First Financial Bancorp reported net income of $51.3 million and diluted EPS of $0.54 for the first quarter of 2025. Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.63. The company experienced a decrease in net interest margin but saw strong results from its wealth management and leasing businesses. Asset quality improved with a decline in net charge-offs and nonperforming assets.
Net income for Q1 2025 was $51.3 million, or $0.54 per diluted common share.
Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.63, and adjusted return on average assets was 1.33%.
Net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis was 3.88%, a 6 basis point decline from the prior quarter.
Noninterest expenses decreased by 3.3% from the linked quarter, driven by lower incentive compensation and fraud losses.
The company anticipates modest loan growth in the second quarter, with healthy pipelines in Consumer, C&I, and ICRE business lines. They expect seasonal rebounds in fee income and continued expense management benefits from optimization efforts. Asset quality is expected to continue to improve.
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