FRBA: Reports Good Loan Growth, Expense Control; Maintaining Target Price and Reaffirming Neutral Rating.
First Bank reported 2Q19 net income of $2.8 million, down 33.5% from the $4.3 million recorded in the prior quarter. On a per share basis, earnings were $0.15 compared to the $0.23 recorded in 1Q19. The 2Q19 results came in well below our $0.21 estimate and the $0.23 median Street estimate. For the quarter, greater-than-expected NIM compression, a higher loan loss provision, and a higher effective tax rate drove the shortfall versus our estimate. Some of the more notable items reported for 2Q19 included: