WallStSmart

Arch Capital Group Ltd. (ACGL)vsFirst Merchants Corporation (FRME)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Arch Capital Group Ltd. generates 2895% more annual revenue ($19.23B vs $642.19M). FRME leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs 24.4%. ACGL appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.06. ACGL earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).

ACGL

Strong Buy

67

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 4.7Profit: 8.0Value: 7.0Quality: 6.0
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 1.48

FRME

Buy

63

out of 100

Grade: C+

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

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

ACGL6 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
7.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
24.4%9/10

Keeps 24 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Debt/EquityHealth
0.189/10

Conservative balance sheet, low leverage

Operating MarginProfitability
26.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 26.6%

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.31B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

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

Areas to Watch

ACGL3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-10.5%2/10

Revenue declined 10.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-7.1%2/10

Earnings declined 7.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
1.482/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

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

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : ACGL

The strongest argument for ACGL centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 24.4% and operating margin at 26.6%. PEG of 1.06 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.

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.

Bear Case : ACGL

The primary concerns for ACGL are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : FRME

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

ACGL profiles as a declining stock while FRME is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

FRME is growing revenue faster at 2.8% — sustainability is the question.

ACGL generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

ACGL scores higher overall (67/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 24.4% 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.

Arch Capital Group Ltd.

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Arch Capital Group Ltd., offers insurance, reinsurance and mortgage products worldwide. The company is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

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.

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