MetaCap

First Bancorp (FBNC) vs Live Oak Bancshares (LOB)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

First Bancorp (FBNC) has outperformed Live Oak Bancshares (LOB) over the past year, gaining 17.9% versus a loss of 3.5%. Over five years, FBNC leads with a +30.2% price change compared with -51.1% for LOB. First Bancorp is the larger company by market cap ($2.47 billion vs $1.60 billion), about 1.5 times the size, while Live Oak Bancshares is growing revenue faster (+1.1% vs -3.6%).

On valuation, Live Oak Bancshares trades at a lower forward P/E (8.2x vs 11.9x for First Bancorp). First Bancorp offers the higher dividend yield (1.57% vs 0.35%). Live Oak Bancshares converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 1114.4% versus 164.2%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

FBNC+17.88%LOB-3.52%
+33%+7%-20%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
FBNC+24.83%LOB-48.17%
+51%-12%-75%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

FBNC versus LOB key metrics
MetricFBNCLOB
Share price$59.73$34.57
Market cap$2.47B$1.60B
1-day change+1.37%+0.90%
YTD return+17.60%+0.64%
1-year return+17.88%-3.52%
5-year return+30.19%-51.07%
P/E ratio (TTM)18.5512.13
Forward P/E11.858.19
EPS (TTM)$3.22$2.85
Dividend yield1.57%0.35%
Annual dividend$0.94$0.12
Revenue (latest FY)$67.62M$9.50M
Revenue growth (YoY)-3.57%+1.06%
Net income (latest FY)$111.05M$105.87M
Net margin164.22%1114.43%
52-week high$66.78$44.53
52-week low$45.96$29.36
Distance from 52-week high-10.56%-22.37%
Analyst consensusbuybuy
Avg. price target upside+15.52%+23.66%
Average volume225.31K220.47K
Shares outstanding41.40M46.28M
Employees1,3961,027
SectorFinanceFinance
IndustryMajor BanksMajor 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

  • FBNC has outperformed LOB by 21.4 percentage points over the past year.
  • First Bancorp trades at a higher earnings multiple (18.5x vs 12.1x trailing P/E).
  • First Bancorp offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.57% vs 0.35%).
  • Live Oak Bancshares is more profitable, keeping 1114.4 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 164.2 cents for First Bancorp.

About First Bancorp

FBNC stock →

First Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for First Bank that provides banking products and services for individuals and businesses. The company accepts deposit products, such as checking, savings, and money market accounts; and time deposits, including certificate of deposits and individual retirement accounts.

Finance · Major Banks · 1,396 employees

About Live Oak Bancshares

LOB stock →

Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Live Oak Banking Company that provides various banking products and services in the United States.

Finance · Major Banks · 1,027 employees

FBNC vs LOB FAQ

Which is bigger, First Bancorp or Live Oak Bancshares?

First Bancorp (FBNC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $2.47B compared with $1.60B for Live Oak Bancshares (LOB).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, FBNC or LOB?

FBNC returned +17.88% over the past 12 months, compared with -3.52% for LOB (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, FBNC or LOB?

LOB has the lower trailing P/E at 12.1, versus 18.5 for FBNC. 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, First Bancorp or Live Oak Bancshares?

First Bancorp has the higher yield at 1.57%, compared with 0.35% for Live Oak Bancshares.

Are First Bancorp and Live Oak Bancshares in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.

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