On Thursday, Raymond (NS:RYMD) James upgraded First Financial (NYSE:SSB) Corp. (NASDAQ:THFF) from Market Perform to Outperform, setting a new price target of $54.00.
The firm highlighted that despite a lackluster performance in 2024, with only a 6.9% increase year-to-date compared to the BANK index's 16.5% rise, the current valuation of THFF shares does not reflect the company's merits. The stock's underperformance has led to it trading at significant discounts on both P/E and P/TBV ratios, which Raymond James considers unwarranted.
The analyst cited several reasons for the optimistic outlook on First Financial. The company's liability-sensitive balance sheet positions it well in a declining interest rate environment. Regulatory filings from the third quarter of 2024 indicate First Financial's net interest income could see a 5.9% rise from a -100 basis point shift in the yield curve, outperforming its peers.
First Financial has also improved its long-term growth prospects through strategic expansions. The bank has completed three acquisitions in the past five years, moving into faster-growing urban areas in the Southeast. Additionally, management's revamp of the loan production office (LPO) strategy has resulted in doubling the number of LPOs since the pandemic, targeting higher growth markets. These efforts are expected to bring First Financial's balance sheet growth in line with its peers.
Lastly, the firm acknowledged First Financial's effective capital management. The bank has completed two repurchase authorizations for 5% of outstanding shares each since 2020 and is currently proceeding with a 10% authorization announced on April 21, 2022.
Approximately 520,000 shares remain to be repurchased, which accounts for about 4.4% of the outstanding shares, as part of its ongoing capital rightsizing efforts.
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