First Bancorp P R - FBP STOCK NEWS

First BanCorp. reported a net income of $70.7 million ($0.39 per diluted share) for Q1 2023, a decrease from $73.2 million ($0.40 per share) in Q4 2022 and $82.6 million ($0.41) in Q1 2022. Pre-tax, pre-provision income was $118.1 million, slightly down from $122.2 million in the previous quarter. Net interest income fell to $200.9 million, impacted by a higher cost of deposits and increased borrowings. However, non-interest income rose to $32.5 million, driven by seasonal commissions. The efficiency ratio worsened to 49.39% from 48.02%, as non-interest expenses increased by $2.4 million, mainly due to higher compensation costs. Total loans grew by $28 million, with notable lending growth in Puerto Rico. The bank repurchased 3.6 million shares for $50 million and raised its dividend from $0.12 to $0.14 per share.

First BanCorp (NYSE: FBP) announced its upcoming financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2023, scheduled for release before market opening on April 25, 2023. A conference call and live webcast will follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time on the same day to discuss the results. Investors can access the information through the Corporation's investor relations website. Participants are encouraged to join at least 15 minutes early to ensure proper software installation. The conference call will also include a Q&A session for research analysts and institutional investors. A replay of the webcast will be available for one year, while the telephone replay will last until May 25, 2023. First BanCorp operates through FirstBank Puerto Rico and has a presence in Puerto Rico, the U.S., British Virgin Islands, and Florida.

First BanCorp. (NYSE: FBP) has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.14 per share, marking a 17% increase or $0.02 from the previous dividend paid in December 2022. The dividend will be payable on March 10, 2023 to shareholders of record as of February 24, 2023. This equates to an annualized dividend of $0.56 per share. Aurelio Alemán, the President and CEO, emphasized the company's commitment to returning capital to shareholders while investing in its core operations and communities, aiming to deliver long-term value.

First BanCorp. (NYSE: FBP) reported a net income of $73.2 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for Q4 2022, slightly down from the $74.6 million in Q3 2022. For the year, net income reached $305.1 million, up from $281 million in 2021. The pre-tax, pre-provision income was $122.2 million for Q4, marginally lower than the previous quarter. While net interest income decreased to $205.6 million, the net interest margin improved to 4.37%. Total loans increased by $254.3 million, with notable growth in commercial loans. The efficiency ratio decreased to 48.02%.

First BanCorp (NYSE: FBP) announced it will release its fourth quarter financial results on January 27, 2023, before market opening. A conference call and live webcast will follow at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time on the same day, accessible via the Corporation’s investor relations website. A playback of the presentation will be available online until January 27, 2024, and by telephone until February 26, 2023.