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.
Total return — FBNC vs MBINN
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6yFBNC 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
| Metric | FBNC | MBINN |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 18.84 | 3.77 |
| Forward P/E | 13.34 | 3.37 |
| P/S ratio | 5.87 | 1.81 |
| P/B ratio | 1.46 | 1.29 |
Profitability
| Metric | FBNC | MBINN |
|---|---|---|
| Operating margin | 26.56% | 21.15% |
| Net margin | 31.13% | 20.51% |
| ROE | 7.76% | 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
| Metric | FBNC | MBINN |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | 1.54% | 7.92% |
| Payout ratio | 29.50% | 30.12% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | FBNC | MBINN |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
First Bancorp & Merchants Bancorp appear in these rankings
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.