First Bancorp (FBNC)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
FBNC
First Bancorp
$64.72
+0.08%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.60B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$63.94
+0.39%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $100.05B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 6552% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $410.72M). FBNC leads profitability with a 32.4% profit margin vs 29.9%. FBNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).
FBNC
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
USB
Strong Buy75
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 51.2%
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Reasonable price relative to book value
15.9% revenue growth
Earnings expanding 31.1% YoY
Strong operational efficiency at 39.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 21.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
ROE of 7.2% — below average capital efficiency
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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.
Bull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.9% and operating margin at 39.7%. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FBNC
The primary concerns for FBNC are PEG Ratio, Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FBNC profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.98 — expect wider price swings.
FBNC is growing revenue faster at 15.9% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 29.9% margins and 10.4% 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.
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.
U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
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