First Financial Bankshares (FFIN): Assessing the Case for a Long-Term Buy Amid Earnings-Price Disconnect

The stock of First Financial Bankshares (FFIN) has experienced a notable divergence between its earnings performance and market valuation in recent years. While the company has demonstrated solid earnings growth and resilient core operations, its share price has lagged, raising questions about whether this disconnect represents a compelling long-term investment opportunity. This analysis evaluates FFIN's fundamentals, insider confidence, and the lingering effects of a one-time fraud incident to determine if the stock is undervalued and worth holding.

Earnings Growth and the One-Time Fraud Incident

FFIN's earnings trajectory has been mixed but largely positive over the past two years. In 2024, the company reported earnings per share of $1.56, a 12.2% increase from $1.39 in 2023. However, the third quarter of 2025 saw a significant setback: a $21.55 million credit loss due to a fraud incident involving a commercial borrower. This led to a $105.96 million provision for credit losses, pushing Q3 2025 EPS down to $0.36, a 5.1% decline from the same period in 2024.

Despite this one-time hit, FFIN's core business remains robust. Net interest income rose to $127 million in Q3 2025, up from $107.1 million in Q3 2024, while the net interest margin held steady at 3.80%. Noninterest income also grew to $34.26 million, driven by strong mortgage and trust fees. Management has emphasized that the fraud incident was isolated, suggesting that the company's long-term earnings potential remains intact.

Insider Confidence and Dividend Strength

Insider buying activity has been a bright spot for FFIN. In October 2025, Sally Pope Davis, a member of the Board of Directors, purchased 1,700 shares at $30.73 per share, signaling confidence in the stock's value. Similarly, CEO F. Scott Dueser gifted 15,232 shares to the Dueser Foundation and family members in December 2025. These transactions, along with purchases by other executives and directors, indicate that insiders view FFIN as a strong long-term investment despite its recent underperformance.

The board's decision to increase dividends at the 2025 annual meeting further underscores this confidence. FFIN currently offers a dividend yield of 2.41%, with an upcoming payout of $0.19 per share. This consistent dividend policy, combined with a strong return on equity (ROE) of 13.9% and a profit margin of 41.7%, highlights the company's financial stability.

Stock Price Performance and Market Sentiment

FFIN's stock price has been volatile, closing at $31.57 as of January 9, 2026, with a 52-week range of $29.43 to $39.12. Over the past year, the stock has declined 23.5% in total shareholder return, despite a P/E ratio of 18.3x-well above the US Banks industry average of 11.4x. This suggests that the market is either undervaluing FFIN's fundamentals or pricing in pessimism about its near-term prospects.

However, valuation models indicate potential upside. A discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis estimates a fair value of $41.82, implying the stock is trading 25% below intrinsic value. Analysts also project a median price target of $36.00 for 2026, with Cantor Fitzgerald and Truist Securities offering more optimistic and conservative targets of $39.00 and $35.00, respectively. These forecasts suggest a potential 16.6% to 29.9% upside from current levels.

Weighing the Risks and Rewards

The primary risk for FFIN is its recent earnings volatility, driven by the fraud incident. While management has framed the loss as isolated, investors may remain cautious about credit risk in a challenging economic environment. Additionally, the stock's elevated P/E ratio compared to peers could reflect lingering skepticism about its ability to sustain earnings growth.

On the other hand, FFIN's strong net interest income, insider confidence, and resilient dividend policy provide a solid foundation for long-term growth. The company's institutional ownership of 67% also signals continued support from major investors.

Conclusion: A Compelling Buy with Caution

FFIN's earnings growth and improving fundamentals, coupled with insider buying and a strong dividend yield, make it an attractive candidate for long-term investors. The recent underperformance appears to be driven by short-term factors-namely, the one-time fraud incident-rather than structural weaknesses in the business. While the stock's valuation premium and earnings volatility warrant caution, the combination of undervaluation in DCF models and analyst optimism suggests that patient investors could benefit from its potential recovery.

For those willing to tolerate near-term volatility, FFIN offers a compelling opportunity to capitalize on a fundamentally sound regional bank with a history of consistent performance and a clear path to earnings normalization.