WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL)vsFirst Merchants Corporation (FRME)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd. generates 3001% more annual revenue ($19.78B vs $637.81M). FRME leads profitability with a 31.2% profit margin vs 24.6%. ACGL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. ACGL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

ACGL

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

FRME

Buy

57

out of 100

Grade: C

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.11

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
94.6%10/10

Earnings expanding 94.6% YoY

Return on EquityProfitability
20.1%9/10

Every $100 of equity generates 20 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
24.6%9/10

Keeps 25 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Price/BookValuation
1.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

FRME4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.2%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
22.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%

Areas to Watch

ACGL2 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-3.3%2/10

Revenue declined 3.3%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

FRME4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.4%3/10

ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.5%2/10

Revenue declined 2.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.1%2/10

Earnings declined 52.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACGL

The strongest argument for ACGL centers on P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Return on Equity. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.6% and operating margin at 25.3%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : FRME

The strongest argument for FRME centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, P/E Ratio. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.2% and operating margin at 22.6%. PEG of 1.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : ACGL

The primary concerns for ACGL are Revenue Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : FRME

The primary concerns for FRME are Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FRME carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.

FRME is growing revenue faster at -2.5% — sustainability is the question.

ACGL generates stronger free cash flow (1.2B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

ACGL scores higher overall (79/100 vs 57/100), backed by strong 24.6% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Arch Capital Group Ltd.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Arch Capital Group Ltd., offers insurance, reinsurance and mortgage products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

First Merchants Corporation

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Merchants Corporation is the financial holding company for First Merchants Bank providing community banking services. The company is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.

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