First Citizens BancShares vs Northern Trust

This page compares First Citizens BancShares (First Citizens BancShares Inc Class A) and Northern Trust Corporation, analysing their business models, financial performance, and market context in clear, accessible terms. It presents neutral explanations of how each organisation operates and navigates its sector, helping readers understand similarities and differences without offering advice. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares First Citizens BancShares (First Citizens BancShares Inc Class A) and Northern Trust Corporation, analysing their business models, financial performance, and market context in clear...

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

FCNCA

Metric

NTRS

$26.18B

Market Cap

$27.89B

12.53%

Potential Profit

-7.84%

Buy

Analyst Rating

Hold

Why It's Moving

First Citizens BancShares Crushes Q4 Earnings Expectations with Robust Growth and Dividend Boost.

Earnings smashed estimates at $51.27 per share versus $44.24 expected, with revenue hitting $2.25 billion against $2.24 billion forecasts, underscoring operational strength.
Board declared a $2.10 quarterly common stock dividend payable March 16, reinforcing commitment to shareholders while returning $900 million via repurchases and prepaying $2.5 billion debt.
Analysts adjusted targets post-earnings—TD Cowen cut to $2,500 (Buy), Barclays to $2,346 (Equal-Weight), Citigroup to $2,100 (Neutral)—as shares dipped slightly to around $2,017.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Northern Trust's FY 2025 Wrap Shows Revenue Growth but Margin Squeeze Sparks Investor Debate

AUM surged to $1,772.7 billion by Q3 end, fueled by net inflows peaking at $11.6 billion in Q1, underscoring sticky institutional and wealth management clients.
Basic EPS edged up quarterly to $2.41 but trailed 12-month prior at $8.78 versus $9.80, painting a mixed earnings picture.
Trailing net income excluding extras fell to $1,679.2 million from $1,972.4 million, as margin pressures challenge profitability despite top-line gains.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

First Citizens BancShares Crushes Q4 Earnings Expectations with Robust Growth and Dividend Boost.

Earnings smashed estimates at $51.27 per share versus $44.24 expected, with revenue hitting $2.25 billion against $2.24 billion forecasts, underscoring operational strength.
Board declared a $2.10 quarterly common stock dividend payable March 16, reinforcing commitment to shareholders while returning $900 million via repurchases and prepaying $2.5 billion debt.
Analysts adjusted targets post-earnings—TD Cowen cut to $2,500 (Buy), Barclays to $2,346 (Equal-Weight), Citigroup to $2,100 (Neutral)—as shares dipped slightly to around $2,017.

Sentiment:

🐃Bullish

Northern Trust's FY 2025 Wrap Shows Revenue Growth but Margin Squeeze Sparks Investor Debate

AUM surged to $1,772.7 billion by Q3 end, fueled by net inflows peaking at $11.6 billion in Q1, underscoring sticky institutional and wealth management clients.
Basic EPS edged up quarterly to $2.41 but trailed 12-month prior at $8.78 versus $9.80, painting a mixed earnings picture.
Trailing net income excluding extras fell to $1,679.2 million from $1,972.4 million, as margin pressures challenge profitability despite top-line gains.

Sentiment:

⚖️Neutral

Investment Analysis

First Citizens BancShares

FCNCA

Pros

Strong liquidity and capital position with $61.92 billion in liquid assets as of Q3 2025 and coverage of uninsured deposits by 146%.
Strategic growth through the acquisition of 138 BMO Bank branches, expanding footprint across the Midwest, Great Plains, and West regions.
Improved operational efficiency with the efficiency ratio improving to 56.78% in Q3 2025 and stable net interest margin at 3.26%.

Considerations

Net income showed a slight decline in Q3 2025 despite strong loan and deposit growth, indicating potential pressure on profitability.
Acquisition integration risks related to the large BMO branch deal scheduled to close mid-2026 could affect short-term performance.
Commercial loan portfolio credit risk remains a broader market concern that could expose the bank to future asset quality challenges.

Northern Trust

NTRS

Pros

Market leader in wealth management and asset servicing with strong recurring fee income providing stability amid interest rate volatility.
Solid balance sheet with conservative risk management supporting resilience during market downturns and economic uncertainty.
Diversified client base across institutional, private wealth, and asset management reduces dependence on any single market segment.

