A Preview Of First Financial Bancorp's Earnings

On Thursday, July 22, First Financial Bancorp FFBC will release its latest earnings report. Benzinga's report can help you figure out the ins and outs of the earnings release.

What Are Earnings, Net Income, And Earnings Per Share?

Earnings and especially earnings per share (EPS) are useful measures of a company's profitability. Total earnings, which is also referred to as net income, equals total revenue minus total expenses. EPS equals to net income divided by the number of shares outstanding.

Earnings And Revenue

Based on management's projections, First Financial Bancorp analysts model for earnings of $0.52 per share on sales of $153.92 million. In the same quarter last year, First Financial Bancorp reported EPS of $0.4 on revenue of $154.30 million.

Why Analyst Estimates And Earnings Surprises Are Important

Analysts who cover this company will publish forward-looking estimates of its revenue and EPS each quarter. Averaging together every EPS and revenue prediction that each analyst makes about a company in a quarter yields the "consensus estimates." A company posting earnings or revenue above or below the consensus estimate is known as an "earnings surprise" and may move the stock by a considerable margin.

If the company were to match the consensus estimate when it reports Thursday, earnings would be up 30.0%. Revenue would be down 0.25% from the same quarter last year. Here is how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Want Real-Time Earnings Calendar Updates?

Benzinga consistently updates its earnings calendars to stay up-to-date with the latest company earnings reports. Check out the full earnings calendar list updated in real-time by following this link.

Stock Performance

Shares of First Financial Bancorp were trading at $21.92 as of July 20. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 58.27%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

Do not be surprised to see the stock move on comments made during its conference call. First Financial Bancorp is scheduled to hold the call at 08:30:00 ET and can be accessed here.