2 Reasons to Watch FFBC and 1 to Stay Cautious

August 08, 2025 at 00:00 AM EDT

FFBC Cover Image

Over the last six months, First Financial Bancorp’s shares have sunk to $23.55, producing a disappointing 16.8% loss - a stark contrast to the S&P 500’s 4.5% gain. This may have investors wondering how to approach the situation.

Following the pullback, is now a good time to buy FFBC? Find out in our full research report, it’s free.

Why Does First Financial Bancorp Spark Debate?

Tracing its roots back to 1863 during the Civil War era, First Financial Bancorp (NASDAQ: FFBC) is a bank holding company that provides commercial banking, lending, deposit services, and wealth management to individuals and businesses.

Two Positive Attributes:

1. 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 Financial Bancorp’s remarkable 8% annual EPS growth over the last five years aligns with its revenue performance. This tells us it maintained its per-share profitability as it expanded.

First Financial Bancorp Trailing 12-Month EPS (Non-GAAP)

2. Growing TBVPS Reflects Strong Asset Base

We consider tangible book value per share (TBVPS) the most important metric to track for banks. TBVPS represents the real, liquid net worth per share of a bank, excluding intangible assets that have debatable value upon liquidation.

Although First Financial Bancorp’s TBVPS increased by a meager 4.5% annually over the last five years, the good news is that its growth has recently accelerated as TBVPS grew at an excellent 17% annual clip over the past two years (from $11.25 to $15.40 per share).

First Financial Bancorp Quarterly Tangible Book Value per Share

One Reason to be Careful:

Net Interest Income Points to Soft Demand

Our experience and research show the market cares primarily about a bank’s net interest income growth as one-time fees are considered a lower-quality and non-recurring revenue source.

First Financial Bancorp’s net interest income has grown at a 6.4% annualized rate over the last five years, slightly worse than the broader bank industry and in line with its total revenue.

First Financial Bancorp Trailing 12-Month Net Interest Income

Final Judgment

First Financial Bancorp’s merits more than compensate for its flaws. After the recent drawdown, the stock trades at 0.9× forward P/B (or $23.55 per share). Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our comprehensive research report, it’s free.

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