Gator Capital Initiates $5.6M Position in First Financial Bancorp (FFBC)
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 28 2025
0mins
Should l Buy FFBC?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- New Investment Position: Gator Capital Management initiated a position of 221,920 shares in First Financial Bancorp during Q3, valued at approximately $5.6 million, indicating a strategic interest in regional banking.
- Asset Allocation Insight: This position represents about 1.42% of Gator Capital's 13F reportable assets, reflecting a continued investment strategy focused on the financial sector within a $394.37 million portfolio.
- Market Performance Comparison: Despite First Financial Bancorp's stock price declining about 6.5% over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500's 15% gain, its stable profitability and strong capitalization continue to attract investor interest.
- Investment Strategy Insight: Gator Capital's decision to invest suggests that patience and a steady investment approach may yield long-term benefits, especially in a market currently fixated on growth and volatility.
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Analyst Views on FFBC
Wall Street analysts forecast FFBC stock price to fall
4 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Hold
Current: 30.190
Low
28.00
Averages
29.00
High
31.00
Current: 30.190
Low
28.00
Averages
29.00
High
31.00
About FFBC
First Financial Bancorp. is a bank holding company. It engages in the business of commercial banking and other banking and banking-related activities through its subsidiary, First Financial Bank (the Bank). The Bank provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management. These business units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients. Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services. In addition, it offers deposit products that include interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing accounts, time deposits and cash management services for commercial customers. Its full-service banking centers are located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the commercial finance business lends to targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
First Financial Bancorp Reports Record Q4 2025 Earnings Performance
- Record Earnings Performance: First Financial Bancorp achieved an adjusted earnings per share of $0.80 in Q4 2025, with a return on assets of 1.52%, reflecting strong performance in net interest margin and noninterest income, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Loan and Deposit Growth: The annualized loan growth rate was 4%, and deposits increased by approximately 7% annually, indicating that the company can maintain organic growth even after the Westfield Bank acquisition, further solidifying its market position.
- Expense and Income Outlook: Projected expenses for Q1 are between $156 million and $158 million, primarily influenced by acquisitions, while noninterest income is expected to range from $71 million to $73 million, demonstrating the company's confidence in future revenue.
- Strategic Integration Plans: Management anticipates that cost savings from acquisitions will materialize in the second half of 2026, and despite facing seasonal outflow pressures in the near term, the company remains optimistic about its organic loan growth target, projected between 6% and 8%.
See More
First Financial Bancorp Reports Strong 2025 Financial Results
- Quarterly Net Income Performance: In Q4 2025, First Financial Bancorp reported net income of $62.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, indicating stable profitability despite a decline from $71.9 million in Q3 2025.
- Annual Performance Growth: For the full year 2025, adjusted net income reached $281.1 million, translating to $2.92 per share, marking a 21.7% increase from $2.40 in 2024, reflecting strong market performance and enhanced profitability.
- Stable Asset Quality: The nonperforming assets ratio slightly increased to 0.48% in Q4, while overall asset quality remained stable with a provision expense of $10.1 million, demonstrating effective management of credit risk.
- Increased Shareholder Returns: The Board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on March 16, 2026, showcasing the company's commitment to shareholder returns and reflecting its robust financial health.
See More
Elevated Volatility in US Options Market Post Earnings
- Options Market Volatility: The options market is experiencing heightened volatility due to the upcoming Federal Reserve policy decision, with some stocks showing implied volatility nearing 50% ahead of earnings reports.
- Capitol Federal Financial: CFFN is set to report earnings on January 28, with analysts expecting earnings per share of 15 cents and revenue of $57.51 million, reflecting a significant implied move of 48.48%.
- Other Bank Stocks: Stocks like First Financial Bancorp and Provident Financial Services are also seeing implied moves exceeding 39%, indicating cautious market sentiment regarding their earnings performance.
- Market Reaction: Overall, the market is reacting strongly to the impending earnings reports, particularly among regional banks, highlighting investor concerns over future earnings uncertainty and potential risks.
See More
First Financial Bancorp to Release Q4 and Full Year 2025 Results on January 28, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: First Financial Bancorp is set to announce its Q4 and full year 2025 financial results after market close on January 28, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and timely information disclosure.
- Teleconference Details: A teleconference will be held on January 29, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results, enhancing communication and engagement with investors.
- Asset Overview: As of September 30, 2025, First Financial Bancorp reported total assets of $18.6 billion, loans of $11.7 billion, and deposits of $14.4 billion, indicating a robust position in the market.
- Business Diversification: The company offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial services through six business lines, including Commercial and Retail Banking, which strengthens its competitive edge and customer base.
See More
First Financial Bancorp to Release 2025 Financial Results on January 28
- Earnings Release Schedule: First Financial Bancorp expects to release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results after market close on January 28, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to financial transparency.
- Teleconference Details: A teleconference will be held on January 29, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss the financial results, enhancing communication with investors.
- Asset Scale: As of September 30, 2025, the company reported $18.6 billion in assets, $11.7 billion in loans, and $14.4 billion in deposits, reflecting its solid financial foundation and market position.
- Community Contribution Recognition: In 2025, First Financial Bank received an Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve under the Community Reinvestment Act, indicating its ongoing commitment to community service and responsibility.
