First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$39.93
-0.42%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.65B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$55.69
-1.95%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $84.69B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 4078% more annual revenue ($26.65B vs $637.81M). FRME leads profitability with a 31.2% profit margin vs 29.3%. FRME appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 71/100 (B).
FRME
Buy59
out of 100
Grade: C
USB
Strong Buy71
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 37.8%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Generating 1.3B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 2.5%
Earnings declined 52.1%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
4.6% revenue growth
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull 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 : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.3% and operating margin at 37.8%.
Bear Case : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Revenue Growth, Debt/Equity.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a declining stock while USB is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.
USB is growing revenue faster at 4.6% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (71/100 vs 59/100), backed by strong 29.3% 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.
U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
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