** Shares of regional lender First Citizens Bancshares FCNCA.O jump as much as 8.9%; last up 2.6% at $2,274.85

** FCNCA forecast 2025 interest income to be between $6.6 bln and $7 bln, compared with Wall Street expectations of $6.64 bln, according to data compiled by LSEG

** Bank's forecast assumes no cuts, or up to four 25 bps rate cuts in 2025, with the top of the range being the no-cut scenario and the bottom end being the four-cut scenario

** Raymond James says initial 2025 outlook compares favorably with the Street, with higher net interest income likely to boost analysts' EPS projections

** Meanwhile, Q4 adjusted profit came in at $45.10/shr, smashing Wall Street expectations of $39.2/ shr

** Q4 non-interest income was $699 mln, far exceeding expectations of $543 mln, largely driven by higher rental income on lease equipment

** FCNCA stock soared 48.9% in 2024

(Reporting by Arasu Kannagi Basil in Bengaluru)

((ArasuKannagi.Basil@thomsonreuters.com;))