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Core Viewpoint - First Financial Bancorp is set to complete its acquisition of BankFinancial Corporation on January 1, 2026, enhancing its presence in the Chicago market with retail consumer-focused locations [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition is an all-stock transaction that will add BankFinancial's 18 financial centers and its commercial loan, lease, and deposit lines of business to First Financial [2][3]. - Following the acquisition, First Financial will have $22 billion in assets and will expand its range of consumer, commercial, specialty lending, and wealth management services [2][3]. Group 2: Strategic Growth - The acquisition aligns with First Financial's strategy to grow in the Midwest, having previously established a commercial lending presence in Chicago's Fulton Market and acquired Agile Premium Finance in 2024 [4]. - In November 2025, First Financial completed the acquisition of Westfield Bank, further enhancing its commercial banking and wealth management capabilities in Northeast Ohio [4]. Group 3: Operational Transition - BankFinancial locations will continue to operate under their existing name until the conversion process is completed, expected by June 2026, which will integrate the two banks' products and systems [3]. - Clients of BankFinancial will receive information regarding account conversions in the coming months, while First Financial clients will not be affected by the merger [3]. Group 4: Company Overview - As of September 30, 2025, First Financial Bancorp had $18.6 billion in assets, $11.7 billion in loans, $14.4 billion in deposits, and $2.6 billion in shareholders' equity [5]. - The company operates 127 full-service banking centers across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois, and has a wealth management division with approximately $4.0 billion in assets under management [5].

Core Viewpoint - Gator Capital Management has initiated a new position in First Financial Bancorp, indicating a strategic investment approach focused on patience and balance-sheet considerations rather than immediate market momentum [1][2]. Company Overview - First Financial Bancorp is a regional banking institution with a strong presence in the Midwest, offering a diversified portfolio of lending and deposit services [4][6]. - The company reported a revenue of $884.98 million and a net income of $258.10 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4]. - The current dividend yield stands at 4%, with shares priced at $25.72 as of the latest report [4]. Investment Position - Gator Capital Management disclosed ownership of 221,920 shares of First Financial Bancorp, valued at approximately $5.60 million, representing about 1.42% of its total U.S. equity assets of $394.37 million [2][3]. - The investment reflects a broader strategy that favors financials and cyclicals, suggesting a long-term view on normalized earnings power despite short-term market distractions [8]. Market Performance - First Financial Bancorp's shares have decreased by approximately 6.5% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500, which has increased by about 15% during the same period [3][7]. - The company has been navigating margin pressures and deposit competition, yet it remains profitable and well-capitalized, with net interest income performing better than expected [7].

First Financial Bancorp. ("First Financial") secured regulatory approval of its announced acquisition of Chicago-based BankFinancial Corporation ("BankFinancial"). Closing is anticipated to take place on or around January 1, 2026. CINCINNATI, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial (Nasdaq: FFBC) announced that it received regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve and the Ohio Department of Financial Institutions to complete its previously announced acquisition of BankFinancial. Closing is antic ...

Core Viewpoint - First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) is showing potential for a bullish breakout due to a recent "golden cross" in its moving averages, indicating a favorable technical setup for investors [1]. Technical Indicators - FFBC's 50-day simple moving average has crossed above its 200-day simple moving average, forming a "golden cross," which is a bullish signal for traders [1]. - A successful golden cross event consists of three stages: a price decline bottoming out, the shorter moving average crossing above the longer moving average, and the stock maintaining upward momentum [2]. Performance Metrics - Over the past four weeks, FFBC has experienced a gain of 10.9%, suggesting positive market sentiment [3]. - The company currently holds a 2 (Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, further indicating potential for a breakout [3]. Earnings Expectations - There have been two upward revisions in earnings expectations for the current quarter, with no downward changes in the past 60 days, which supports the bullish outlook [3]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FFBC has also increased, reinforcing investor confidence in the stock's upward trend [3]. Investment Consideration - Given the significant technical indicator and the positive movement in earnings estimates, FFBC is recommended for inclusion on investors' watchlists [5].

Group 1 - Gator Capital Management reported an 11.30% return in Q3 2025, outperforming broader market and Financials sector benchmarks [1] - The fund highlighted First Financial Bancorp. (NASDAQ:FFBC) as a notable investment, despite its recent performance showing a -3.33% return over the last month and a 17.89% decline over the past 52 weeks [2] - First Financial Bancorp. has a market capitalization of $2.319 billion and closed at $23.54 per share on November 18, 2025 [2] Group 2 - Gator Capital Management purchased a position in First Financial Bancorp. in September, viewing it as a well-run commercial bank with $18 billion in assets, trading at a cheap valuation [3] - The bank is considered better than average, and small-to-mid cap bank stocks are viewed as attractive investments [3] - First Financial Bancorp. is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 28 hedge fund portfolios holding it at the end of Q2 2025, an increase from 24 in the previous quarter [4]

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Group 1 - Crude Value Insights provides an investment service and community focused on the oil and natural gas sectors, emphasizing cash flow and companies that generate it [1] - The service offers subscribers access to a model account with over 50 stocks, detailed cash flow analyses of exploration and production (E&P) firms, and live discussions about the sector [1] Group 2 - A two-week free trial is available for new subscribers, promoting engagement with the oil and gas market [2]

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