WallStSmart

First Bancorp (FBNC)vsMizuho Financial Group Inc. (MFG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. generates 1153439% more annual revenue ($4.74T vs $410.72M). FBNC leads profitability with a 32.4% profit margin vs 29.1%. FBNC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.56. MFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 82/100 (A-).

FBNC

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.0Value: 5.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.42

MFG

Exceptional Buy

82

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FBNC6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Profit MarginProfitability
32.4%10/10

Keeps 32 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
51.2%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 51.2%

Debt/EquityHealth
0.0410/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Revenue GrowthGrowth
15.9%8/10

15.9% revenue growth

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.1% YoY

MFG6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
46.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.0%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
35.0%10/10

Revenue surging 35.0% year-over-year

Free Cash FlowQuality
$487.72B10/10

Generating 487.7B in free cash flow

Market CapQuality
$127.18B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.1%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

MFG3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
5.911/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull 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 : MFG

The strongest argument for MFG centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 46.0%. Revenue growth of 35.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FBNC

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

Bear Case : MFG

The primary concerns for MFG are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.91 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FBNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.82 — expect wider price swings.

MFG is growing revenue faster at 35.0% — sustainability is the question.

MFG generates stronger free cash flow (487.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

MFG scores higher overall (82/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins and 35.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional 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.

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. engages in banking, trusts, securities and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, America, Europe, Asia / Oceania and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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