First Bancorp (NASDAQ:FBNC) underwent analysis by 4 analysts in the last quarter, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints from bullish to bearish.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
| Bullish | Somewhat Bullish | Indifferent | Somewhat Bearish | Bearish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Ratings | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Last 30D | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 1M Ago | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2M Ago | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 3M Ago | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Analysts have recently evaluated First Bancorp and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $55.75, accompanied by a high estimate of $62.00 and a low estimate of $51.00. This current average has increased by 9.31% from the previous average price target of $51.00.
Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of First Bancorp by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
| Analyst | Analyst Firm | Action Taken | Rating | Current Price Target | Prior Price Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood Lay | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Raises | Outperform | $62.00 | $53.00 |
| Stephen Scouten | Piper Sandler | Raises | Neutral | $51.00 | $48.00 |
| Russell Gunther | Stephens & Co. | Raises | Overweight | $57.00 | $53.00 |
| Wood Lay | Keefe, Bruyette & Woods | Raises | Outperform | $53.00 | $50.00 |
Key Insights:
- Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to First Bancorp. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.
- Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of First Bancorp compared to the broader market.
- Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of First Bancorp's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
Stay up to date on First Bancorp analyst ratings.
All You Need to Know About First Bancorp
First Bancorp is a bank holding company. The company is engaged in providing commercial and consumer banking services, mortgage lending, SBA lending, accounts receivable financing and investment advisory services.
First Bancorp's Financial Performance
Market Capitalization Highlights: Above the industry average, the company's market capitalization signifies a significant scale, indicating strong confidence and market prominence.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining First Bancorp's financials over 3M reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 15.9% as of 30 June, 2025, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Financials sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: First Bancorp's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 35.24%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 2.52%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 0.31%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: First Bancorp's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.01, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.
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