First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) vs Northern (NTRS)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Northern (NTRS) has outperformed First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) over the past year, gaining 27.0% versus a gain of 17.1%. Over five years, FCNCA leads with a +142.5% price change compared with +39.2% for NTRS. Northern is the larger company by market cap ($30.80 billion vs $23.05 billion), about 1.3 times the size, while First Citizens BancShares is growing revenue faster (-2.2% vs -2.5%).
On valuation, First Citizens BancShares trades at a lower forward P/E (10.1x vs 13.1x for Northern). Northern offers the higher dividend yield (1.90% vs 0.40%). First Citizens BancShares converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 23.1% versus 21.5%.
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 | FCNCA | NTRS |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $2,041.45 | $168.36 |
| Market cap | $23.05B | $30.80B |
| 1-day change | -1.45% | +0.10% |
| YTD return | -3.48% | +23.13% |
| 1-year return | +17.14% | +26.98% |
| 5-year return | +142.49% | +39.15% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 10.94 | 14.46 |
| Forward P/E | 10.10 | 13.10 |
| EPS (TTM) | $186.57 | $11.64 |
| Dividend yield | 0.40% | 1.90% |
| Annual dividend | $8.25 | $3.20 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $9.54B | $8.09B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | -2.22% | -2.46% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.21B | $1.74B |
| Net margin | 23.12% | 21.48% |
| 52-week high | $2,296.30 | $195.78 |
| 52-week low | $1,623.76 | $121.12 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -11.10% | -14.01% |
| Analyst consensus | hold | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +14.45% | +8.47% |
| Average volume | 66.95K | 1.05M |
| Shares outstanding | 10.29M | 182.96M |
| Employees | 17,876 | 23,600 |
| 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
- Northern trades at a higher earnings multiple (14.5x vs 10.9x trailing P/E).
- Northern offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (1.90% vs 0.40%).
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
About Northern
NTRS stock →Northern Trust Corporation, a financial holding company, provides wealth management, asset servicing, asset management, and banking solutions for corporations, institutions, families, and individuals. It operates in two segments, Asset Servicing and Wealth Management.
Finance · Major Banks · 23,600 employees
FCNCA vs NTRS FAQ
Which is bigger, First Citizens BancShares or Northern?
Northern (NTRS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $30.80B compared with $23.05B for First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, FCNCA or NTRS?
NTRS returned +26.98% over the past 12 months, compared with +17.14% for FCNCA (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, FCNCA or NTRS?
FCNCA has the lower trailing P/E at 10.9, versus 14.5 for NTRS. 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 Citizens BancShares or Northern?
Northern has the higher yield at 1.90%, compared with 0.40% for First Citizens BancShares.
Are First Citizens BancShares and Northern in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Major Banks industry within the Finance sector.