Comparing First Bancorp and Park National: Which Finance Stock is Better?

First Bancorp (NASDAQ:FNLC) and Park National (NYSE:PRK) are two finance companies that are being compared based on various factors.

In terms of earnings and valuation, Park National has higher revenue and earnings than First Bancorp. However, First Bancorp is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio, making it the more affordable option.

When it comes to risk and volatility, First Bancorp has a lower beta, indicating less volatility compared to Park National. Institutional ownership is higher for Park National, suggesting long-term growth potential.

In the dividends category, First Bancorp pays a higher dividend yield and has a longer track record of dividend growth compared to Park National.

In terms of profitability, Park National has higher net margins, return on equity, and return on assets compared to First Bancorp.

Analyst ratings indicate that Park National is more favorable than First Bancorp, with a consensus target price of $130.00, indicating a potential downside of 24.45%.

Overall, Park National beats First Bancorp on 12 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.

First Bancorp operates as the holding company for First National Bank, providing a range of banking products and services. Park National Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Park National Bank, offering commercial banking and trust services in small and medium population areas.

Investors and analysts are closely watching these two finance companies to see how they perform in the market.