Aggressive Stock Portfolio: 12 Stocks Picked by Hedge Funds

9. First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA)

3-Year Average Revenue Growth: 68.93%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA) is the parent company of First-Citizens Bank & Trust, which provides commercial and retail banking services. The company is well-known in commercial lending, small business banking, and wealth management. Furthermore, its Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) purchase has strengthened its position in tech and venture capital banking. This helped First Citizens grow its client base among startups and high-growth companies.

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA) posted robust results for Q4 ended December 31, 2024. The net income rose to $700 million from $639 million last quarter, with the net income for common stockholders at $685 million, or $49.21 per share. Adjusted net income was $643 million, slightly down from $675 million in Q3, due to acquisition costs and tax adjustments. However, deposits grew 9.6% to $155.23 billion, beating expectations, while loans increased by $1.5 billion, driven by commercial and business lending growth.

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA) has positioned itself strategically for shifting interest rates, with growth plans in key lending areas and ongoing investments in efficiency. For 2025, the company expects a net charge-off ratio of 35-45 basis points and is preparing for potential Federal Reserve cuts affecting interest income. Meanwhile, management aims to expand relationship management and launch another share buyback in H2 of 2025.

Nevertheless, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA) kept a net interest margin of 3.32% even with interest rate tensions. The SVB sector produced solid trends, with client funds increasing to $5.3 billion. The company also bought back 6.44% of shares, spending $963 million, thus establishing itself as one of the top picks in our stock portfolio, with strong revenue growth and high EPS.