WallStSmart

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC)vsMizuho Financial Group Inc. (MFG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. generates 479824% more annual revenue ($4.40T vs $917.19M). FFBC leads profitability with a 30.4% profit margin vs 28.4%. FFBC appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.12. FFBC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 83/100 (A-).

FFBC

Exceptional Buy

83

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: -0.41

MFG

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 9.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.7Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FFBC6 strengths · Avg: 9.7/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.4x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.1x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
30.4%10/10

Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
37.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 37.3%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
32.3%10/10

Revenue surging 32.3% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
31.5%8/10

Earnings expanding 31.5% YoY

MFG6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Operating MarginProfitability
32.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
680.0%10/10

Earnings expanding 680.0% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$487.72B10/10

Generating 487.7B in free cash flow

Market CapQuality
$115.97B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.4%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
15.1x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

FFBC2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.412/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MFG3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.654/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
5.881/10

Elevated debt levels

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FFBC

The strongest argument for FFBC centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.4% and operating margin at 37.3%. Revenue growth of 32.3% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MFG

The strongest argument for MFG centers on Operating Margin, EPS Growth, Free Cash Flow. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.4% and operating margin at 32.5%. Revenue growth of 16.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FFBC

The primary concerns for FFBC are Piotroski F-Score, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MFG

The primary concerns for MFG are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.88 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FFBC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.94 — expect wider price swings.

FFBC is growing revenue faster at 32.3% — sustainability is the question.

MFG generates stronger free cash flow (487.7B), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

FFBC scores higher overall (83/100 vs 78/100), backed by strong 30.4% margins and 32.3% revenue growth. Both earn "Exceptional Buy" and "Strong 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.

First Financial Bancorp

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Financial Bancorp. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Mizuho Financial Group Inc.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. engages in banking, trusts, securities and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, America, Europe, Asia / Oceania and internationally. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

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