First Bancorp's 15min chart sees KDJ Death Cross and Bearish Marubozu

According to The First Bancorp's 15-minute chart, a KDJ Death Cross and Bearish Marubozu pattern emerged on September 2, 2025 at 16:00. This suggests that the momentum of the stock price is shifting towards the downside, with a potential for further decreases in value. Sellers are currently in control of the market, and it is likely that this bearish momentum will continue.

First Bancorp (FBNC) has been a standout performer in the banking sector, driven by robust earnings momentum, a Zacks Rank upgrade to #1 (Strong Buy), and surging institutional confidence [1]. However, according to the 15-minute chart, a KDJ Death Cross and Bearish Marubozu pattern emerged on September 2, 2025, at 16:00, suggesting a shift in momentum towards the downside [2].

Earnings Momentum

First Bancorp's earnings trajectory has been impressive. Analysts now forecast a 25.3% year-over-year (YoY) earnings per share (EPS) growth rate for 2025, with a consensus estimate of $3.47 per share [1]. The company has outperformed EPS estimates in 50% of its reporting periods over the past 12 months, a testament to its consistent ability to exceed expectations [3]. The Zacks Earnings Surprise Prediction (ESP) for FBNC stands at +3.60%, indicating that analysts are increasingly bullish on its ability to outperform in the near term [4].

Institutional Confidence

Institutional investors have been active participants in FBNC’s recent rally, with their collective ownership rising to 69.46% as of July 2025 [5]. Major investors like Ameriprise Financial Inc. and Squarepoint Ops LLC have increased their stakes, signaling strong confidence in the company [6, 7]. While some institutions have trimmed their positions, the overall trend remains net positive, validating the stock’s appeal to sophisticated investors [8].

Bearish Momentum

Despite the positive fundamentals, the 15-minute chart indicates a bearish trend. The KDJ Death Cross and Bearish Marubozu patterns suggest that sellers are currently in control of the market, and this bearish momentum is likely to continue [2]. This technical analysis signals a potential for further decreases in the stock price.

Conclusion

First Bancorp’s combination of earnings outperformance, margin expansion, and institutional backing makes it a standout candidate for near-term investment. However, the recent technical indicators suggest a potential shift in momentum towards the downside. Investors should closely monitor the company’s earnings reports and technical indicators to make informed decisions.

References

[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/bancorp-earnings-momentum-strong-buy-upgrade-compelling-term-investment-opportunity-2509-15/
[2] https://seekingalpha.com/article/4818223-the-first-bancorp-getting-close-to-upgrade
[3] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-bancorp-fbnc-surpasses-q2-earnings-and-revenue-estimates
[4] https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2639354/first-bancorp-fbp-could-be-a-great-choice
[5] https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NASDAQ/FBNC/institutional-ownership/
[6] https://www.marketbeat.com/stocks/NASDAQ/FBNC/institutional-ownership/
[7] https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/first-bancorp-nasdaqfbnc-stock-rating-upgraded-by-zacks-research-2025-08-15/
[8] https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/fbnc/institutional-holdings