Old North State Trust Fully Exits First Bancorp Position
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 6 days ago
0mins
Should l Buy FBNC?
Source: Fool
- Holding Change: Old North State Trust reported in an SEC filing dated March 24, 2026, that it has completely sold its 72,921 shares of First Bancorp, with an estimated trade value of $3.70 million, indicating a potential decline in confidence in the bank's future prospects.
- Portfolio Adjustment: This transaction reduced Old North State Trust's position in First Bancorp from 2.3% of AUM in the previous quarter to zero, suggesting a strategic shift towards larger growth companies to mitigate risks associated with smaller regional banks.
- Company Performance: As of March 23, 2026, First Bancorp shares were priced at $54.18, reflecting a 33.1% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 20.25 percentage points, highlighting its strong market performance.
- Earnings Complexity: Despite First Bancorp's net interest income reaching approximately $106 million in Q4 and loan balances increasing to about $8.7 billion, a significant securities loss led to a quarterly net income drop to $15.7 million, illustrating the complexities in its earnings picture.
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Analyst Views on FBNC
Wall Street analysts forecast FBNC stock price to rise
3 Analyst Rating
3 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 55.700
Low
58.00
Averages
60.67
High
62.00
Current: 55.700
Low
58.00
Averages
60.67
High
62.00
About FBNC
First Bancorp is a bank holding company. The principal activity of the Company is the ownership and operation of the First Bank (the Bank), a state-chartered bank with its main office in Southern Pines, North Carolina. The Bank has two wholly owned subsidiaries, Magnolia Financial, Inc. (Magnolia Financial) and First Troy SPE, LLC. Magnolia Financial is a business financing company that makes loans throughout the southeastern United States. The Bank maintains a diversified loan portfolio by providing a broad range of commercial and retail lending services to business entities and individuals. The Bank provides commercial business loans, commercial and residential real estate construction and mortgage loans, revolving lines of credit, letters of credit, and loans for personal uses, home improvement, and automobiles. The Bank offers a full range of deposit accounts and services to both retail and commercial customers. The Bank operates about 113 branches.
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.
Old North State Trust Fully Sells First Bancorp Shares
- Shareholding Change: Old North State Trust sold all 72,921 shares of First Bancorp in Q4, with an estimated transaction value of $3.70 million, indicating a decline in confidence towards the stock.
- Asset Management Impact: The sale reduced First Bancorp's position from 2.3% to zero in the fund, reflecting a strategic shift that may affect future portfolio allocations.
- Financial Performance: Although First Bancorp's stock rose over 30% in the past year, a significant securities loss led to a quarterly net income drop to $15.7 million, highlighting the complexity of its profitability.
- Market Outlook: Analysts noted that First Bancorp was not included in the current list of top recommended stocks, suggesting a cautious market sentiment regarding its future growth potential.
See More
Old North State Trust Fully Exits First Bancorp Position
- Holding Change: Old North State Trust reported in an SEC filing dated March 24, 2026, that it has completely sold its 72,921 shares of First Bancorp, with an estimated trade value of $3.70 million, indicating a potential decline in confidence in the bank's future prospects.
- Portfolio Adjustment: This transaction reduced Old North State Trust's position in First Bancorp from 2.3% of AUM in the previous quarter to zero, suggesting a strategic shift towards larger growth companies to mitigate risks associated with smaller regional banks.
- Company Performance: As of March 23, 2026, First Bancorp shares were priced at $54.18, reflecting a 33.1% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 20.25 percentage points, highlighting its strong market performance.
- Earnings Complexity: Despite First Bancorp's net interest income reaching approximately $106 million in Q4 and loan balances increasing to about $8.7 billion, a significant securities loss led to a quarterly net income drop to $15.7 million, illustrating the complexities in its earnings picture.
See More
First Bank Ranked 14th Among U.S. Public Banks by S&P
- Ranking Achievement: First Bank has been ranked 14th among U.S. public banks with over $10 billion in assets by S&P Global Market Intelligence based on its 2025 financial performance, showcasing its exceptional growth and profitability.
