StockStory Sees Risks at Two Banks, Strength at First BanCorp

StockStory identified First BanCorp as a bank to watch, while flagging challenges at Triumph Financial and Lake City Bank. The assessment comes as the banking industry gained 7.8% over six months, trailing the S&P 500’s 21.1% rise.

For Triumph Financial, StockStory cited annual net interest income growth of 1.8% over five years. It also pointed to earnings per share falling 22.2% annually despite revenue growth, and a Tier 1 capital ratio of 9.9%.

The publisher said Lake City Bank’s parent, Lakeland Financial, posted 5% annual revenue growth and 5.8% annual net interest income growth over five years. It also cited annual earnings per share growth of 3.3%, which lagged revenue growth.

First BanCorp stood out in StockStory’s analysis for a 4.8% net interest margin and gains in non-interest operating profits and efficiency over five years. Its annual earnings per share growth of 17.9% exceeded revenue growth, which the publisher linked to share repurchases. The company provides commercial banking, consumer financing, mortgage and insurance services across Puerto Rico, the U.S. mainland and the Caribbean.