First Bancorp (FBNC) vs Merchants Bancorp (MBINN)

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 MBINN

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y
FBNC +53.1% (+7.4%/yr)MBINN +11.5% (+1.8%/yr)FBNC compounded faster over this window
6080100120140160Start $10020222023202420252026$153$111
FBNC MBINN

FBNC vs MBINN: by the numbers

  • •FBNC is the larger company ($2.51B vs $2.37B market cap).
  • •MBINN trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (3.77 vs 18.84 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •FBNC converts more revenue to profit (31.13% vs 20.51% net margin).
  • •MBINN grew revenue faster over the past five years (23.60% vs 5.97% CAGR).
  • •MBINN pays the higher dividend yield (7.92% vs 1.54%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFBNCMBINN
P/E ratio18.843.77
Forward P/E13.343.37
P/S ratio5.871.81
P/B ratio1.461.29

Profitability

MetricFBNCMBINN
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

MetricFBNCMBINN
Dividend yield1.54%7.92%
Payout ratio29.50%30.12%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFBNCMBINN
Revenue CAGR (5Y)5.97%23.60%
EPS CAGR (5Y)-1.22%-0.37%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.41%0.54%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FBNC or MBINN?
MBINN has the lower trailing P/E: FBNC trades at 18.84 and MBINN at 3.77. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FBNC or MBINN?
Over the past five years, MBINN grew revenue faster — FBNC at a 5.97% CAGR versus MBINN at 23.60%.
Does FBNC or MBINN pay a bigger dividend?
FBNC yields 1.54% and MBINN yields 7.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FBNC or MBINN more profitable?
FBNC runs the higher net margin — FBNC at 31.13% versus MBINN at 20.51%.
How have FBNC and MBINN total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, FBNC delivered 9.41% and MBINN delivered 0.54% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

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.