- Asset Size: With total assets of approximately $12.7 billion, First Bank operates 113 branches across North and South Carolina, reinforcing its strong market presence as a state-chartered community-focused bank.
- Management Insight: CEO Richard Moore highlighted that this ranking reflects the disciplined approach the bank has taken towards growth, service, and long-term performance, emphasizing the strength of the team and the trust clients place in them.
- Commitment to Value: First Bank is committed to delivering long-term value by deepening client relationships and investing in communities, ensuring a robust balance sheet while focusing on sustained growth.
See More
First Bank Ranked 14th Among U.S. Public Banks by S&P Global
- Ranking Achievement: First Bank has been ranked 14th among U.S. public banks with over $10 billion in assets based on 2025 financial performance, showcasing its excellence in growth, profitability, and safety, thereby solidifying its position among top financial institutions nationwide.
- Management Insight: CEO Richard Moore highlighted that this ranking reflects the disciplined approach the bank has taken towards growth, service, and long-term performance, emphasizing the strength of the team and the trust clients place in the bank, indicating successful customer relationship management.
- Commitment to Long-term Value: First Bank is committed to delivering long-term value while maintaining a strong balance sheet, focusing on deepening relationships and investing in communities, aiming to lay a foundation for sustained success and enhance its competitive edge in the market.
- Community Banking Focus: As a state-chartered community-focused bank, First Bank operates 113 branches in North and South Carolina, and since 1935, it has adopted a tailored banking approach that combines best-in-class financial solutions with local expertise to help customers achieve their dreams.
See More
First Bancorp Announces Quarterly Dividend Increase
- Quarterly Dividend Increase: First Bancorp has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous dividend of $0.23, indicating the company's ongoing profitability and enhancing investor confidence.
- Stable Yield: The forward yield of 1.79% provides a relatively stable return in the current market environment, appealing to income-seeking investors and enhancing the company's attractiveness.
- Clear Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on April 27, with a record date of March 31 and an ex-dividend date also on March 31, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly and improving shareholder satisfaction.
- Dividend Growth Trend: This increase in dividends reflects First Bancorp's confidence in future earnings growth, potentially attracting more long-term investors and further driving up the stock price.
See More
First Bancorp Declares Cash Dividend of $0.24 per Share
- Dividend Declaration: First Bancorp has declared a cash dividend of $0.24 per share, payable on April 27, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders and enhancing investor confidence.
- Strong Financial Performance: CEO Richard Moore highlighted that the company achieved significant growth in adjusted net income and adjusted EPS during the fourth quarter, supported by solid capital and liquidity positions, indicating the company's competitiveness and stability in the market.
- Robust Asset Base: First Bancorp boasts total assets of $12.7 billion, and its subsidiary, First Bank, operates 113 branches across North Carolina and South Carolina, showcasing its strong influence in the regional market.
- Customized Banking Services: Since 1935, First Bank has provided tailored banking services by combining best-in-class financial solutions with local expertise, further solidifying its leadership position in the community banking sector.
See More
Old North State Trust Fully Sells First Bancorp Shares
- Shareholding Change: Old North State Trust sold all 72,921 shares of First Bancorp in Q4, with an estimated transaction value of $3.70 million, indicating a decline in confidence towards the stock.
- Asset Management Impact: The sale reduced First Bancorp's position from 2.3% to zero in the fund, reflecting a strategic shift that may affect future portfolio allocations.
- Financial Performance: Although First Bancorp's stock rose over 30% in the past year, a significant securities loss led to a quarterly net income drop to $15.7 million, highlighting the complexity of its profitability.
- Market Outlook: Analysts noted that First Bancorp was not included in the current list of top recommended stocks, suggesting a cautious market sentiment regarding its future growth potential.
See More
Old North State Trust Fully Exits First Bancorp Position
- Holding Change: Old North State Trust reported in an SEC filing dated March 24, 2026, that it has completely sold its 72,921 shares of First Bancorp, with an estimated trade value of $3.70 million, indicating a potential decline in confidence in the bank's future prospects.
