First BanCorp reported adjusted earnings of $0.55 per share for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, outperforming the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.52. This represents a 19.6% increase from the $0.46 per share posted in Q4 2024. Management attributed the outperformance to disciplined cost control, a 5% reduction in non-interest expenses year-over-year, and a modest expansion in net interest margin driven by repricing of loan portfolios and improved funding costs.

Total operating revenue rose by 7% to $210 million, exceeding the Wall Street consensus of $205 million. Net interest income climbed 8% year-over-year to $145 million, reflecting a 12 basis-point increase in net interest margin to 3.45%. Non-interest income was flat at $65 million, bolstered by service charges and fee income growth of 4%. Loan balances grew 4% to $6.2 billion compared with $5.96 billion a year ago, while deposit balances held steady at $7.1 billion despite competitive market rates.

The Board of Directors approved an 11% increase in the quarterly cash dividend to $0.20 per share, up from $0.18 in December 2025. The dividend is payable on March 13, 2026 to shareholders of record as of February 26, 2026. This marks FBP’s fifth consecutive quarterly raise and underscores management’s confidence in the bank’s capital position, with a reported CET1 ratio of 10.8% well above regulatory minimums.