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First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA)
NASDAQ:FCNCA

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) AI Stock Analysis

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FCNCA

First Citizens BancShares

(NASDAQ:FCNCA)

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Neutral 61 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:61Neutral
Price Target:
$2,090.00
▲(4.73% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:02/25/26
The score is driven mainly by solid but volatile fundamentals with higher leverage and a 2025 revenue decline, partially offset by decent valuation and a balanced earnings outlook. Technical indicators are the biggest near-term drag, pointing to weak momentum below key moving averages.
Positive Factors
Cash Generation
Sustained positive operating and free cash flow provides durable internal funding for buybacks, tech investment, and purchase‑note paydowns. Reliable cash generation supports capital allocation flexibility and buffers earnings through credit cycles over the next 2–6 months.
Niche Loan Franchise Growth
Strong sequential loan production, led by global fund banking, reflects an expanding specialty franchise that diversifies the loan book and yields higher structural NII. Durable commercial momentum in this segment should support medium-term revenue stability and client relationships.
Tangible Book Growth & Buybacks
Consistent tangible book growth and material repurchases signal management confidence and improve shareholder returns and ROE. When balanced with capital policy, disciplined buybacks can sustainably enhance per‑share metrics and align incentives over a multi-quarter horizon.
Negative Factors
Higher Leverage
Material increase in leverage raises balance-sheet and regulatory risk, reducing shock absorption capacity. Higher debt ratios constrain capital flexibility, amplify earnings volatility during stress, and heighten sensitivity to funding and credit events over the medium term.
Capital Ratio Compression
Declining CET1 erodes cushion against regulatory expectations and future stress tests. Continued repurchases and loan expansion without commensurate earnings lift could force capital conservation, limit return of capital, or slow strategic M&A over the next several quarters.
Credit Concentration & Elevated Losses
Concentrated charge-offs in specific commercial portfolios and a guided NCO range of 35–45 bps signal persistent portfolio risk. These concentrated losses can drive higher provisions, pressure net income and capital, and increase earnings volatility across the upcoming year.

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

First Citizens BancShares Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFirst Citizens BancShares, Inc. operates as the holding company for First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company that provides retail and commercial banking services to individuals, businesses, and professionals. The company's deposit products include checking, savings, money market, and time deposit accounts. Its loan product portfolio comprises commercial construction and land development, commercial mortgage, commercial and industrial, and lease financing loans, as well as small business administration paycheck protection program loans; and consumer loans, such as residential and revolving mortgage, construction and land development, consumer auto, and other consumer loans. The company also offers treasury services products, cardholder and merchant services, wealth management services, and various other products and services; investment products, including annuities, discount brokerage services, and third-party mutual funds, as well as investment management and advisory services; and defined benefit and defined contribution, insurance, private banking, trust, fiduciary, philanthropy, and special asset services. The company provides its products and services through its branch network, as well as through digital banking, telephone banking, and various ATM networks. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 529 branches in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. First Citizens BancShares, Inc. was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.
How the Company Makes MoneyFirst Citizens BancShares generates revenue primarily through net interest income, which is derived from the interest earned on loans and investments minus the interest paid on deposits and other borrowings. Key revenue streams include commercial loans, residential mortgages, and consumer loans, alongside fees from various banking services such as account maintenance, transaction services, and wealth management. The company also benefits from its investment portfolio, which contributes to its interest income. Additionally, First Citizens has established partnerships with fintech companies to enhance its digital banking capabilities, driving customer acquisition and retention, which in turn supports its overall earnings growth.

