As you might know, First Community Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCBC) recently reported its quarterly numbers. It looks like a credible result overall - although revenues of US$45m were what the analyst expected, First Community Bankshares surprised by delivering a (statutory) profit of US$0.63 per share, an impressive 21% above what was forecast. Earnings are an important time for investors, as they can track a company's performance, look at what the analyst is forecasting for next year, and see if there's been a change in sentiment towards the company. So we collected the latest post-earnings statutory consensus estimate to see what could be in store for next year.

Taking into account the latest results, the consensus forecast from First Community Bankshares' sole analyst is for revenues of US$184.6m in 2026. This reflects a reasonable 7.6% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Per-share earnings are expected to grow 11% to US$2.88. Yet prior to the latest earnings, the analyst had been anticipated revenues of US$184.3m and earnings per share (EPS) of US$2.70 in 2026. So the consensus seems to have become somewhat more optimistic on First Community Bankshares' earnings potential following these results.

There's been no major changes to the consensus price target of US$40.00, suggesting that the improved earnings per share outlook is not enough to have a long-term positive impact on the stock's valuation.

Of course, another way to look at these forecasts is to place them into context against the industry itself. It's clear from the latest estimates that First Community Bankshares' rate of growth is expected to accelerate meaningfully, with the forecast 10% annualised revenue growth to the end of 2026 noticeably faster than its historical growth of 4.6% p.a. over the past five years. Other similar companies in the industry (with analyst coverage) are also forecast to grow their revenue at 8.5% per year. First Community Bankshares is expected to grow at about the same rate as its industry, so it's not clear that we can draw any conclusions from its growth relative to competitors.

The Bottom Line

The biggest takeaway for us is the consensus earnings per share upgrade, which suggests a clear improvement in sentiment around First Community Bankshares' earnings potential next year. They also reconfirmed their revenue estimates, with the company predicted to grow at about the same rate as the wider industry. The consensus price target held steady at US$40.00, with the latest estimates not enough to have an impact on their price target.

With that in mind, we wouldn't be too quick to come to a conclusion on First Community Bankshares. Long-term earnings power is much more important than next year's profits. We have analyst estimates for First Community Bankshares going out as far as 2027, and you can see them free on our platform here.

You can also see our analysis of First Community Bankshares' Board and CEO remuneration and experience, and whether company insiders have been buying stock.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.