WallStSmart

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-A)vsFirst Bancorp (FBNC)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 84781% more annual revenue ($384.69B vs $453.20M). FBNC leads profitability with a 36.2% profit margin vs 22.3%. FBNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. FBNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

BRK-A

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 2.59

FBNC

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.42

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BRK-A6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$1.16T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Operating MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
107.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 107.8% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
22.3%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.179/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
13.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

FBNC6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
Profit MarginProfitability
36.2%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
46.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.2%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
49.3%10/10

Revenue surging 49.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
152.3%10/10

Earnings expanding 152.3% YoY

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
16.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

BRK-A1 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
9.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : BRK-A

The strongest argument for BRK-A centers on Market Cap, Operating Margin, EPS Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.3% and operating margin at 32.6%.

Bull Case : FBNC

The strongest argument for FBNC centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 36.2% and operating margin at 46.2%. Revenue growth of 49.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : BRK-A

The primary concerns for BRK-A are PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : FBNC

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BRK-A profiles as a mature stock while FBNC is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

FBNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.80 — expect wider price swings.

FBNC is growing revenue faster at 49.3% — sustainability is the question.

BRK-A generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FBNC scores higher overall (77/100 vs 74/100), backed by strong 36.2% margins and 49.3% 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.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Dairy Queen, BNSF, Lubrizol, Fruit of the Loom, Helzberg Diamonds, Long & Foster, FlightSafety International, Pampered Chef, Forest River, and NetJets, and also owns 38.6% of Pilot Flying J; and significant minority holdings in public companies Kraft Heinz Company (26.7%), American Express (18.8%), The Coca-Cola Company (9.32%), Bank of America (11.9%), and Apple (6.3%).

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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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