WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 192% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $9.14B). USB leads profitability with a 29.3% profit margin vs 24.7%. 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

USB

Strong Buy

71

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 6.0Profit: 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: 9.0/10
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

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
37.8%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%

Market CapQuality
$84.69B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.3%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.34B8/10

Generating 1.3B 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

USB4 concerns · Avg: 3.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.834/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Revenue GrowthGrowth
4.6%4/10

4.6% revenue growth

Debt/EquityHealth
1.203/10

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 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 : USB

The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.

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 : USB

The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

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

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

USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

FCNCA scores higher overall (75/100 vs 71/100), backed by strong 24.7% 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.

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?