First BanCorp: No Upgrade Ahead Of Earnings

  • First BanCorp is a high-quality business with strong fundamentals, but its valuation is high, making it a 'hold' despite attractive earnings multiples. The company's net interest income grew in 2024, but non-interest income and net profits declined due to increased costs and one-time gains in 2023. First BanCorp's balance sheet has strengthened with increased deposits, loans, and cash, but its securities value fell, and debt decreased slightly.