- Portfolio Adjustment: This transaction reduced Old North State Trust's position in First Bancorp from 2.3% of AUM in the previous quarter to zero, suggesting a strategic shift towards larger growth companies to mitigate risks associated with smaller regional banks.
- Company Performance: As of March 23, 2026, First Bancorp shares were priced at $54.18, reflecting a 33.1% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 20.25 percentage points, highlighting its strong market performance.
- Earnings Complexity: Despite First Bancorp's net interest income reaching approximately $106 million in Q4 and loan balances increasing to about $8.7 billion, a significant securities loss led to a quarterly net income drop to $15.7 million, illustrating the complexities in its earnings picture.
See More
First Bank Ranked 14th Among U.S. Public Banks by S&P
- Ranking Achievement: First Bank has been ranked 14th among U.S. public banks with over $10 billion in assets by S&P Global Market Intelligence based on its 2025 financial performance, showcasing its exceptional growth and profitability.
- Asset Size: With total assets of approximately $12.7 billion, First Bank operates 113 branches across North and South Carolina, reinforcing its strong market presence as a state-chartered community-focused bank.
- Management Insight: CEO Richard Moore highlighted that this ranking reflects the disciplined approach the bank has taken towards growth, service, and long-term performance, emphasizing the strength of the team and the trust clients place in them.
- Commitment to Value: First Bank is committed to delivering long-term value by deepening client relationships and investing in communities, ensuring a robust balance sheet while focusing on sustained growth.
See More
First Bank Ranked 14th Among U.S. Public Banks by S&P Global
- Ranking Achievement: First Bank has been ranked 14th among U.S. public banks with over $10 billion in assets based on 2025 financial performance, showcasing its excellence in growth, profitability, and safety, thereby solidifying its position among top financial institutions nationwide.
- Management Insight: CEO Richard Moore highlighted that this ranking reflects the disciplined approach the bank has taken towards growth, service, and long-term performance, emphasizing the strength of the team and the trust clients place in the bank, indicating successful customer relationship management.
- Commitment to Long-term Value: First Bank is committed to delivering long-term value while maintaining a strong balance sheet, focusing on deepening relationships and investing in communities, aiming to lay a foundation for sustained success and enhance its competitive edge in the market.
- Community Banking Focus: As a state-chartered community-focused bank, First Bank operates 113 branches in North and South Carolina, and since 1935, it has adopted a tailored banking approach that combines best-in-class financial solutions with local expertise to help customers achieve their dreams.
See More
First Bancorp Announces Quarterly Dividend Increase
- Quarterly Dividend Increase: First Bancorp has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share, marking a 4.3% increase from the previous dividend of $0.23, indicating the company's ongoing profitability and enhancing investor confidence.
- Stable Yield: The forward yield of 1.79% provides a relatively stable return in the current market environment, appealing to income-seeking investors and enhancing the company's attractiveness.
- Clear Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on April 27, with a record date of March 31 and an ex-dividend date also on March 31, ensuring shareholders receive their earnings promptly and improving shareholder satisfaction.
- Dividend Growth Trend: This increase in dividends reflects First Bancorp's confidence in future earnings growth, potentially attracting more long-term investors and further driving up the stock price.
See More
First Bancorp Declares Cash Dividend of $0.24 per Share
- Dividend Declaration: First Bancorp has declared a cash dividend of $0.24 per share, payable on April 27, 2026, to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders and enhancing investor confidence.
- Strong Financial Performance: CEO Richard Moore highlighted that the company achieved significant growth in adjusted net income and adjusted EPS during the fourth quarter, supported by solid capital and liquidity positions, indicating the company's competitiveness and stability in the market.
- Robust Asset Base: First Bancorp boasts total assets of $12.7 billion, and its subsidiary, First Bank, operates 113 branches across North Carolina and South Carolina, showcasing its strong influence in the regional market.
- Customized Banking Services: Since 1935, First Bank has provided tailored banking services by combining best-in-class financial solutions with local expertise, further solidifying its leadership position in the community banking sector.
See More
