First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC)

Several events have impacted FFBC's stock price in the past six months. The Q1 2025 earnings announcement reported a net income of $51.3 million. The company exceeded revenue expectations in Q2 2025, driven by record revenue and a robust net interest margin. First Financial Bancorp announced the acquisition of Westfield Bancorp. Significant insider selling has been noted. The Q3 2025 earnings announcement reported a net income of $71.9 million. Broader market concerns regarding credit risk in regional banks led to a drop in the regional bank index.

First Financial Bancorp experiences some demand seasonality in its products and services. The company has noted seasonal declines in public funds and seasonal production declines in loan balances. The first quarter of 2024 included approximately $100 million of seasonal business deposit outflows. The company anticipates seasonal rebounds in the second quarter and expects a healthy increase in fee income overall.

First Financial Bancorp (Ohio) operates as a regional bank holding company through its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, providing banking and financial services to individuals and businesses since 1863. Its services include commercial, retail banking, investment commercial real estate, mortgage banking, commercial finance, and wealth management, offering deposit products, loans, and wealth management services.

First Financial Bancorp's operations are concentrated in the Midwest, with a strong regional presence in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, operating 127 full-service banking centers. Its Commercial Finance business extends lending nationwide to targeted industries. The company has expanded through acquisitions like Irwin Financial Corporation in 2007, MainSource Financial Group in 2018, and the expected acquisition of Westfield Bancorp in November 2025.

First Financial Bancorp has received positive recognition for its performance and workplace culture. First Financial Bank received its second consecutive "Outstanding" rating from the Federal Reserve. The company was recognized as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner in 2025. The acquisition of Westfield Bancorp highlighted a shared "community-first approach". First Financial committed to donating $500,000 to its Foundation.

First Financial Bancorp has a mixed ownership structure. Institutional shareholders own 79.51% of the company, with major holders including BlackRock Inc. and Vanguard Group Inc. Insiders own 4.35%, and retail investors hold 16.14%. William G. Barron is the largest individual shareholder, owning 0.85% of the company.