First BanCorp.

First BanCorp reported second-quarter 2026 net income of $96 million, or $0.62 per share, a 24% increase year-over-year. Pre-tax pre-provision income reached an all-time high of $138 million, up 11% from a year ago, while return on average assets hit 2%, marking the 18th consecutive quarter above 1.5%. Total loans grew to $13.3 billion, a 5% increase on a linked-quarter annualized basis, driven by $1.7 billion in total loan originations, which rose 21% year-over-year. Total deposits increased by $274 million during the quarter, and net interest income rose 3.7% quarter-over-quarter to $229.1 million, with net interest margin expanding 12 basis points to 4.7%. The company completed $50 million in share buybacks and paid a $0.20 per share dividend, maintaining a CET1 ratio of 17%, while non-performing assets increased by $5.1 million and net charge-offs declined to $60 million, or 49 basis points of average loans.

First BanCorp, the bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico, announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.20 per share on its outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on September 11, 2026 to shareholders of record at the close of business on August 27, 2026. First BanCorp's shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FBP.

StockStory identifies First BanCorp as a bank stock worth researching further, while recommending investors avoid Arbor Realty Trust and Camden National Bank. First BanCorp is highlighted for its best-in-class net interest margin of 4.6%, an 11-percentage-point efficiency ratio improvement over five years, and earnings per share growth outpacing revenue due to share buybacks. Arbor Realty Trust is flagged for muted net interest income growth, a 15.3% annual decline in earnings per share, and a 5.6% annual drop in tangible book value per share over two years. Camden National Bank is cited for below-peer net interest income growth, earnings per share growth lagging revenue, and flat tangible book value per share over five years.

StockStory identifies Vulcan Materials and First BanCorp as two unpopular stocks deserving investor attention while recommending avoiding Bank of Hawaii. Vulcan Materials, trading at $294.83, posted 10.6% annual revenue growth over five years and expanded its operating margin by 5.5 percentage points. First BanCorp, priced at $24.94, boasts a best-in-class net interest margin of 4.6% and annual earnings per share growth of 23.6%. Bank of Hawaii, at $77.30, carries a consensus price target of $86.67 but shows weak net interest margin of 2.4% and annual EPS growth of just 2.4%.