First Financial Bancorp

FFBC · NASDAQ

$31.85+$0.575 (+1.84%)TodayMarket closed · Oct 20, 4:10 PM ET

Prev close $31.27

FFBC analyst rating

BuyConsensus of 5 analysts over the last 12 months. 60% rate it a buy.

Strong buy0
Buy3
Hold2
Underperform0
Sell0

12-month price target · 9 analysts

Average $38.18 (+19.9% upside)

Low: $36.36
Now: $31.85
High: $40.95

Upgrades and downgrades

The latest rating actions, newest first

FFBC analyst upgrades, downgrades and rating actions
Firm	Date	Action	Rating	Price target	Hit rate
Truist Securities	Sep 25, 2026	Upgrade	Hold → Buy	$35.00 → $37.00	59%
Truist Securities	Jul 10, 2026	Maintains	Hold	$33.00 → $35.00	59%
Raymond James	Jul 1, 2026	Maintains	Outperform	$34.00 → $36.00	54%
RBC Capital	Apr 27, 2026	Maintains	Sector Perform	$30.00 → $32.00	30%
Truist Securities	Apr 27, 2026	Maintains	Hold	$30.00 → $33.00	59%
Stephens & Co.	Mar 27, 2026	Initiates	Overweight	$33.00	73%
Truist Securities	Feb 2, 2026	Maintains	Hold	$29.00 → $30.00	59%
RBC Capital	Jan 30, 2026	Maintains	Sector Perform	$28.00 → $30.00	30%
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods	Jan 30, 2026	Maintains	Market Perform	$31.00 → $32.00	61%
Raymond James	Oct 27, 2025	Maintains	Outperform	$30.00 → $28.00	54%

The case for and against

Updated Oct 18, 2026

Bull case

First Financial Bancorp is viewed favorably because its asset-sensitive balance sheet should benefit as rising rates filter into net interest margin, with management indicating each hike can add an initial 7 bps before settling into a 3-4 bps benefit and consensus still lagging despite the clearer rate backdrop. Its fundamentals are also supported by solid operating execution, including 1Q core EPS of $0.77, a stable margin outlook around 3.99% to 4.04%, mid-single-digit loan growth, and strong fee income from wealth, FX, and leasing businesses. The investment case is further strengthened by successful integration of recent acquisitions, expected cost saves by the third quarter and the fourth quarter, and peer-leading returns with RoTCE at 19% today and expected to rise into the low 20s next year.

Bear case

First Financial Bancorp is facing a negative fundamental setup because a deteriorating macroeconomy could raise credit costs, slow loan growth, and pressure asset quality, all of which would weaken earnings momentum. A more competitive lending and deposit market may further limit growth opportunities, while a prolonged low-rate environment could compress net interest margin and constrain profitability. These combined headwinds suggest that the bank’s commercial lending, real estate lending, and deposit-driven franchise may struggle to sustain solid returns if operating conditions worsen.

Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Market data is delayed at least 15 minutes and is provided without warranty. Analyst ratings, price targets and company data come from third-party sources. Past performance does not guarantee future results.