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

Investors might want to bet on First Financial Bancorp (FFBC), as earnings estimates for this company have been showing solid improvement lately. The stock has already gained solid short-term price momentum, and this trend might continue with its still improving earnings outlook.Analysts' growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this holding company for First Financial Bank is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- has this insight at its core.The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.For First Financial Bancorp, there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising earnings estimates, which has helped push consensus estimates considerably higher for the next quarter and full year.The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:12 Month EPSCurrent-Quarter Estimate RevisionsThe company is expected to earn $0.75 per share for the current quarter, which represents a year-over-year change of +11.9%.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First Financial has increased 11.6% over the last 30 days, as two estimates have gone higher compared to no negative revisions.Current-Year Estimate RevisionsFor the full year, the company is expected to earn $2.79 per share, representing a year-over-year change of +6.5%.In terms of estimate revisions, the trend for the current year also appears quite encouraging for First Financial. Over the past month, three estimates have moved higher compared to no negative revisions, helping the consensus estimate increase 6.92%.Favorable Zacks RankThe promising estimate revisions have helped First Financial earn a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision.You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.Bottom LineWhile strong estimate revisions for First Financial have attracted decent investments and pushed the stock 7% higher over the past four weeks, further upside may still be left in the stock. So, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.One Big Gain, Every Trading DayTo help you take full advantage of this market, you’re invited to access every stock recommendation in all our private portfolios - for just $1.Zacks private portfolio services that closed 256 double and triple-digit winners in 2024 alone. That’s about one big gain every day the market was open. Of course, not all our picks are winners, but members have seen recent gains as high as +627% +1,340%, and +1,708%.Imagine how much you could profit with a steady stream of real-time picks from all our services that cover a number of strategies to suit a variety of investing and trading styles.See Stocks Now >>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 First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks