beyond cyclical rate moves.
Strong asset quality
Very low NPLs, NPAs and minimal net charge-offs indicate conservative underwriting and portfolio resilience. Sustained low credit losses protect capital, reduce provisioning variability, and support reliable long‑term earnings and dividend capacity even through economic cycles.
Merger and strategic capital infusion
The Flushing acquisition plus a $225M private equity investment is a structural scale and capital move. If completed, it should expand retail/commercial footprint, improve operating leverage, and strengthen the capital base to fund growth while supporting long‑term profitability improvements.
Negative Factors
Declining revenue growth and low ROE
Negative revenue growth and a subpar ROE suggest limited efficiency in converting balance sheet growth into shareholder returns. Persistently weak top‑line trends and low profitability hinder free cash flow expansion and reduce buffer for reinvestment or capital return over the medium term.
Rising leverage
Higher debt-to-equity raises financial risk and interest expense sensitivity. Elevated leverage constrains capital flexibility for acquisitions or stress absorbency, increasing earnings volatility and regulatory scrutiny, which can weigh on sustainable dividend and lending capacity over time.
Outsourcing reduced noninterest income
The decision to outsource residential/title operations produced portfolio runoff and materially cut fee and gain-on-sale revenue. That structural shift reduces recurring noninterest income diversification, increasing reliance on NII and making earnings more sensitive to loan margin and funding cycles.

Oceanfirst Financial (OCFC) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Oceanfirst Financial Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionOceanFirst Financial Corp. operates as the bank holding company for OceanFirst Bank N.A. that provides community banking services. It accepts money market accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, non-interest-bearing demand deposits, and time deposits to retail, government, and business customers. The company also offers commercial real estate, multi-family, land loans, construction, and commercial and industrial loans; fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans that are secured by one-to-four family residences; and consumer loans, such as home equity loans and lines of credit, student loans, overdraft line of credit, loans on savings accounts, and other consumer loans. In addition, it invests in mortgage-backed securities, securities issued by the U.S. Government and agencies, corporate securities, and other investments. Further, the company offers bankcard, wealth management, and trust and asset management services; and sells alternative investment products and life insurance products. As of December 31, 2021, it operated through its branch office in Toms River; administrative office located in Red Bank and Mount Laurel; 46 additional branch offices and four deposit production facilities located throughout central and southern New Jersey; and commercial loan production offices in New Jersey, New York City, the Philadelphia area, Baltimore, and Boston. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Red Bank, New Jersey.
How the Company Makes MoneyOceanFirst Financial generates revenue primarily through net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on loans and the interest paid on deposits. Key revenue streams include residential and commercial mortgage loans, consumer loans, and business banking services. The bank also earns non-interest income from fees associated with deposit accounts, wealth management services, and transaction services. Additionally, OceanFirst has strategic partnerships with various financial service providers to enhance its offerings and increase customer engagement. The company may also benefit from economic factors such as interest rate changes and community growth, which can impact lending demand and deposit levels.

