Higher Q1 2026 profit and stable credit at First BanCorp (NYSE: FBP)
First BanCorp. reported stronger results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. Net income rose to $88.8 million from $77.1 million a year earlier, and diluted EPS increased to $0.57 from $0.47. Net interest income improved to $221.0 million from $212.4 million as funding costs declined slightly.
Total assets were $19.1 billion, with loans held for investment of $13.1 billion and deposits of $16.6 billion. The allowance for credit losses on loans stood at $245.1 million, or 1.87% of loans, with quarterly net charge-offs of about $21.1 million, similar to the prior year. The bank continued returning capital via common dividends of $0.20 per share (about $31.5 million) and share repurchases of $54.6 million, reducing outstanding shares to roughly 154.7 million as of early May 2026.
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Insights
First BanCorp delivered higher Q1 2026 earnings with stable credit metrics and active capital returns.
First BanCorp. showed solid core performance, with net income of $88.8M versus $77.1M a year earlier and net interest income of $220.956M. Modest loan growth and a largely stable deposit base of $16.6B supported earnings.
Asset quality remained contained: the allowance for credit losses on loans was $245.1M (1.87% of loans) and net charge-offs were about $21.1M, close to last year. Nonaccrual loans and OREO were low relative to the $13.1B loan book.
Capital management stayed active, with common dividends of $0.20 per share and $54.6M of share repurchases in the quarter. Future disclosures in company filings will outline how funding mix, credit costs and Puerto Rico macro conditions continue to shape profitability.