First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) operates as the North Carolina bank holding company for First Bank, a state-chartered community bank serving North Carolina and South Carolina. Company news centers on bank earnings, net interest income, credit quality, capital and liquidity commentary, cash dividends, and capital-return actions tied to its common stock.
Recurring updates also cover First Bank's commercial and consumer banking activity, SBA lending, specialty businesses such as CarBucks, Bankcard, Syndications and Asset Based Lending, and regional leadership changes. Governance news includes board appointments, director retirements, executive succession and community-banking leadership developments.
First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) reported third-quarter 2026 net income of $51.3 million, with earnings rising from both comparison quarters. Diluted earnings per share were $1.24, versus $1.22 in the second quarter and $0.49 a year earlier. The year-earlier quarter included a $27.9 million securities loss; adjusted diluted earnings were $1.01.
Net interest income rose 12.0% year over year to $114.8 million, while net interest margin expanded to 3.75% from 3.46%. Loans reached $9.1 billion, up 8.1% year over year. Noninterest expenses increased to $64.0 million from $60.2 million a year earlier. Nonperforming assets represented 0.34% of assets, unchanged sequentially but above 0.31% a year earlier. Unrealized securities losses increased to $263.8 million from $204.5 million sequentially. The pending Carolina Bank acquisition is scheduled to close in early 2027.
First Bancorp (FBNC) declared a cash dividend of $0.24 per common share, payable on October 23, 2026, to shareholders of record on September 30, 2026.
The company’s CEO said the decision reflects continued solid financial performance, stable credit quality, and strong capital and liquidity positions in the second quarter of 2026. First Bancorp, headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, reports total assets of $13.0 billion and operates 113 First Bank branches in North Carolina and South Carolina.
First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) reported unaudited Q2 2026 net income of $50.5 million, or $1.22 diluted EPS, up from $46.7 million ($1.13) in Q1 2026 and $38.6 million ($0.93) in Q2 2025. Net interest income rose to $111.3 million, with net interest margin expanding to 3.71% from 3.67% and 3.32% in the linked and like quarters, respectively.
Total assets reached a record $13.0 billion, loans grew to $9.0 billion (9.3% year-over-year), and average core deposits were $11.0 billion. Credit metrics remained solid, with annualized net charge-offs of 0.04% and an allowance for credit losses of 1.39% of loans. Noninterest income increased to $16.0 million, while noninterest expenses rose to $62.8 million, keeping the efficiency ratio near 49%.
Capital ratios stayed strong, including a 9.83% tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio. According to First Bancorp, it agreed on July 14, 2026 to acquire First Carolina Bancshares in a 75% stock and 25% cash deal, adding a bank with $831 million in assets, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and expected to close in late 2026 or early 2027.
First Bancorp (Nasdaq: FBNC), parent of First Bank, signed a definitive agreement to acquire First Carolina Bancshares, parent of Carolina Bank & Trust, in a stock-and-cash deal valued at $166 million, based on a $64.22 FBNC share price on July 13, 2026. Consideration totals 1,967,017 FBNC shares plus $40 million in cash.
The merger, unanimously approved by both boards, is expected to close in Q4 2026 or early Q1 2027, subject to First Carolina shareholder and regulatory approvals. Carolina Bank, a privately held community bank in Florence, South Carolina, has about $831 million in assets, 14 branches across six counties, and an LTM ROAA of 1.60% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2026.
According to First Bancorp, the combination will expand its South Carolina presence and, on a pro forma basis, place First Bank in the top 10 for deposit market share in both North and South Carolina using June 30, 2025 FDIC data. First Bancorp also plans to release quarterly earnings on July 22, 2026, which are expected to align with market expectations and past performance.
First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) declared a cash dividend of $0.24 per common share, payable on July 24, 2026 to shareholders of record on June 30, 2026.
According to the company, first quarter 2026 featured expanding net interest margin, stable credit quality and continued expense controls, supporting its focus on disciplined capital management and ongoing shareholder value.
First Bank (NASDAQ: FBNC) appointed Andy Scott as Triangle Regional Executive on April 30, 2026. Scott brings 25+ years of banking experience and 15+ years in senior leadership to lead growth, commercial banking, and client engagement across the Triangle.
The bank operates 113 branches with approximately $12.9 billion in total assets and says this hire supports local expansion and deeper community relationships.
First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) appointed Kate Nevin and Peter Hans to its board effective April 28, 2026. Nevin brings 20+ years in alternative investment strategies and values‑aligned investing; Hans leads the UNC System since 2020 with prior community college and policy roles.
The company reported $12.9 billion in total assets and operates 113 branches across North and South Carolina.
First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) reported Q1 2026 net income $46.7M, or $1.13 diluted EPS, versus $15.7M ($0.38) in the linked quarter and $36.4M ($0.88) year-ago. NIM expanded to 3.67%, efficiency ratio improved to 49.05%, and loans were $8.79B at quarter end.
Allowance for credit losses was 1.42% of loans; available-for-sale securities had $197.7M unrealized losses at March 31, 2026.
First Bank (NASDAQ: FBNC) named Will Aiken Managing Director, Specialty Businesses, effective April 7, 2026. Aiken will oversee CarBucks, SBA, Bankcard, Syndications, and Asset Based Lending to support growth.
The hire brings 20+ years of banking experience in credit, risk management, and specialty lending and will be based in Greenville, South Carolina.
First Bank reported approximately $12.7 billion in total assets and operates 113 branches across North and South Carolina.
First Bank (NASDAQ: FBNC) was ranked #14 among U.S. public banks with over $10 billion in assets by S&P Global Market Intelligence, based on 2025 financial performance. The ranking reflects measured growth, profitability, and safety and soundness.
First Bank reported total assets of approximately $12.7 billion and operates 113 branches across North Carolina and South Carolina, underscoring its regional scale and community focus.