WallStSmart

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

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd generates 3025% more annual revenue ($19.93B vs $637.81M). FRME leads profitability with a 31.2% profit margin vs 22.1%. ACGL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. ACGL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).

ACGL

Exceptional Buy

81

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.5
Piotroski: 5/9

FRME

Buy

62

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.8
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.11

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
22.1%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.119/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
29.5%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 29.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.8%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.8% YoY

FRME4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.9x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

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

Operating MarginProfitability
22.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%

Areas to Watch

ACGL0 concerns · Avg: 0/10

No major concerns identified

FRME4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
8.0%3/10

ROE of 8.0% — 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, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.1% and operating margin at 29.5%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : FRME

The strongest argument for FRME centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. 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

No major red flags identified for ACGL, but monitor valuation.

Bear Case : FRME

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACGL profiles as a mature stock while FRME is a declining play — different risk/reward profiles.

FRME carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.

ACGL is growing revenue faster at 8.5% — sustainability is the question.

ACGL generates stronger free cash flow (1.4B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ACGL scores higher overall (81/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 22.1% margins. Both earn "Exceptional 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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