WallStSmart

First Bancorp (FBNC)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 6053% more annual revenue ($27.89B vs $453.20M). FBNC leads profitability with a 36.2% profit margin vs 30.0%. USB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.44. FBNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

FBNC

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

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

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Profit MarginProfitability
30.0%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
40.1%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.1%

Market CapQuality
$92.63B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$3.80B8/10

Generating 3.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

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

USB2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.103/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.362/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.0% and operating margin at 40.1%. PEG of 1.44 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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 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 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

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

USB generates stronger free cash flow (3.8B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FBNC scores higher overall (77/100 vs 75/100), 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.

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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