First BanCorp reports Q4 EPS 40c, consensus 40c

Reports Q4 tangible book value per share $6.93. Reports Q4 CET1 capital ratio 19.21%. Reports Q4 net charge-offs .46%. Aurelio Aleman, president and CEO of First BanCorp., commented: "We closed the year with another strong quarter of organic growth and notable improvement across franchise metrics. We generated $73.2 million in net income, or $0.40 per diluted share, and reached $122.2 million in pre-tax, pre-provision income, highlighting once again our solid earnings generation capacity and expense management discipline. The loan portfolio grew by $254.3 million during the quarter, driven by strong loan origination activity, particularly in the commercial and consumer business segments. Net interest margin expanded by 6 basis points, asset quality improved, and we reached the lowest efficiency ratio among our peers at 48.02%. In line with industry trends, core deposits, net of brokered and government deposits, decreased by $314.9 million during the quarter as households unwind excess liquidity associated with pandemic-related programs. Our main market continues to be supported by a large amount of disaster relief funds flowing into the economy, strong consumer demand, and positive labor market trends."