First Financial Bankshares Reports Record Quarterly Earnings

CEO David Bailey attributed the record performance to disciplined balance sheet management and a stronger net interest margin, which climbed to 3.91 percent. The Abilene-based institution, which manages $15.16 billion in total assets, is preparing to cement its footprint in the Austin market with the launch of a new full-service branch in Bee Cave later this month.

Financial stability remains a central theme for the company, as it reported a provision for credit losses of $2.03 million for the quarter. This is a sharp decline from the $24.44 million recorded in the third quarter of 2025, a period heavily impacted by a single large loan charge-off related to borrower fraud. Wealth management also served as a reliable revenue driver, with fee income rising to $14.49 million, bolstered by new account acquisitions and increased mineral fee income tied to oil and gas pricing trends.