First Bancorp Q4 Tangible Book Value Per Share Reaches $28.23
Tangible book value per share was $28.23 from $26.98 at previous quarter end. Q4 common equity tier I capital ratio was 14.06% vs. 14.35% in Q3. Q4 NIM was 3.58% vs. 3.46% in Q3 and 3.05% a year ago. CEO Richard Moore stated "First Bancorp closed 2025 with strong momentum, highlighted by a 51 basis-point expansion in net interest margin for the year, solid loan growth and continued expense discipline. During the quarter we grew loans at an annualized rate of more than 14% and our earnings continued to benefit from rising asset yields as higher-yielding assets replaced lower-yielding COVID-era assets. Our liquidity, capital and credit quality remain strong and we are very pleased with the Bank's performance and its accelerating momentum as we move into 2026."
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- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.










