WallStSmart

First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsHDFC Bank Limited ADR (HDB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

HDFC Bank Limited ADR generates 444100% more annual revenue ($2.83T vs $637.81M). FRME leads profitability with a 31.2% profit margin vs 26.8%. HDB appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.01. HDB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 68/100 (B-).

FRME

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

HDB

Strong Buy

68

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 6.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FRME4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
0.9x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.2%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Operating MarginProfitability
22.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%

HDB5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Operating MarginProfitability
40.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 40.5%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.72T10/10

Generating 1.7T in free cash flow

Market CapQuality
$122.21B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
26.8%9/10

Keeps 27 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
16.8x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Areas to Watch

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

HDB3 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
Price/BookValuation
9.7x4/10

Trading at 9.7x book value

Debt/EquityHealth
1.003/10

Elevated debt levels

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-1.8%2/10

Revenue declined 1.8%

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

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.

Bull Case : HDB

The strongest argument for HDB centers on Operating Margin, Free Cash Flow, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 26.8% and operating margin at 40.5%. PEG of 1.01 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bear Case : FRME

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

Bear Case : HDB

The primary concerns for HDB are Price/Book, Debt/Equity, Revenue Growth.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FRME carries more volatility with a beta of 0.86 — expect wider price swings.

HDB is growing revenue faster at -1.8% — sustainability is the question.

HDB generates stronger free cash flow (1.7T), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

HDB scores higher overall (68/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 26.8% 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.

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.

HDFC Bank Limited ADR

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

HDFC Bank Limited offers various banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong and Dubai. The company is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

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