WallStSmart

First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsMizuho Financial Group Inc. (MFG)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. generates 690046% more annual revenue ($4.40T vs $637.81M). FRME leads profitability with a 31.2% profit margin vs 28.4%. FRME appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. MFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).

FRME

Buy

59

out of 100

Grade: C

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

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

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%

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

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

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 : 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 : 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 : FRME

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

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

FRME profiles as a declining stock while MFG is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

MFG is growing revenue faster at 16.7% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MFG scores higher overall (78/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 28.4% margins and 16.7% 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.

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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