First Financial Corp. Reports Surge in Annual Net Income - FFFI

[Para 1: The Lead] First Financial Corporation (FFFI) announced a significant increase in its full-year net income, reflecting robust performance and market recovery. The company reported a 35% growth in earnings per share to $2.50, surpassing analyst estimates by 10%, on February 3, 2026. This marks the first time in five years that the bank has exceeded its annual financial targets. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] The earnings boost is attributed to improved loan portfolios, higher interest rates, and cost efficiency measures. FFFI's total revenue climbed 22% to $1.2 billion, driven by a 15% increase in net interest income. The bank's stock price surged 7% in after-hours trading following the announcement, reflecting investor confidence in the company's financial health. The strong performance is expected to bolster FFFI's market share and attract more deposits, further solidifying its position in the banking sector.