First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsJPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$41.11
+0.02%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.59B
JPM
JPMorgan Chase & Co
$356.23
+0.76%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $946.93B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
JPMorgan Chase & Co generates 28914% more annual revenue ($186.33B vs $642.19M). JPM leads profitability with a 34.9% profit margin vs 29.0%. FRME appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. JPM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 81/100 (A-).
FRME
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
JPM
Exceptional Buy81
out of 100
Grade: A-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 34.3%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 50.4%
Revenue surging 30.4% year-over-year
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
2.8% revenue growth
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 28.7%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Negative free cash flow — burning cash
Distress zone — elevated risk
Elevated debt levels
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : JPM
The strongest argument for JPM centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 34.9% and operating margin at 50.4%. Revenue growth of 30.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : JPM
The primary concerns for JPM are PEG Ratio, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score. Debt-to-equity of 3.30 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a value stock while JPM is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
JPM carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.
JPM is growing revenue faster at 30.4% — sustainability is the question.
FRME generates stronger free cash flow (88M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JPM scores higher overall (81/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 34.9% margins and 30.4% revenue growth. 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.
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.
JPMorgan Chase & Co
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. JPMorgan Chase is incorporated in Delaware. As a Bulge Bracket bank, it is a major provider of various investment banking and financial services. It is one of America's Big Four banks, along with Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. JPMorgan Chase is considered to be a universal bank and a custodian bank. The J.P. Morgan brand is used by the investment banking, asset management, private banking, private wealth management, and treasury services divisions.
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