First Citizens BancShares Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 23, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 23, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call conveyed a balanced message: solid profitability, tangible book growth, meaningful share repurchases, strong loan production particularly in global fund banking, and sequential improvements in certain credit metrics. However, margin pressure from lower rates, elevated and persistent expense headwinds (technology, personnel, marketing), a decline in CET1 capital due to repurchases and loan growth, and continued concentration of credit losses in specific portfolios temper the optimism. Management expects NII to trough in 2026, plans continued investments that keep near-term expenses elevated, and outlines a path to repay the purchase money note while managing liquidity and capital.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Earnings and Returns
Adjusted EPS of $51.27 and adjusted net income of $648 million in Q4; adjusted ROE 11.93% and adjusted ROA 1.1%. Adjusted EPS increased $6.65 sequentially.
Tangible Book and Share Repurchases
Tangible book value per share grew 11% year-over-year and 3% sequentially. Repurchased $900 million of stock in Q4 and ~$4.9 billion total since July 2024 (repurchased ~18.3% of class A shares / ~17% of total common shares). Completed ~30% of the $4 billion board-authorized repurchase program.
Loan Growth Led by Global Fund Banking
Period-end loans rose $3.2 billion (2.2% sequentially), driven by global fund banking where loans increased $3.8 billion sequentially. Loan production exceeded $5 billion in the quarter (highest since acquisition).
Average Deposit Growth and Off-Balance-Sheet Momentum
Average deposits increased approximately $2.6 billion (about 1.6% sequentially). SVB commercial off-balance-sheet client funds totaled $69.7 billion, up $2.7 billion sequentially (average off-balance-sheet funds up $3.1 billion).
Noninterest Income Strength
Adjusted noninterest income rose ~2% sequentially, led by rental income on operating leases (larger fleet, lower maintenance), wealth management (higher AUM and brokerage sales), international factoring and deposit service charges. Q1 noninterest income guide $500–$530 million; FY guide $2.1–$2.2 billion.
Improvement in Credit Metrics Sequentially
Provision for credit losses declined $137 million sequentially. Net charge-offs fell $91 million to $143 million (39 bps annualized). Reserve release increased $66 million sequentially, reflecting mix shift to higher credit quality and improved macro outlook.
Progress on Strategic and Technology Initiatives
Management reports simplification and modernization progress (e.g., reducing >1/3 of applications, consolidating data centers from eight toward two). Expect peak technology spend in 2026 with a path toward improved operating leverage over time.
Liquidity and Cash Position
Liquidity described as strong; cash is roughly 10% of earning assets and firm intends to manage to an ~8–10% range. Initial $2.5 billion prepayment made on the FDIC purchase money note.
Negative Updates
Net Interest Income and Margin Pressure
Headline net interest income declined $12 million sequentially. Headline NIM was 3.20%, down 6 basis points QoQ; NIM ex-accretion was 3.11%, down 4 basis points QoQ. Management expects NII and NIM to trough in 2026 with FY NII guidance of $6.5–$6.9 billion and Q1 NII guide $1.6–$1.7 billion.
Rising Operating Expense and Short-Term Efficiency Impact
Adjusted noninterest expense increased $89 million sequentially (personnel +$38M, technology +$22M, direct bank marketing +$12M). Full-year adjusted noninterest expense guided to $5.37–$5.46 billion (low- to mid-single-digit % increase). Efficiency ratio expected in the lower-60% range in 2026, above long-term target.
Capital Ratio Compression
Quarter-end CET1 ratio declined to 11.15%, down 50 basis points QoQ, as share repurchases and loan growth outpaced earnings, moving capital nearer to but below some long-term targets.
Period-End Deposit Outflows and Funding Considerations
Period-end deposits declined $1.6 billion (about 1% QoQ); direct bank deposits down $344 million QoQ. Company plans to aggressively manage repayment of the FDIC purchase money note; initial $2.5 billion payment made, with minimum expected payments tied to collateral rolloff (~$500 million–$1 billion per month minimum guidance).
Ongoing Credit Concentrations and Elevated Loss Expectations
About half of net charge-offs remain concentrated in SVB investor-dependent, commercial bank general office, and equipment finance portfolios. Management expects full-year 2026 net charge-offs in the 35–45 bps range and expects losses to remain elevated in the medium term in certain commercial portfolios.
Headwinds to Interest Income and Accretion
Purchase accounting accretion (net) expected to decline from ~$250 million in 2025 to ~$203 million in 2026 (~$50 million decline). Management also expects loan accretion to be down approximately $100 million for the year and interest income on cash and investments to decline with lower yields.
Near-Term Expense and Marketing Pressure from Growth Initiatives
Management flagged higher direct bank marketing and continued technology investments; these items contribute to near-term expense pressure and a wider expense guidance range (Q1 and full-year ranges include variability driven by marketing timing, tech cadence and integration of BMO branch acquisition).
Company Guidance
Management guided Q1 loans of $148–151B and full‑year loans of $153–157B (pipeline ~$11.5B), Q1 deposits of $164–167B and full‑year deposits of $181–186B (including ~ $1B loans and ~$5.7B deposits from the BMO branch close in H2), Q1 headline NII of $1.6–1.7B and full‑year NII of $6.5–6.9B (loan accretion down ≈$100M), with a baseline Fed view of two cuts (June, October) that drives NII/NIM to trough in 2026 and exit Q4’26 roughly flat to 2025 (headline NIM in the mid‑3s, ex‑purchase NIM in the high‑2.90s); credit loss guidance is 35–45 bps NCOs for Q1 and the full year, purchase‑accounting accretion ≈$203M (vs ~$250M in 2025), adjusted noninterest income of $500–530M in Q1 and $2.1–2.2B for the year, adjusted noninterest expense of $1.34–1.38B in Q1 and $5.37–5.46B for the year (efficiency ratio expected in the lower‑60s), tax rate 24–25%, liquidity/capital actions include minimum purchase‑note paydowns of ~$500M–$1B/month with $2.5B paid in December, cash ≈10% of earning assets (managing to ~8–10%), Q4 CET1 11.15%, and share repurchases expected near ~$900M per quarter as capital is managed toward targets.

