First Bancorp (NASDAQ: FBNC) announced on September 15, 2026, that its board of directors has approved a cash dividend of $0.24 per share on the company's common stock. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on October 23, 2026, to shareholders of record as of September 30, 2026.

The company stated that this declaration continues its longstanding practice of returning capital to shareholders. Richard Moore, Chief Executive Officer of First Bancorp, noted that the second quarter of 2026 demonstrated solid financial performance, stable credit quality, and strong capital and liquidity positions. The company emphasized a disciplined approach to managing its balance sheet and expenses with a focus on long-term shareholder value.

First Bancorp is a bank holding company headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina, with total assets of $13.0 billion. It serves as the parent company of First Bank, a state-chartered community bank operating 113 branches across North Carolina and South Carolina. The bank provides a range of financial solutions, including SBA loans, through its nationwide network of lenders.