WallStSmart

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (FCNCA)vsSun Life Financial Inc. (SLF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Sun Life Financial Inc. generates 282% more annual revenue ($34.90B vs $9.14B). FCNCA leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 8.8%. FCNCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.30. FCNCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

FCNCA

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.32

SLF

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 5.3Profit: 5.5Value: 5.7Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FCNCA5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
34.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.2%

Profit MarginProfitability
24.7%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.6% YoY

SLF2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.4x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.11B8/10

Generating 4.1B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FCNCA4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.543/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-22.00M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.322/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SLF2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
0.2%4/10

0.2% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
-48.4%2/10

Earnings declined 48.4%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FCNCA

The strongest argument for FCNCA centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 34.2%. PEG of 1.30 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : SLF

The strongest argument for SLF centers on Price/Book, Free Cash Flow. PEG of 1.42 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : FCNCA

The primary concerns for FCNCA are Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow. Debt-to-equity of 1.54 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : SLF

The primary concerns for SLF are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

SLF carries more volatility with a beta of 0.83 — expect wider price swings.

FCNCA is growing revenue faster at 4.9% — sustainability is the question.

SLF generates stronger free cash flow (4.1B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

FCNCA scores higher overall (75/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 24.7% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "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 Citizens BancShares, Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. is the parent company of First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company providing retail and business banking services to individuals, businesses and professionals. The company is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Sun Life Financial Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Sun Life Financial Inc., a financial services company, provides insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate clients around the world. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

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