First BanCorp currently trades at $19.59 and has been a dream stock for shareholders. It’s returned 263% since June 2020, nearly tripling the S&P 500’s 90.4% gain. The company has also beaten the index over the past six months as its stock price is up 5.2% thanks to its solid quarterly results.

Is now still a good time to buy FBP? Or is this a case of a company fueled by heightened investor enthusiasm? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Why Are We Positive On First BanCorp?

Tracing its roots back to 1948 in San Juan, First BanCorp (NYSE: FBP) is a bank holding company that provides commercial banking, consumer financing, mortgage services, and insurance products across Puerto Rico, the U.S. mainland, and the Caribbean.

1. Long-Term Revenue Growth Shows Strong Momentum

From lending activities to service fees, most banks build their revenue model around two income sources. Interest rate spreads between loans and deposits create the first stream, with the second coming from charges on everything from basic bank accounts to complex investment banking transactions.

Thankfully, First BanCorp’s 7.8% annualized revenue growth over the last five years was solid. Its growth surpassed the average bank company and shows its offerings resonate with customers.

2. Outstanding Long-Term EPS Growth

We track the long-term change in earnings per share (EPS) because it highlights whether a company’s growth is profitable.

First BanCorp’s EPS grew at an astounding 27.8% compounded annual growth rate over the last five years, higher than its 7.8% annualized revenue growth. This tells us the company became more profitable on a per-share basis as it expanded.

3. Stellar ROE Showcases Lucrative Growth Opportunities

Return on equity (ROE) measures how effectively banks generate profit from each dollar of shareholder equity — a critical funding source. High-ROE institutions typically compound shareholder wealth faster over time through retained earnings, share repurchases, and dividend payments.

Over the last five years, First BanCorp has averaged an ROE of 16.5%, exceptional for a company operating in a sector where the average shakes out around 7.5% and those putting up 15%+ are greatly admired. This shows First BanCorp has a strong competitive moat.

Final Judgment

These are just a few reasons First BanCorp is a high-quality business worth owning, and with its shares outperforming the market lately, the stock trades at 1.7× forward P/B (or $19.59 per share). Is now the right time to buy? See for yourself in our in-depth research report, it’s free.

Stocks We Like Even More Than First BanCorp

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