See More
First Financial Acquires BankFinancial, Expanding Assets to $22 Billion
- Market Expansion: First Financial will complete its all-stock acquisition of BankFinancial on January 1, 2026, establishing its first retail consumer-focused locations in the Chicago market, significantly enhancing its market share.
- Asset Growth: Following this acquisition, First Financial's assets will increase to $22 billion, bolstering its competitiveness in consumer, commercial, and wealth management services.
- Customer Service Enhancement: BankFinancial's 18 financial centers will continue to operate under their original name, ensuring service continuity and stability for clients during the conversion process without requiring any action from them.
- Strategic Development: This acquisition is part of First Financial's expansion strategy in the Midwest, further solidifying its market position after establishing a commercial lending presence in Chicago in 2023.
See More
First Financial Bancorp Reports Record Q4 2025 Earnings Performance
- Record Earnings Performance: First Financial Bancorp achieved an adjusted earnings per share of $0.80 in Q4 2025, with a return on assets of 1.52%, reflecting strong performance in net interest margin and noninterest income, thereby enhancing its competitive position in the market.
- Loan and Deposit Growth: The annualized loan growth rate was 4%, and deposits increased by approximately 7% annually, indicating that the company can maintain organic growth even after the Westfield Bank acquisition, further solidifying its market position.
- Expense and Income Outlook: Projected expenses for Q1 are between $156 million and $158 million, primarily influenced by acquisitions, while noninterest income is expected to range from $71 million to $73 million, demonstrating the company's confidence in future revenue.
- Strategic Integration Plans: Management anticipates that cost savings from acquisitions will materialize in the second half of 2026, and despite facing seasonal outflow pressures in the near term, the company remains optimistic about its organic loan growth target, projected between 6% and 8%.
See More
First Financial Bancorp Reports Strong 2025 Financial Results
- Quarterly Net Income Performance: In Q4 2025, First Financial Bancorp reported net income of $62.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, indicating stable profitability despite a decline from $71.9 million in Q3 2025.
- Annual Performance Growth: For the full year 2025, adjusted net income reached $281.1 million, translating to $2.92 per share, marking a 21.7% increase from $2.40 in 2024, reflecting strong market performance and enhanced profitability.
- Stable Asset Quality: The nonperforming assets ratio slightly increased to 0.48% in Q4, while overall asset quality remained stable with a provision expense of $10.1 million, demonstrating effective management of credit risk.
- Increased Shareholder Returns: The Board approved a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share, payable on March 16, 2026, showcasing the company's commitment to shareholder returns and reflecting its robust financial health.
See More
Elevated Volatility in US Options Market Post Earnings
- Options Market Volatility: The options market is experiencing heightened volatility due to the upcoming Federal Reserve policy decision, with some stocks showing implied volatility nearing 50% ahead of earnings reports.
- Capitol Federal Financial: CFFN is set to report earnings on January 28, with analysts expecting earnings per share of 15 cents and revenue of $57.51 million, reflecting a significant implied move of 48.48%.
- Other Bank Stocks: Stocks like First Financial Bancorp and Provident Financial Services are also seeing implied moves exceeding 39%, indicating cautious market sentiment regarding their earnings performance.
- Market Reaction: Overall, the market is reacting strongly to the impending earnings reports, particularly among regional banks, highlighting investor concerns over future earnings uncertainty and potential risks.
See More
First Financial Bancorp to Release Q4 and Full Year 2025 Results on January 28, 2026
- Earnings Release Schedule: First Financial Bancorp is set to announce its Q4 and full year 2025 financial results after market close on January 28, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and timely information disclosure.
- Teleconference Details: A teleconference will be held on January 29, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the financial results, enhancing communication and engagement with investors.
- Asset Overview: As of September 30, 2025, First Financial Bancorp reported total assets of $18.6 billion, loans of $11.7 billion, and deposits of $14.4 billion, indicating a robust position in the market.
- Business Diversification: The company offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial services through six business lines, including Commercial and Retail Banking, which strengthens its competitive edge and customer base.
See More
First Financial Bancorp to Release 2025 Financial Results on January 28
- Earnings Release Schedule: First Financial Bancorp expects to release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results after market close on January 28, 2026, demonstrating the company's commitment to financial transparency.
- Teleconference Details: A teleconference will be held on January 29, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss the financial results, enhancing communication with investors.
- Asset Scale: As of September 30, 2025, the company reported $18.6 billion in assets, $11.7 billion in loans, and $14.4 billion in deposits, reflecting its solid financial foundation and market position.
- Community Contribution Recognition: In 2025, First Financial Bank received an Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve under the Community Reinvestment Act, indicating its ongoing commitment to community service and responsibility.
See More
First Financial Acquires BankFinancial, Expanding Assets to $22 Billion
- Market Expansion: First Financial will complete its all-stock acquisition of BankFinancial on January 1, 2026, establishing its first retail consumer-focused locations in the Chicago market, significantly enhancing its market share.
- Asset Growth: Following this acquisition, First Financial's assets will increase to $22 billion, bolstering its competitiveness in consumer, commercial, and wealth management services.
- Customer Service Enhancement: BankFinancial's 18 financial centers will continue to operate under their original name, ensuring service continuity and stability for clients during the conversion process without requiring any action from them.
- Strategic Development: This acquisition is part of First Financial's expansion strategy in the Midwest, further solidifying its market position after establishing a commercial lending presence in Chicago in 2023.
See More
