WallStSmart

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

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Mizuho Financial Group Inc. generates 700941% more annual revenue ($4.74T vs $676.12M). FRME leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 29.1%. MFG appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. MFG earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 84/100 (A-).

FRME

Strong Buy

78

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.0Value: 6.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.11

MFG

Exceptional Buy

84

out of 100

Grade: A-

Growth: 10.0Profit: 7.5Value: 6.3Quality: 4.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 0.29

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FRME5 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Price/BookValuation
1.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
45.0%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 45.0%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.2%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Revenue GrowthGrowth
21.0%8/10

Revenue surging 21.0% year-over-year

MFG6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
Operating MarginProfitability
46.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 46.7%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
35.0%10/10

Revenue surging 35.0% year-over-year

Market CapQuality
$116.98B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
29.1%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
13.3x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

FRME2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
7.4%3/10

ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

MFG2 concerns · Avg: 1.5/10
Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.292/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Debt/EquityHealth
5.911/10

Elevated debt levels

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 29.2% and operating margin at 45.0%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : MFG

The strongest argument for MFG centers on Operating Margin, Revenue Growth, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.1% and operating margin at 46.7%. Revenue growth of 35.0% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FRME

The primary concerns for FRME are Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : MFG

The primary concerns for MFG are Altman Z-Score, Debt/Equity. Debt-to-equity of 5.91 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FRME carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.

MFG is growing revenue faster at 35.0% — sustainability is the question.

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

Bottom Line

MFG scores higher overall (84/100 vs 78/100), backed by strong 29.1% margins and 35.0% 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 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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