East West Bancorp (EWBC) vs First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 11, 2026.
Summary
East West Bancorp (EWBC) has outperformed First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) over the past year, gaining 26.4% versus a gain of 21.5%. Over five years, FCNCA leads with a +142.1% price change compared with +51.6% for EWBC. First Citizens BancShares is the larger company by market cap ($23.36 billion vs $17.20 billion), about 1.4 times the size, while East West Bancorp is growing revenue faster (+12.2% vs -2.2%).
On valuation, First Citizens BancShares trades at a lower forward P/E (10.2x vs 10.9x for East West Bancorp). East West Bancorp offers the higher dividend yield (2.23% vs 0.40%). East West Bancorp converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 45.2% versus 23.1%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | EWBC | FCNCA |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $125.53 | $2,068.39 |
| Market cap | $17.20B | $23.36B |
| 1-day change | -0.57% | +0.12% |
| YTD return | +11.69% | -3.62% |
| 1-year return | +26.44% | +21.55% |
| 5-year return | +51.61% | +142.12% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 12.06 | 11.09 |
| Forward P/E | 10.86 | 10.21 |
| EPS (TTM) | $10.41 | $186.57 |
| Dividend yield | 2.23% | 0.40% |
| Annual dividend | $2.80 | $8.25 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $2.93B | $9.54B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +12.16% | -2.22% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $1.33B | $2.21B |
| Net margin | 45.20% | 23.12% |
| 52-week high | $137.47 | $2,296.30 |
| 52-week low | $92.67 | $1,623.76 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -8.69% | -9.93% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +18.90% | +12.96% |
| Average volume | 764.81K | 66.56K |
| Shares outstanding | 137.01M | 10.29M |
| Employees | 3,500 | 17,876 |
| Sector | Finance | Finance |
| Industry | Major Banks | Major Banks |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- East West Bancorp offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (2.23% vs 0.40%).
- East West Bancorp is more profitable, keeping 45.2 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 23.1 cents for First Citizens BancShares.
- East West Bancorp grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+12.16% vs -2.22%).
About East West Bancorp
EWBC stock →East West Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for East West Bank that provides a range of personal and commercial banking services to businesses and individuals in the United States.
Finance · Major Banks · 3,500 employees
About First Citizens BancShares
FCNCA stock →First 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 in the United States and internationally.
Finance · Major Banks · 17,876 employees
EWBC vs FCNCA FAQ
Which is bigger, East West Bancorp or First Citizens BancShares?
First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $23.36B compared with $17.20B for East West Bancorp (EWBC).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, EWBC or FCNCA?
EWBC returned +26.44% over the past 12 months, compared with +21.55% for FCNCA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, EWBC or FCNCA?
FCNCA has the lower trailing P/E at 11.1, versus 12.1 for EWBC. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, East West Bancorp or First Citizens BancShares?
East West Bancorp has the higher yield at 2.23%, compared with 0.40% for First Citizens BancShares.
Are East West Bancorp and First Citizens BancShares in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.