First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

Have you been paying attention to shares of First Financial Bancorp (FFBC)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 4.9% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $31.74 in the previous session. First Financial has gained 25.4% since the start of the year compared to the 1.2% move for the Zacks Finance sector and the 0.8% return for the Zacks Banks - Midwest industry.

What's Driving the Outperformance?

The stock has a great record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on April 28, 2026, First Financial reported EPS of $0.77 versus consensus estimate of $0.7 while it beat the consensus revenue estimate by 5.09%.

For the current fiscal year, First Financial is expected to post earnings of $3.2 per share on $1.08 in revenues. This represents a 9.22% change in EPS on a 19.68% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $3.38 per share on $1.12 in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 5.63% and 3.86%, respectively.

Valuation Metrics

While First Financial has moved to its 52-week high in the recent past, investors need to be asking, what is next for the company? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company is due for a pullback from this level.

On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). The individual style scores for Value, Growth, Momentum and the combined VGM Score run from A through F. The idea behind the style scores is to help investors pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.

First Financial has a Value Score of B. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are B and B, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of A.

In terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 9.8X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is not in-line with the peer industry average of 10.5X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 10X versus its peer group's average of 10.4X. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.

Zacks Rank

We also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, First Financial currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to rising earnings estimates.

Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if First Financial passes the test. Thus, it seems as though First Financial shares could have potential in the weeks and months to come.

How Does FFBC Stack Up to the Competition?

Shares of FFBC have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? One industry peer that looks good is Wintrust Financial Corporation (WTFC). WTFC has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) and a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of C, and a Momentum Score of D.

Earnings were strong last quarter. Wintrust Financial Corporation beat our consensus estimate by 8.78%, and for the current fiscal year, WTFC is expected to post earnings of $13.07 per share on revenue of $2.95 billion.

Shares of Wintrust Financial Corporation have gained 4.8% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 11.87X and a P/CF of 10.93X.

The Banks - Midwest industry is in the top 26% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for FFBC and WTFC, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.

Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"

Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.

This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Zacks Investment Research