Group 1 - First Financial Corporation (THFF) shares have increased nearly 30% over the past year, indicating strong performance [1] - The acquisition of SimplyBank has positively impacted shareholders, reflected in solid Q3 results [1] - The article emphasizes a contrarian investment approach based on macro views and stock-specific turnaround stories [1]

Core Viewpoint - First Financial (NASDAQ: THFF) has shown strong performance with a 35% increase in share price over the past year, attributed to its acquisition of SimplyBank which has significantly improved its funding profile and expanded its net interest margin [1] Company Performance - The acquisition of SimplyBank has led to a meaningful enhancement in First Financial's funding profile [1] - The expansion of net interest margin has been very strong following the acquisition [1] Investment Insights - The article reflects a contrarian investment approach based on macro views and stock-specific turnaround stories aimed at achieving outsized returns with a favorable risk/reward profile [1]