First Financial Corp stock hits 52-week high at $50.73 By Investing.com

In a notable performance, shares of First Financial (NYSE:) Corp (THFF) reached a 52-week high, trading at $50.73. This peak reflects a significant uptrend for the company, which has seen its stock value surge by an impressive 30.48% over the past year. Investors have shown increased confidence in the financial services provider, propelling the stock to new heights amidst a market that has faced considerable volatility. The 52-week high milestone underscores the company’s robust financial health and the positive sentiment surrounding its growth prospects.

In other recent news, First Financial Corporation has declared a quarterly dividend of 45 cents per share, payable to shareholders of record as of October 1, 2024. This forms part of the company’s regular payout to its shareholders. The company has also renewed the employment agreement of its President and CEO, Norman D. Lowery, and adjusted its top executive contracts.

In a strategic move to bolster its credit operations, First Financial Corporation has appointed Stephen P. Panagouleas as the new Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. The company has also completed its acquisition of SimplyBank in a cash transaction valued at approximately $73.4 million, thus expanding its regional footprint into Tennessee.

Among other recent developments, First Financial Corp. experienced a cut in share target by analysts from Keefe, Bruyette & Woods due to an earnings miss. The firm maintained a Market Perform rating. All these recent events are significant in shaping the company’s current financial and operational landscape.

InvestingPro Insights

First Financial Corp’s (THFF) recent achievement of a 52-week high is further supported by real-time data from InvestingPro. The stock’s strong performance is reflected in its impressive 36.61% price total return over the past six months, significantly outpacing its annual gain. This momentum is also evident in the stock’s 18.3% return over the last month, indicating sustained investor interest.

InvestingPro Tips highlight that THFF is currently trading near its 52-week high, corroborating the article’s main point. Additionally, the company has maintained dividend payments for 42 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns that may be contributing to its attractiveness to investors.

The company’s P/E ratio of 13.46 suggests that the stock may still be reasonably valued despite its recent gains. With a dividend yield of 3.61%, THFF…