WallStSmart

First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsICICI Bank Limited (IBN)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

ICICI Bank Limited generates 317145% more annual revenue ($2.04T vs $642.19M). FRME leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs 27.5%. IBN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 0.53. IBN earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 79/100 (B+).

FRME

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.3Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.11

IBN

Strong Buy

79

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 6.7Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 3.5
Piotroski: 2/9Altman Z: -0.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FRME4 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
34.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.3%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.0%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.2x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

IBN6 strengths · Avg: 8.7/10
Operating MarginProfitability
38.5%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 38.5%

Market CapQuality
$103.54B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
27.5%9/10

Keeps 28 of every $100 in revenue as profit

PEG RatioValuation
0.538/10

Growing faster than its price suggests

P/E RatioValuation
17.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.6x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

FRME4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.8%4/10

2.8% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.4%3/10

ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-28.7%2/10

Earnings declined 28.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

IBN2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
2/93/10

Weak financial health signals

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FRME

The strongest argument for FRME centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.0% and operating margin at 34.3%. PEG of 1.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

Bull Case : IBN

The strongest argument for IBN centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 27.5% and operating margin at 38.5%. Revenue growth of 11.4% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FRME

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

Bear Case : IBN

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FRME profiles as a value stock while IBN is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

IBN is growing revenue faster at 11.4% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

IBN scores higher overall (79/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 27.5% margins and 11.4% revenue growth. 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.

ICICI Bank Limited

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

ICICI Bank Limited offers various banking products and financial services in India and internationally. The company is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

Visit Website →

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