{
  "id": 14534756,
  "title": "Raymond James initiates First Financial Bankshares stock coverage at Market Perform",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/raymond-james-initiates-first-financial-bankshares-stock-coverage-at",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-14T20:52:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/analyst-ratings/raymond-james-initiates-first-financial-bankshares-stock-coverage-at-market-perform-93CH-4950081"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Raymond James has started providing coverage for First Financial Bankshares (FFIN), assigning it a Market Perform rating. Based in Abilene, Texas, First Financial Bankshares has expanded from a single branch in 1890 to an 80-branch institution with around $15 billion in assets. The stock trades at a premium valuation, supported by strong profitability, low-cost deposits, and a healthy credit profile. The company boasts a P/E ratio of 16.34 and a return on equity of 14%, showcasing its efficiency and earning potential.\n\nFirst Financial Bankshares has a consistent dividend growth history, having increased its dividend for 15 consecutive years. While loan growth has trailed its peers, the bank maintains a low loan-to-deposit ratio and ample liquidity, positioning it well to capitalize on any organic loan growth without significantly increasing higher-cost funding. The bank is exploring a potential acquisition of a Texas institution with assets between $1 and $5 billion.\n\nThe current valuation of First Financial Bankshares seems to reflect its strong franchise quality, leaving limited room for further multiple expansion unless there's a notable acceleration in loan growth and earnings. Subscribers to InvestingPro can access five additional exclusive tips, including detailed valuation metrics and growth analysis.\n\nRecently, First Financial Bankshares reported a second-quarter earnings per share of $0.50, meeting analyst expectations. The company's net income rose to $71.89 million, a 7.8% increase from the previous year. Net interest income climbed to $136.91 million, with a net interest margin expanding to 3.90%, driven by lower deposit costs and improved securities yields.\n\nMarket analysts have taken differing stances on First Financial Bankshares. Benchmark maintains a Buy rating, acknowledging solid earnings and high profitability with potential for further upside. Cantor Fitzgerald has set a price target of $34, retaining a Neutral rating, while Piper Sandler has initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a price target of $35. Both analysts project sustained profitability by 2027, with Piper Sandler estimating earnings of $2.05 per share in 2026 and $2.10 per share in 2027.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}