First Bancorp
NYSE:FBP
First Bancorp
From its humble beginnings, First Bancorp has grown to become a significant player in the financial services sector, particularly within its primary market of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This regional bank, headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has carved out its niche by focusing on community banking. At its core, First Bancorp thrives on building relationships with its customers, offering a diverse portfolio of services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, small businesses, and larger commercial clients. The bank delivers traditional banking services such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and mortgages while also providing specialized services like wealth management and insurance. First Bancorp’s deep understanding of local markets has been a key driver in its success, enabling it to adapt and respond to the unique economic contexts within its operating regions.
The bank’s revenue generation strategy is multifaceted, strategically leveraging the interest spread between deposits and loans. First Bancorp earns a significant portion of its income through the interest it charges on loans, which range from personal loans to more complex commercial loans. Concurrently, it gathers deposits from customers, paying interest rates that are typically lower than what it earns on loans, thus profiting from this difference. Beyond interest income, First Bancorp also benefits from non-interest income streams, which include fees for products and services such as transaction processing, servicing fees, and commissions on insurance products. By maintaining strong capital management and focusing on risk assessment, First Bancorp has positioned itself as a resilient institution capable of weathering various economic climates while continuing to provide value to its shareholders and serving its community.
From its humble beginnings, First Bancorp has grown to become a significant player in the financial services sector, particularly within its primary market of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This regional bank, headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has carved out its niche by focusing on community banking. At its core, First Bancorp thrives on building relationships with its customers, offering a diverse portfolio of services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, small businesses, and larger commercial clients. The bank delivers traditional banking services such as checking and savings accounts, loans, and mortgages while also providing specialized services like wealth management and insurance. First Bancorp’s deep understanding of local markets has been a key driver in its success, enabling it to adapt and respond to the unique economic contexts within its operating regions.
The bank’s revenue generation strategy is multifaceted, strategically leveraging the interest spread between deposits and loans. First Bancorp earns a significant portion of its income through the interest it charges on loans, which range from personal loans to more complex commercial loans. Concurrently, it gathers deposits from customers, paying interest rates that are typically lower than what it earns on loans, thus profiting from this difference. Beyond interest income, First Bancorp also benefits from non-interest income streams, which include fees for products and services such as transaction processing, servicing fees, and commissions on insurance products. By maintaining strong capital management and focusing on risk assessment, First Bancorp has positioned itself as a resilient institution capable of weathering various economic climates while continuing to provide value to its shareholders and serving its community.
Record Revenue & Profit: First Bancorp achieved record revenues over $1 billion and record net income of $345 million for 2025.
Strong Profitability: Return on assets reached 1.8% for the year, and the efficiency ratio improved to 49% in Q4.
Shareholder Returns: Returned about 95% of earnings to shareholders, including $150 million in share repurchases and $150 million in dividends; announced an 11% increase in the quarterly dividend for 2026.
Stable Credit Quality: Asset quality metrics remained strong with nonperforming assets at an all-time low of 0.60% of total assets; net charge-offs held steady.
Margin & Deposits: Net interest margin was 4.68% in Q4, with deposit costs reduced and core customer deposits rising $267 million.
Guidance Maintained: 2026 guidance is for 3–5% organic loan growth, a 52% or better efficiency ratio, and continued high shareholder returns.
Macro Commentary: Management expects moderate consumer confidence but constructive economic trends in Puerto Rico and Florida.
