WallStSmart

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (FCNCA)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 199% more annual revenue ($27.89B vs $9.33B). USB leads profitability with a 30.0% profit margin vs 25.2%. FCNCA appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.15. FCNCA earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

FCNCA

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 8.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.32

USB

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: -0.36

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

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

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.3x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
25.2%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.0%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.0% YoY

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.4x10/10

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
$91.50B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Price/BookValuation
1.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Free Cash FlowQuality
$4.82B8/10

Generating 4.8B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

FCNCA2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Debt/EquityHealth
1.133/10

Elevated debt levels

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.322/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

USB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.794/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

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 : FCNCA

The strongest argument for FCNCA centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 25.2% and operating margin at 39.0%. PEG of 1.15 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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%.

Bear Case : FCNCA

The primary concerns for FCNCA are Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

FCNCA is growing revenue faster at 8.5% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

FCNCA scores higher overall (77/100 vs 73/100), backed by strong 25.2% margins. 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 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.

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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