First Citizens Stock Plummets 0.98 as Volume Falls to 329th Rank Insiders and Institutions Boost Holdings

On August 29, 2025, First Citizens BancShares (FCNCA) traded at $2,003.45, marking a 0.98% decline with a trading volume of $0.30 billion, a 31.17% drop from the previous day, placing it 329th in market activity. The stock’s 50-day moving average stands at $1,995.95, while its 200-day average is $1,900.14.

Recent analyst activity highlights mixed signals for FCNCA. Citigroup and UBS Group raised price targets, with UBS setting a $2,410.00 objective and a “buy” rating. Piper Sandler maintained a “neutral” stance with a $2,150.00 target, while JPMorgan Chase upgraded its rating to “overweight” with a $2,250.00 target. Institutional ownership saw significant shifts, including MAI Capital Management increasing its stake by 500% in Q2 and Allworth Financial LP boosting its position by 35.3%.

Insider activity further underscored market sentiment. Hope Holding Bryant and Olivia Britton Holding each purchased 409 shares at $1,630.00 apiece, boosting their holdings by 30.18%. These purchases, totaling 818 shares, added $1.34 million in value to their respective positions. Institutional ownership now accounts for 78.01% of the stock, reflecting confidence from major investors.

Earnings performance for Q2 2025 exceeded expectations, with FCNCA reporting $44.78 earnings per share, surpassing the $39.08 consensus estimate. The bank’s net income growth and fee income expansion were key drivers, supported by a 16.37% net margin and 11.32% return on equity. A quarterly dividend of $1.95 per share, announced for September 15, maintains a 0.4% yield, with a payout ratio of 4.60%.

Backtest results indicate that FCNCA’s price action has historically responded to earnings surprises and institutional buying. The stock’s beta of 0.64 suggests lower volatility compared to the market, aligning with its defensive banking sector profile. Analysts project 167.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year, reflecting confidence in sustained performance amid cautious loan growth and competitive pressures.