Brokerages Set First Financial Bancorp. (NASDAQ:FFBC) Target Price at $31.17

Analysts maintain 'Moderate Buy' rating on regional bank stock

Apr. 4, 2026 at 5:34am

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An extreme close-up of the inner mechanisms of a bank vault, with heavy machinery, gears, and dramatic lighting, conceptually representing the tangible infrastructure and security that supports regional banking.As brokerages maintain a positive outlook on First Financial Bancorp's stock, the bank's heavy industrial infrastructure reflects the stability and security that underpins the Midwest's regional financial institutions.Cincinnati Today

Shares of First Financial Bancorp. (NASDAQ:FFBC) have earned a consensus 'Moderate Buy' rating from eight brokerages currently covering the regional bank, with an average 12-month price target of $31.17. Analysts have cited the bank's solid financial performance and growth potential in their assessments.

Why it matters

First Financial Bancorp is a major regional bank serving Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, with over 100 branches. Its stock performance and analyst ratings provide insights into the health of the broader Midwest banking sector and consumer lending environment.

The details

The eight brokerages covering First Financial Bancorp have issued a mix of 'hold' and 'buy' recommendations on the stock. Analysts have cited the bank's strong loan growth, improved net interest margins, and disciplined expense management as factors supporting their positive outlook. Several firms have raised their price targets for FFBC shares in recent months, reflecting confidence in the company's ability to deliver continued financial gains.

  • The latest analyst ratings and price targets were published on April 4, 2026.
  • First Financial Bancorp reported its most recent quarterly earnings on January 28, 2026.

The players

First Financial Bancorp.

A bank holding company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the parent of First Financial Bank, which provides commercial and consumer banking services across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.

Hovde Group

An investment banking and advisory firm that covers First Financial Bancorp and recently raised its price target on the stock.

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

A financial services firm that provides research coverage on First Financial Bancorp and maintained a 'market perform' rating on the stock.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The consensus 'Moderate Buy' rating and $31.17 average price target on First Financial Bancorp reflect analysts' confidence in the regional bank's ability to navigate the current economic environment and deliver solid financial performance. As a bellwether for the Midwest banking sector, the stock's trajectory will be closely watched for insights into consumer and commercial lending trends.