Oceanfirst Financial Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 29, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call emphasized strong organic loan growth, consecutive quarters of net interest income expansion, robust asset quality, improved tangible book value and a strategic merger to expand market scale. Offsetting these positives were modest margin compression, a decline in noninterest income tied to the residential/title outsourcing, transaction-related and restructuring costs, and some isolated deposit repricing events. Management maintained positive forward guidance (mid- to high-single-digit loan and deposit growth and NIM expected to move past 3% during the year) and highlighted capital strength and dividend continuity.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Earnings Per Share (EPS)
Reported EPS of $0.23 on a fully diluted GAAP basis and $0.41 on a core basis for Q4 2025.
Net Interest Income Growth
Net interest income grew $5 million (5%) sequentially and 14% year-over-year, marking the fifth consecutive quarter of NII growth driven by a $446 million increase in average net loans.
Strong Loan Growth and Originations
Total loans increased $474 million in the quarter (an 18% annualized growth rate); loan originations were about $1 billion for the second consecutive quarter.
Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Momentum
C&I balances grew 42% year-over-year, aided by recent talent recruitment and contributing to loan mix shift and future interest income growth.
Asset Quality Metrics
Classified loans (special mention and substandard) decreased 10% to $112 million (≈1% of total loans). Nonperforming loans to total loans were 0.2%, nonperforming assets to total assets were 0.22%, and full-year net charge-offs remained very low at 5 basis points of total loans.
Core Expense Control
GAAP operating expenses were $84 million (including special items) while core operating expenses were $71 million, down $1 million (≈2%) sequentially; first-quarter core run-rate expected $70M–$71M.
Capital Strength and Tangible Book Value
Estimated CET1 ratio of 10.7% (benefited ~50 bps from the credit risk transfer) and tangible book value per share increased to $19.79.
Dividend Consistency
Board approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per common share — the company's 116th consecutive quarterly cash dividend.
Strategic M&A and Investment
Announced merger agreement with Flushing Financial Corporation and an investment agreement with Warburg Pincus; expected close in Q2 2026 with the acquisition positioned to expand presence in New York, improve scale and profitability, and support organic growth.
Premier Banking Deposit Traction
Premier Bank activities contributed $332 million in deposits across more than 1,300 accounts (>350 new customer relationships); Premier team grew deposits $90 million (37%) sequentially and lowered weighted average deposit cost 36 basis points to 2.28%; ~21% of those balances are noninterest-bearing DDA.
Negative Updates
Net Interest Margin Compression
Net interest margin declined modestly to 2.87% (a small sequential contraction, noted as roughly 3 basis points), pressured by mix shifts, loan yield moderation and certain deposit repricing.
Noninterest Income Decline
Noninterest income fell $3.3 million to $9 million in the quarter, primarily due to lower title fees and reduced gain-on-sale income tied to outsourcing the residential and title platforms.
One-Time and Transaction-Related Costs
GAAP operating expenses included $13 million related to residential outsourcing, merger costs and execution costs for the credit risk transfer; core noninterest items included $7 million restructuring for residential outsourcing, $4 million merger-related costs and $1 million of professional fees for the CRT transaction.
Residential Platform Outsourcing Impact
Decision to outsource residential and title businesses led to a measured runoff in that portfolio and reduced pipeline quarter-over-quarter, lowering certain revenue streams (title fees, gain on sale) in the near term.
Deposit Cost Pressure & Borrowing Costs
Total deposit costs increased modestly in the quarter with some isolated upward repricing, and borrowing costs added a modest ~1 basis point of margin pressure (net impact of subordinated debt issuance and retirement).
Share Repurchases Paused
No share repurchases were executed under the existing plan in the quarter as capital was allocated to support loan growth, which may be viewed unfavorably by investors seeking buybacks.
Transient Delinquency and Charge-Offs
Net charge-offs ticked up slightly (still very low at 5 bps for the full year) and there was a pickup in 30–89 day delinquencies driven by one loan with a delayed government lease payment; management described this as an isolated/admin delay.
Near-term NII/Deposit Day Count Impact
Management noted Q1 comparisons will reflect ~2% fewer days in the quarter, which can make Q1 NII appear weaker sequentially before ramping through the year.
Company Guidance
Management reiterated its prior full‑year guidance: mid‑ to high‑single‑digit loan and deposit growth with net interest income expected to grow at a high‑single‑digit rate for the year and NIM to expand past 3% (NII to ramp in H2 and margins to improve a few basis points each quarter), other income of $7–9 million per quarter, and core noninterest expenses roughly flat to current run rates (Q1 core operating expense run‑rate $70–71 million); they also noted Q1 has ~2% fewer days (a seasonal NII headwind), an expected effective tax rate of ~23–25% (Q4 was 22%), and that the executed credit risk transfer provided roughly a 50‑basis‑point CET1 benefit at an annual pretax cost of < $4 million (CET1 ~10.7% today).

