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James O. McDonald, a director at First Financial (NYSE:SSB) Corp (NASDAQ:THFF), recently acquired 1,000 shares of the company’s stock, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The purchase, made on February 13, 2025, was executed at a price of $52.46 per share, totaling $52,460. The stock is currently trading near its 52-week high, with an impressive 42% return over the past year. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears slightly undervalued at current levels. Following this transaction, McDonald holds a total of 8,462 shares in the company. The $616 million market cap company trades at a P/E ratio of 13 and offers a 3.93% dividend yield, having maintained dividend payments for 43 consecutive years. InvestingPro subscribers can access additional insights and 6 more ProTips about First Financial Corp ’s financial health and growth prospects.
In other recent news, First Financial Corp. has been the subject of analysis by two major firms. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods maintained a Market Perform rating on the company, recognizing its recent announcement of a 13% increase in quarterly dividends to $0.51 per share. The firm emphasized First Financial’s strategy to enhance shareholder returns, noting the significant rise in the annual payout and the company’s shift to a quarterly dividend schedule.
Simultaneously, Raymond (NSE:RYMD) James upgraded First Financial from Market Perform to Outperform, setting a new price target of $54.00. The firm pointed out that the company’s current valuation does not reflect its merits, despite a lackluster performance in 2024. It noted the company’s well-positioned balance sheet in a declining interest rate environment and potential for a 5.9% rise in net interest income.
Raymond James also highlighted First Financial’s strategic expansions into faster-growing urban areas in the Southeast and the revamp of the loan production office strategy. The firm acknowledged the company’s effective capital management, mentioning the completion of two repurchase authorizations and the ongoing process of a 10% authorization. These developments reflect recent strategies and decisions by First Financial, as analyzed by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods and Raymond James.
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