First Bancorp (FBNC) vs Merchants Bancorp (MBINM)

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 MBINM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 4y
FBNC +83.7% (+16.4%/yr)MBINM +41.9% (+9.1%/yr)FBNC compounded faster over this window
100150200Start $1002023202420252026$184$142
FBNC MBINM

FBNC vs MBINM: by the numbers

  • •MBINM is the larger company ($2.54B vs $2.51B market cap).
  • •MBINM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (5.12 vs 18.83 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •FBNC converts more revenue to profit (31.13% vs 20.51% net margin).
  • •MBINM grew revenue faster over the past five years (23.60% vs 5.97% CAGR).
  • •MBINM pays the higher dividend yield (8.13% vs 1.54%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFBNCMBINM
P/E ratio18.835.12
Forward P/E13.334.57
P/S ratio5.861.94
P/B ratio1.461.38

Profitability

MetricFBNCMBINM
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

MetricFBNCMBINM
Dividend yield1.54%8.13%
Payout ratio29.50%41.41%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFBNCMBINM
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 MBINM?
MBINM has the lower trailing P/E: FBNC trades at 18.83 and MBINM at 5.12. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FBNC or MBINM?
Over the past five years, MBINM grew revenue faster — FBNC at a 5.97% CAGR versus MBINM at 23.60%.
Does FBNC or MBINM pay a bigger dividend?
FBNC yields 1.54% and MBINM yields 8.13% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FBNC or MBINM more profitable?
FBNC runs the higher net margin — FBNC at 31.13% versus MBINM 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.