Oceanfirst Financial Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Fundamentals are steady but not strong: solid profitability (gross margin 81.96%, net margin 13.46%) and strong free cash flow growth (+109.66%) support the score, while declining revenue growth (-2.12%), higher leverage (debt-to-equity 1.19) and relatively low ROE (4.76%) temper it.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Oceanfirst Financial's income statement shows a mixed performance. The TTM data indicates a decline in revenue growth rate by 2.12%, which is a concern. However, the company maintains a strong gross profit margin of 81.96% and a decent net profit margin of 13.46%. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are stable, reflecting operational efficiency. The decline in revenue growth needs attention, but overall profitability remains solid.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a moderate financial position. The debt-to-equity ratio has increased to 1.19 in the TTM, indicating higher leverage, which could pose a risk if not managed properly. Return on equity is at 4.76%, showing a decrease from previous years, which suggests a need for improved profitability. The equity ratio remains healthy, indicating a stable asset base.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Cash flow analysis shows positive trends with a significant free cash flow growth rate of 109.66% in the TTM. The free cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 0.91, indicating efficient cash generation relative to earnings. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is low, suggesting potential issues in converting earnings to cash.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue673.23M687.95M636.96M485.30M388.84M433.82M
Gross Profit375.23M372.12M381.04M423.83M363.92M307.76M
EBITDA117.20M145.20M153.17M210.40M157.12M95.77M
Net Income79.79M100.06M104.03M146.60M110.08M63.31M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets14.32B13.42B13.54B13.10B11.74B11.45B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments1.54B951.12M907.61M625.59M773.20M1.46B
Total Debt1.97B1.26B1.05B1.48B349.81M363.93M
Total Liabilities12.67B11.72B11.88B11.52B10.22B9.96B
Stockholders Equity1.65B1.70B1.66B1.58B1.52B1.48B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow89.57M84.68M116.55M229.55M117.93M117.93M
Operating Cash Flow96.01M92.24M124.26M250.45M159.97M132.66M
Investing Cash Flow-796.86M106.40M-488.00M-1.32B-1.48B-22.17M
Financing Cash Flow760.80M-228.75M349.47M1.01B223.99M1.07B

Oceanfirst Financial Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price19.34
Price Trends
50DMA
18.90
Positive
100DMA
18.45
Positive
200DMA
17.76
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.26
Positive
RSI
54.74
Neutral
STOCH
37.79
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For OCFC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 19.34 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 19.12, above the 50-day MA of 18.90, and above the 200-day MA of 17.76, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.26 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 54.74 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 37.79 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for OCFC.

Oceanfirst Financial Risk Analysis

Oceanfirst Financial disclosed 34 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Oceanfirst Financial 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

Oceanfirst Financial Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$1.15B11.6412.15%3.44%9.93%17.67%
77
Outperform
$1.19B7.3611.20%3.39%9.55%27.32%
73
Outperform
$1.20B11.279.13%5.30%0.11%-18.63%
72
Outperform
$1.08B12.689.24%1.24%10.42%-18.32%
72
Outperform
$1.09B11.278.28%4.44%3.19%
69
Neutral
$1.12B16.694.77%4.05%-2.15%-25.32%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
OCFC
Oceanfirst Financial
19.34
2.59
15.43%
OSBC
Old Second Bancorp
20.57
2.75
15.45%
PEBO
Peoples Bancorp
34.03
4.08
13.62%
TMP
Tompkins Financial Corporation
83.00
17.93
27.56%
CTBI
Community Bancorp
63.57
11.87
22.95%
FSUN
FirstSun Capital Bancorp
39.48
-1.36
-3.33%

Oceanfirst Financial Corporate Events

DividendsFinancial Disclosures
OceanFirst Financial Reports Mixed Earnings, Declares Quarterly Dividend
Negative
Jan 22, 2026