Considerations

High sensitivity to capital market conditions risks fee income volatility during market corrections or prolonged low interest rates.
Greater exposure to global regulatory compliance costs and operational complexities could increase expense pressure.
Relatively slower growth compared to peers in broader financial services and technology-driven banking innovation.

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About The Companies

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA)

First Citizens BancShares Inc Class A (ticker: FCNCA) is the bank holding company for First Citizens Bank, a regional commercial bank that offers lending, deposit, treasury and wealth-management services to individuals and businesses. With a market capitalisation of about $24.34 billion, the group expanded its scale through acquisitions — notably the 2022 CIT Group deal — which increased its national commercial lending footprint. Key value drivers include net interest margin sensitivity to interest rates, loan growth in middle‑market and commercial sectors, deposit stability and credit quality. Costs, capital levels and integration of acquisitions are important to watch. Risks include cyclical loan losses in a downturn, deposit competition or outflows, regulatory change and concentration in certain loan types. This summary is educational and not investment advice; prospective investors should consider their own objectives, risk tolerance and seek personalised advice if needed.

Northern Trust (NTRS)

Northern Trust Corporation (NTRS) is a US-based financial services firm specialising in custody, asset servicing, wealth management and asset management for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals. With a market capitalisation of about $24.58B, it is known for operational scale, long-standing client relationships and a focus on risk management and technology to support custody and fund administration. Revenue and margins are sensitive to interest-rate environments, asset values under custody, and fee pressure from competitors and passive investing trends. Northern Trust has diversified revenue streams but faces regulatory capital requirements and competition from global custodians and banks. For investors, the company can offer exposure to the structural demand for asset servicing and wealth management, plus a track record of returning capital via dividends and buybacks; however, returns are not guaranteed. This summary is educational only and not personalised investment advice — investors should assess financial statements, regulatory filings and their own suitability before acting.

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) Next Earnings Date

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) released its Q4 2025 earnings on January 23, 2026, just prior to the current date. The next earnings release, covering Q1 2026, is expected on or around April 23, 2026, consistent with the company's quarterly reporting pattern. Investors should monitor official announcements for any schedule adjustments.

Northern Trust (NTRS) Next Earnings Date

Northern Trust will announce its Q1 2026 earnings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. CT. This earnings report will cover the first quarter of 2026 and follows the company's standard quarterly reporting schedule. The Q4 2025 earnings were most recently reported on January 22, 2026, where the company exceeded expectations with an EPS of $2.69 against a consensus estimate of $2.37.

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) Next Earnings Date

First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) released its Q4 2025 earnings on January 23, 2026, just prior to the current date. The next earnings release, covering Q1 2026, is expected on or around April 23, 2026, consistent with the company's quarterly reporting pattern. Investors should monitor official announcements for any schedule adjustments.

Northern Trust (NTRS) Next Earnings Date

Northern Trust will announce its Q1 2026 earnings on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. CT. This earnings report will cover the first quarter of 2026 and follows the company's standard quarterly reporting schedule. The Q4 2025 earnings were most recently reported on January 22, 2026, where the company exceeded expectations with an EPS of $2.69 against a consensus estimate of $2.37.

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Banks Unleash Value

Major US banks are flexing their financial muscle by increasing dividends and launching buyback programs after acing the Fed's annual stress tests. These moves signal strength and confidence, creating opportunities for investors seeking both income and growth.

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Banks Unleash Value

Major US banks are flexing their financial muscle by increasing dividends and launching buyback programs after acing the Fed's annual stress tests. These moves signal strength and confidence, creating opportunities for investors seeking both income and growth.

Published: July 2, 2025

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Comparison Snapshot

Why It's Moving

First Citizens BancShares Crushes Q4 Earnings Expectations with Robust Growth and Dividend Boost.

Northern Trust's FY 2025 Wrap Shows Revenue Growth but Margin Squeeze Sparks Investor Debate

First Citizens BancShares Crushes Q4 Earnings Expectations with Robust Growth and Dividend Boost.

Northern Trust's FY 2025 Wrap Shows Revenue Growth but Margin Squeeze Sparks Investor Debate