First Bancorp (FBNC) vs Merchants Bancorp (MBINL)

A side-by-side comparison of First Bancorp and Merchants Bancorp across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — FBNC vs MBINL

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 2y
FBNC +36.9% (+17.0%/yr)MBINL +6.6% (+3.3%/yr)FBNC compounded faster over this window
80100120140Start $10020252026$137$107
FBNC MBINL

FBNC vs MBINL: by the numbers

  • •FBNC is the larger company ($2.47B vs $2.38B market cap).
  • •MBINL trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (4.67 vs 18.55 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •FBNC converts more revenue to profit (31.13% vs 20.51% net margin).
  • •MBINL grew revenue faster over the past five years (23.60% vs 5.97% CAGR).
  • •MBINL pays the higher dividend yield (8.34% vs 1.54%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFBNCMBINL
P/E ratio18.554.67
Forward P/E13.144.17
P/S ratio5.781.82
P/B ratio1.441.29

Profitability

MetricFBNCMBINL
Operating margin26.56%21.15%
Net margin31.13%20.51%
ROE7.76%11.22%

First Bancorp: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Merchants Bancorp: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Dividends

MetricFBNCMBINL
Dividend yield1.54%8.34%
Payout ratio29.50%38.31%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFBNCMBINL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.97%23.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-1.22%-0.37%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.41%N/A

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FBNC or MBINL?
MBINL has the lower trailing P/E: FBNC trades at 18.55 and MBINL at 4.67. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FBNC or MBINL?
Over the past five years, MBINL grew revenue faster — FBNC at a 5.97% CAGR versus MBINL at 23.60%.
Does FBNC or MBINL pay a bigger dividend?
FBNC yields 1.54% and MBINL yields 8.34% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FBNC or MBINL more profitable?
FBNC runs the higher net margin — FBNC at 31.13% versus MBINL at 20.51%.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.