WallStSmart

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-A)vsFirst Citizens BancShares Inc (FCNCA)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 3963% more annual revenue ($371.44B vs $9.14B). FCNCA leads profitability with a 24.7% profit margin vs 18.0%. FCNCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.22. FCNCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

BRK-A

Buy

51

out of 100

Grade: C-

Growth: 3.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 8.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.46

FCNCA

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 7.0Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 0.32

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BRK-A6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$1.02T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
33.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 33.0%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.219/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

P/E RatioValuation
15.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.99B8/10

Generating 5.0B in free cash flow

FCNCA5 strengths · Avg: 9.4/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

EPS GrowthGrowth
23.6%8/10

Earnings expanding 23.6% YoY

Areas to Watch

BRK-A4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
9.682/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-0.7%2/10

Revenue declined 0.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-2.5%2/10

Earnings declined 2.5%

FCNCA3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.9%4/10

4.9% revenue growth

Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.322/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : BRK-A

The strongest argument for BRK-A centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.0% and operating margin at 33.0%.

Bull Case : FCNCA

The strongest argument for FCNCA centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.7% and operating margin at 34.2%. PEG of 1.22 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : BRK-A

The primary concerns for BRK-A are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth.

Bear Case : FCNCA

The primary concerns for FCNCA are Revenue Growth, Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BRK-A profiles as a declining stock while FCNCA is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

BRK-A carries more volatility with a beta of 0.70 — expect wider price swings.

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

BRK-A generates stronger free cash flow (5.0B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

FCNCA scores higher overall (73/100 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.

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 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.

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