First Bancorp stock posts stronger Q3 as net interest margin widens

Published on 11/02/2026 at 00:55 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

First Bancorp reported stronger third-quarter earnings as its net interest margin widened. First Bancorp stock remains focused on loan growth and integration plans.

Quarterly earnings gain momentum

First Bancorp reported higher third-quarter net income as net interest income and the net interest margin expanded.
Loan growth remained positive while annualized net charge-offs stayed low and nonperforming assets remained contained.
The planned Carolina Bank acquisition is scheduled to close in early 2027, subject to customary approvals.

FBNC, US3189101062, Illustration mit AI erstellt.

First Bancorp reported stronger third-quarter results on October 21, 2026, with net income rising to 51.276 million US dollars from 50.519 million US dollars in the linked quarter. The bank holding company said diluted earnings per share reached 1.24 US dollars, according to the First Bancorp earnings release.

Margin expansion lifts quarterly earnings

Net interest income increased to 114.8 million US dollars from 111.3 million US dollars in the second quarter and 102.5 million US dollars a year earlier. The net interest margin widened to 3.75 percent from 3.71 percent in the linked quarter and 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2025. The efficiency ratio improved slightly to 49.09 percent from 49.12 percent in the second quarter.

Loan growth supports operating trends

Total loans reached 9.1 billion US dollars at September 30, up 116.2 million US dollars from June 30 and equivalent to 5.1 percent annualized growth. Annualized net loan charge-offs were 0.09 percent, while nonperforming assets stood at 0.34 percent of total assets. The company recognized 0.5 million US dollars in merger expenses related to its pending Carolina Bank acquisition, which is scheduled to close in early 2027 subject to customary approvals.

Friday quote and investor context

FBNC stock traded at 63.60 US dollars on Nasdaq at 4:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, October 30, 2026. Investors can follow the real-time quote of First Bancorp stock for subsequent sessions.

First Bancorp business profile

First Bancorp is the holding company for First Bank, a state-chartered community bank headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina. First Bank operates 113 branches across North Carolina and South Carolina and provides banking solutions for households and businesses. The group also offers SBA loans through a nationwide lender network.