Hercules Capital vs First BanCorp

This page compares Hercules Capital Inc and First BanCorp Puerto Rico across business models, financial performance, and market context, presenting neutral, accessible information for readers. It outlines how each organisation approaches earnings, client services, and strategic positioning, without endorsing any outcome. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares Hercules Capital Inc and First BanCorp Puerto Rico across business models, financial performance, and market context, presenting neutral, accessible information for readers. It outl...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

HTGC

Metric

FBP

$3.39B

Market Cap

$3.32B

10.96%

Potential Profit

9.45%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Buy

Investment Analysis

Hercules Capital

HTGC

Pros

Hercules Capital maintains a diversified lending portfolio focused on venture capital-backed companies across multiple high-growth sectors.
The company has demonstrated consistent dividend payouts supported by stable net investment income and a strong balance sheet.
Hercules Capital benefits from a non-bank lender structure, allowing flexibility in structuring loans and adapting to market conditions.

Considerations

Loan performance is sensitive to the health of the venture capital ecosystem, exposing the company to cyclical downturns in tech and life sciences.
Higher exposure to unsecured and subordinated debt increases credit risk compared to traditional bank lenders.
Valuation multiples are relatively high, reflecting market optimism and potentially limiting upside if growth slows.

First BanCorp

FBP

Pros

First BanCorp has shown robust loan growth and stable asset quality, supported by a healthy local labor market in Puerto Rico.
The company maintains a strong capital position and continues to invest in digital infrastructure to improve efficiency and customer reach.
First BanCorp offers a competitive dividend yield, supported by consistent profitability and prudent capital allocation.

Considerations

Revenue and earnings have declined slightly year-on-year, reflecting challenges in deposit growth and reduced non-interest income.
Geographic concentration in Puerto Rico exposes the company to regional economic and regulatory risks.
Stock performance has lagged behind both the broader banking sector and the overall market over the past year.

About The Companies

Hercules Capital (HTGC)

Hercules Capital Inc (HTGC) is a publicly traded business development company (BDC) that provides debt and selective equity financing to venture-backed and growth-stage companies, predominantly in technology and life sciences. It earns income from interest, fees and sometimes equity upside via warrants or convertibles, then aims to distribute a substantial portion of earnings as dividends. Investors should note the trade-off: BDCs can offer attractive yield but carry higher credit and liquidity risk than traditional banks, and dividend levels can fluctuate with realised gains, credit outcomes and regulatory limits. Hercules’s performance depends heavily on underwriting, portfolio diversity and the health of the sectors it lends to. Market capitalisation is about $3.22bn. This summary is educational only and not personalised advice; investors should review regulatory filings, understand BDC-specific risks and consider speaking to a regulated financial adviser to assess suitability.

First BanCorp (FBP)

First BanCorp is a financial holding company operating primarily through its main subsidiary, FirstBank Puerto Rico. It serves a diverse clientele, including small to mid-sized businesses and individual consumers. The company's operations are organised into several segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, and Mortgage Banking. It also manages Treasury and Investments. Geographically, First BanCorp has a significant presence not only in Puerto Rico but also through its United States Operations on the mainland and its Virgin Islands Operations, which cover both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. This structure allows it to offer a comprehensive range of financial services across key Caribbean and U.S. markets. As with any investment, the value can go down as well as up, and returns are not guaranteed. This information is for educational purposes and not financial advice.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Fed Policy Pivot | Tech and Financial Stock Opportunities

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled a potential conclusion to the central bank's balance sheet reduction, a move that would inject more liquidity into financial markets. This policy shift creates an opportunity for companies sensitive to interest rates and capital availability, particularly within the technology and financial sectors.

Published: October 15, 2025

Explore Basket

Profiting From The Fed's Firm Stance

The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady, with Chair Jerome Powell pushing back on expectations for a near-term cut. This creates an investment opportunity in companies that can thrive in a sustained high-interest-rate environment due to strong balance sheets and pricing power.

Published: July 31, 2025

Explore Basket

Wall Street's Private Credit Push

This carefully selected group of stocks represents companies positioned to benefit from the major shift toward private credit on Wall Street. Professional investors have identified these Business Development Companies as potential winners from JPMorgan's strategic move into alternative lending, which could drive new partnerships and increased deal flow.

Published: July 15, 2025

Explore Basket

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Fed Policy Pivot | Tech and Financial Stock Opportunities

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has signaled a potential conclusion to the central bank's balance sheet reduction, a move that would inject more liquidity into financial markets. This policy shift creates an opportunity for companies sensitive to interest rates and capital availability, particularly within the technology and financial sectors.

Published: October 15, 2025

Explore Basket

Profiting From The Fed's Firm Stance

The Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady, with Chair Jerome Powell pushing back on expectations for a near-term cut. This creates an investment opportunity in companies that can thrive in a sustained high-interest-rate environment due to strong balance sheets and pricing power.

Published: July 31, 2025

Explore Basket

Wall Street's Private Credit Push

This carefully selected group of stocks represents companies positioned to benefit from the major shift toward private credit on Wall Street. Professional investors have identified these Business Development Companies as potential winners from JPMorgan's strategic move into alternative lending, which could drive new partnerships and increased deal flow.

Published: July 15, 2025

Explore Basket

Expert-Backed Future Stars

This collection features emerging companies that have earned strong backing from financial experts and analysts. These carefully selected stocks represent innovative businesses with exceptional growth potential, positioned to become the market leaders of tomorrow.

Published: June 18, 2025

Explore Basket

Lean & Mighty Portfolio

These elite companies achieve extraordinary market impact with remarkably small teams. Professionally selected by our analysts, this collection showcases businesses that leverage technology and scalable systems to generate impressive revenue without the overhead of large workforces.

Published: June 17, 2025

Explore Basket

Lean & Mean

These companies have turned operational efficiency into an art form. Carefully selected by our expert investors, this collection features businesses that excel at maximizing profits while minimizing waste, creating resilient performers in any economic climate.

Published: June 17, 2025

Explore Basket

Corporate Dragons: The Fortresses

Meet the financial titans built on massive cash reserves and minimal debt. These carefully selected companies offer exceptional stability during economic turbulence, giving your portfolio a strong defensive anchor when markets get rough.

Published: June 17, 2025

Explore Basket

Discover More Comparisons

Hercules Capital vs Fulton Financial

Hercules Capital vs Qfin

Hercules Capital vs Cathay General Bancorp

Hercules Capital vs First BanCorp

Comparison Snapshot