First Capital Inc reported solid top-line momentum in Q1 2024 with revenue of $13.736 million, up 22.84% year over year (YoY) and flat to modestly higher quarter over quarter (QoQ) at 1.97%. The quarter delivered net income of $2.952 million and earnings per share (EPS) of $0.88, but reported a YoY decline in profitability driven by a sizable non-operating item registered as other expenses in the quarter, offsetting a positive swing in operating income. Operating income stood at $3.462 million, yielding an operating margin of 25.20% and a pre-tax income of $3.462 million, with an income tax expense of $0.507 million and a reported net margin of 21.49%. The company generated $7.219 million in cash from operations and produced free cash flow of $6.06 million, underscoring healthy operating cash generation despite a challenging non-operating expense environment.
From a balance sheet perspective, FCAP remains conservatively financed with total assets of approximately $1.156 billion and a strong liquidity position (cash and short-term investments of about $452.8 million). Long-term debt is modest at $33.6 million, contributing to a debt ratio around 2.9% and a debt-to-capitalization ratio near 24%. Equity stands at roughly $105.7 million, with a tangible equity framework supported by substantial long-term investments ($629.1 million) and a sizable cash cushion. The balance sheet shows a structure typical of regional banks, with deposits and other current liabilities forming a meaningful portion of current liabilities, reflecting a funding profile that is anchored by customer deposits.
Valuation metrics point to a cautious, potentially constructive stance: price-to-book is about 0.90x, price-to-earnings around 8.1x, and price-to-sales near 6.93x. The combination of ample liquidity, modest leverage, and a discount to book value suggests potential upside if earnings quality improves and ROE expands from the current ~2.8% level. The lack of a formal QQ1 2024 forward guidance in the provided data means investors should monitor basic rate sensitivity, deposit dynamics, loan origination activity, and expense control as primary near-term catalysts.