On January 22, 2026, OceanFirst Financial Corp. reported that net income available to common stockholders fell to $13.1 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, down from $20.9 million a year earlier and $17.3 million in the prior quarter, while full-year 2025 net income declined to $67.1 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, from $96.0 million, or $1.65 per diluted share, in 2024. Despite weaker GAAP earnings and higher efficiency ratios, core earnings for the fourth quarter rose to $23.5 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, from $22.1 million in the prior-year quarter, supported by a $4.6 million, or 5%, increase in net interest income to $95.3 million and 9% growth in pre-tax, pre-provision income to $33.2 million, indicating that underlying operating performance and balance-sheet-driven income, including loan growth, remain more resilient than headline profit figures suggest. The Board of Directors also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share, payable on February 13, 2026 to shareholders of record as of February 2, 2026, underscoring the company’s commitment to returning capital to investors even as reported profitability moderates year over year.

The most recent analyst rating on (OCFC) stock is a Hold with a $19.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Oceanfirst Financial stock, see the OCFC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
OceanFirst Financial Announces Merger and Capital Investment
Positive
Jan 5, 2026

On December 29, 2025, OceanFirst Financial Corp., Flushing Financial Corporation and a wholly owned OceanFirst merger subsidiary signed a definitive merger agreement that will combine the two banking organizations in a multi-step transaction, with Flushing first merging into the merger subsidiary, then into OceanFirst, followed by the merger of Flushing Bank into OceanFirst Bank. Each outstanding Flushing common share will be exchanged for 0.85 shares of OceanFirst common stock, subject to customary conditions including regulatory and shareholder approvals, with closing targeted for the second quarter of 2026; governance of the combined company will feature a 17-member board with representation from both institutions, Flushing CEO John R. Buran serving as non‑executive chairman for two years, and OceanFirst retaining Flushing’s Uniondale headquarters as a regional operational hub. Concurrent with the merger agreement, OceanFirst also entered into an investment agreement under which affiliates of Warburg Pincus will inject $225 million through a mix of OceanFirst common stock and a new non‑voting, common‑equivalent stock class, alongside a sizable warrant for additional NVCE shares, providing growth capital, board representation for Warburg, and structured ownership and transfer limitations that are expected to support the balance sheet and capital structure of the enlarged institution.

The most recent analyst rating on (OCFC) stock is a Hold with a $20.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Oceanfirst Financial stock, see the OCFC Stock Forecast page.

M&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
OceanFirst Announces Flushing Merger and Warburg Capital Investment
Positive
Dec 30, 2025

On December 29, 2025, OceanFirst Financial Corp. and Flushing Financial Corporation announced they had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger under which a newly formed OceanFirst subsidiary will merge into Flushing, followed by Flushing’s merger into OceanFirst and, subsequently, the merger of Flushing Bank into OceanFirst Bank, leaving OceanFirst and its national bank as the surviving entities. Concurrently, OceanFirst agreed to a $225 million equity investment from affiliates of Warburg Pincus, involving the issuance of OceanFirst common stock, a new non‑voting, common‑equivalent class of stock, and a seven‑year warrant tied to OceanFirst’s share price, a capital infusion that is expected to support the financing of the Flushing acquisition and could strengthen OceanFirst’s capital base and strategic position in its regional banking markets, with ownership and dilution implications for existing shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (OCFC) stock is a Buy with a $21.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Oceanfirst Financial stock, see the OCFC Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
OceanFirst Financial Closes $185M Subordinated Notes Offering
Positive
Oct 29, 2025

On October 27, 2025, OceanFirst Financial Corp. announced the pricing of a public offering of $185 million in subordinated notes due 2035, with a fixed-to-floating interest rate structure. The offering, which closed on October 29, 2025, is expected to generate net proceeds of approximately $181.9 million, which the company plans to use to repay existing debt, support growth initiatives at its subsidiaries, and for general corporate purposes. This strategic financial move is intended to strengthen the company’s capital structure and support its expansion efforts.

The most recent analyst rating on (OCFC) stock is a Buy with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Oceanfirst Financial stock, see the OCFC Stock Forecast page.

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: Jan 26, 2026