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Can First Financial (FFBC) Run Higher on Rising Earnings Estimates?

Core Viewpoint - First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) is experiencing solid improvements in earnings estimates, which may lead to continued short-term price momentum for the stock [1][2]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts are increasingly optimistic about the earnings prospects for First Financial Bancorp, driving higher estimates that are expected to be reflected in the stock price [2]. - The current-quarter earnings estimate is projected at $0.75 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +11.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has risen by 11.6% over the last 30 days, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate is $2.79 per share, indicating a year-over-year change of +6.5%. Over the past month, three estimates have increased, contributing to a 6.92% rise in the consensus estimate [7][8]. Zacks Rank - First Financial Bancorp has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable estimate revisions that suggest potential for outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 2008 [3]. Investment Outlook - The stock has appreciated by 7% over the past four weeks due to strong estimate revisions, suggesting that there may still be further upside potential [10].