First BanCorp: Exceptional Run Doesn't Necessitate A Downgrade

Daniel Jones Investing Group Leader Follow Summary First BanCorp has delivered outsized returns, outperforming the S&P 500 since my bullish stance in December. FBP's asset quality remains impressive, with strong returns on assets (2.02%) and equity (19.49%) despite elevated valuation multiples. Net interest margin improved to 4.87%, and the bank is well-positioned to benefit further from rising interest rates. I maintain a soft 'buy' rating, acknowledging that while the easy money has been made, upside remains given robust fundamentals. Looking for a helping hand in the market? Members of Crude Value Insights get exclusive ideas and guidance to navigate any climate. Learn More » Richard Drury/DigitalVision via Getty Images Things have been going exceptionally well for shareholders of First BanCorp ( FBP ) in the time that I have been bullish about the business. Since I reaffirmed it as a 'buy' candidate back in March This article was written by Daniel Jones 37.88K Followers Follow Daniel is an avid and active professional investor. He runs Crude Value Insights, a value-oriented newsletter aimed at analyzing the cash flows and assessing the value of companies in the oil and gas space. His primary focus is on finding businesses that are trading at a significant discount to their intrinsic value by employing a combination of Benjamin Graham's investment philosophy and a contrarian approach to the market and the securities therein. Learn more. Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.