First Financial Bancorp Q3 EPS rises 11% to record
FFBC•First Financial Bancorp’s Q3 EPS rose 11% year over year to a record, while revenue also reached a record. The company received federal approval for its Finward acquisition, which it expects to close Jan. 1, 2027.
1. Record quarterly results
First Financial Bancorp reported Q3 EPS of $0.77 and adjusted EPS of $0.84, with net income of $81.18 million. Net interest margin rose 9 basis points from the prior quarter, supported by higher asset yields and partly offset by increased funding costs.
2. Growth and acquisition
Record adjusted noninterest income was driven by foreign exchange, wealth management, client derivatives and bankcard income. Loan balances increased moderately, with particularly strong growth in commercial and industrial lending. The company received federal approval for its Finward acquisition and expects it to close Jan. 1, 2027.
3. Company outlook
First Financial expects low- to mid-single-digit loan growth for the remainder of 2026 and expenses to moderate in the fourth quarter. It anticipates resolving a downgraded ICRE relationship over the next few quarters.