First Citizens BancShares Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Solid underlying profitability and improved recent free cash flow, but revenue turned negative in 2025 and results have been volatile. Higher leverage versus earlier years (debt-to-equity ~1.6–1.8 in 2023–2025) adds balance-sheet risk despite acceptable ROE (~10–12% in 2024–2025).
Income Statement
67
Positive
Revenue remains elevated versus 2020–2022, but growth has turned negative in 2025 (annual revenue down ~23% after a strong 2024), indicating a less favorable earnings backdrop. Profitability is solid in 2024–2025 (net margins ~19% and ~15%, respectively), but results are volatile across the period—2023 shows unusually high margins and profit levels that were not sustained, which reduces confidence in the earnings run-rate.
Balance Sheet
61
Positive
The company operates with higher leverage in recent years, with debt-to-equity around ~1.6–1.8 from 2023–2025 versus <0.8 in 2022, which increases balance-sheet risk. Equity has been relatively stable (~$22B in 2024–2025) while assets are large and steady (~$224–$230B). Returns on equity are acceptable in 2024–2025 (~10–12%), but they have also been volatile (notably elevated in 2023), suggesting performance is not fully consistent through the cycle.
Cash Flow
64
Positive
Cash generation is generally positive in recent years, with operating cash flow around $2.7–$3.0B and free cash flow improving to ~$2.1B in 2025. Free cash flow covers a meaningful portion of earnings (roughly ~49% in 2024 and ~71% in 2025), supporting earnings quality, though the conversion is not consistently high across the full history. The 2021 negative operating and free cash flow and the mixed growth pattern (including a 2023 decline before the 2025 rebound) highlight some variability.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue14.50B14.94B12.64B5.10B1.90B
Gross Profit8.91B9.30B7.58B3.98B1.88B
EBITDA3.40B3.72B12.02B1.90B844.00M
Net Income2.21B2.78B11.47B1.10B547.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets229.70B223.72B213.76B109.30B58.31B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments20.83B56.09B54.45B14.54B18.66B
Total Debt36.01B37.41B38.05B7.00B1.78B
Total Liabilities207.46B201.49B192.50B99.64B53.57B
Stockholders Equity22.24B22.23B21.25B9.66B4.74B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow2.07B1.45B1.23B1.86B-391.00M
Operating Cash Flow2.92B2.99B2.66B2.79B-284.00M
Investing Cash Flow-5.61B-10.15B2.43B75.00M-7.57B
Financing Cash Flow2.67B7.07B-4.70B-2.69B7.83B

First Citizens BancShares Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price1995.70
Price Trends
50DMA
2105.04
Negative
100DMA
1962.98
Positive
200DMA
1947.47
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-28.03
Positive
RSI
42.57
Neutral
STOCH
22.76
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For FCNCA, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 1995.7 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2054.95, below the 50-day MA of 2105.04, and above the 200-day MA of 1947.47, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -28.03 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 42.57 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 22.76 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for FCNCA.

