WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL)vsFirst Bancorp (FBNC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd. generates 4583% more annual revenue ($19.23B vs $410.72M). FBNC leads profitability with a 32.4% profit margin vs 24.4%. ACGL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. FBNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

ACGL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.8
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

FBNC

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.42

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.189/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
26.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$2.49B8/10

Generating 2.5B in free cash flow

FBNC6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
32.4%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
51.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 51.2%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.9%8/10

15.9% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

ACGL3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-10.5%2/10

Revenue declined 10.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-7.1%2/10

Earnings declined 7.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

FBNC3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.564/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Return on EquityProfitability
7.2%3/10

ROE of 7.2% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.422/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACGL

The strongest argument for ACGL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 26.6%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : FBNC

The strongest argument for FBNC centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Debt/Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 32.4% and operating margin at 51.2%. Revenue growth of 15.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : ACGL

The primary concerns for ACGL are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : FBNC

The primary concerns for FBNC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACGL profiles as a declining stock while FBNC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FBNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.

FBNC is growing revenue faster at 15.9% — sustainability is the question.

ACGL generates stronger free cash flow (2.5B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FBNC scores higher overall (73/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 32.4% margins and 15.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Arch Capital Group Ltd.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Arch Capital Group Ltd., offers insurance, reinsurance and mortgage products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

First Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Bancorp is First Bank's banking holding company providing banking products and services for individuals and small and medium-sized businesses primarily in North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. The company is headquartered in Southern Pines, North Carolina.

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