First Citizens BancShares Risk Analysis

First Citizens BancShares disclosed 51 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. First Citizens BancShares reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

First Citizens BancShares Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
72
Outperform
$24.94B12.3611.68%3.74%4.00%28.54%
69
Neutral
$34.55B12.2710.03%3.50%5.73%38.39%
69
Neutral
$41.67B10.7910.33%2.79%-4.64%24.98%
69
Neutral
$26.38B16.067.24%2.89%-3.93%40.62%
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
65
Neutral
$33.24B9.702.86%-4.88%4.84%
61
Neutral
$23.70B11.999.92%0.37%-3.18%-3.10%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
FCNCA
First Citizens BancShares
1,995.70
-20.42
-1.01%
HBAN
Huntington Bancshares
17.28
1.82
11.78%
KB
Kb Financial Group
118.21
60.81
105.94%
RF
Regions Financial
29.00
6.59
29.43%
SHG
Shinhan Financial Group Co
70.81
37.37
111.75%
CFG
Citizens Financial
63.06
19.66
45.29%

First Citizens BancShares Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
First Citizens BancShares Completes New Series E Preferred Offering
Positive
Feb 5, 2026

On February 3, 2026, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. filed a certificate of designation in Delaware establishing a new 6.625% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series E, with a $1,000 per share liquidation preference, structured so that each of the 16,000,000 publicly offered depositary shares represents a 1/40th interest in a Series E share. The Series E Preferred Stock ranks on parity with the company’s existing preferred stock series and senior to common stock, pays non-cumulative quarterly dividends at a fixed 6.625% rate through March 15, 2031, then resets every five years at the five-year U.S. Treasury rate plus 2.830%, includes restrictions on common and junior securities dividends if preferred dividends are not fully paid, and provides limited voting rights, including the right to elect two directors if dividends are omitted for periods totaling 18 months. The preferred shares are perpetual with no maturity, redeemable at the company’s option on or after March 15, 2031 or within 90 days of certain regulatory capital events at $1,000 per share (or $25 per depositary share) plus applicable unpaid dividends, subject to Federal Reserve approval, and in liquidation the holders receive the liquidation preference plus any authorized and declared but unpaid dividends before common and junior securities. On February 5, 2026, the company closed the public offering of the 16,000,000 depositary shares under a previously filed shelf registration, further diversifying and strengthening its capital structure by adding a new layer of regulatory capital that provides flexibility in dividend payments while potentially affecting capital allocation and dividend policy for common shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (FCNCA) stock is a Buy with a $2325.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Citizens BancShares stock, see the FCNCA Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyStock BuybackFinancial Disclosures
First Citizens BancShares Posts Strong Q4 2025 Results
Positive
Jan 23, 2026

First Citizens BancShares reported solid fourth-quarter 2025 performance, with net income rising to $580 million and adjusted net income reaching $648 million as loan growth—especially in its Global Fund Banking franchise—offset modest pressure on net interest margin. The bank returned $900 million to shareholders via buybacks, prepaid $2.5 billion of a Purchase Money Note largely funded by securities runoff, and managed a slight decline in total deposits alongside stable funding and credit quality, while integrating SVB Commercial into its Commercial Bank segment and absorbing higher technology, personnel and marketing costs as it scales its platforms.

The most recent analyst rating on (FCNCA) stock is a Buy with a $2390.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Citizens BancShares stock, see the FCNCA Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
First Citizens BancShares Announces Chief Risk Officer Transition
Positive
Jan 14, 2026

On Jan. 14, 2026, First Citizens BancShares announced that Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Lorie K. Rupp will retire effective June 1, 2026, after a 13-year tenure at the bank and more than 30 years in financial services, during which she strengthened the company’s risk management framework through a period of significant growth. The company plans for current Treasurer and 20-year bank veteran Tom Eklund, who has extensive experience in capital, market, liquidity and compliance risk management, to succeed her as Chief Risk Officer, signaling a continuity-focused transition designed to preserve a robust risk governance structure and support the bank’s long-term strategic objectives.

The most recent analyst rating on (FCNCA) stock is a Buy with a $2427.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on First Citizens BancShares stock, see the FCNCA Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Feb 25, 2026