WallStSmart

Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK-B)vsFirst Merchants Corporation Depository Shares (FRMEP)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Berkshire Hathaway Inc generates 59802% more annual revenue ($384.69B vs $642.19M). FRMEP leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs 22.3%. FRMEP trades at a lower P/E of 6.6x. BRK-B earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 74/100 (B).

BRK-B

Strong Buy

74

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 5.0Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 3/9Altman Z: 2.59

FRMEP

Hold

43

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.11

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

BRK-B6 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
Market CapQuality
$1.07T10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Price/BookValuation
0.0x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
32.6%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 32.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
107.8%10/10

Earnings expanding 107.8% YoY

Profit MarginProfitability
22.3%9/10

Keeps 22 of every $100 in revenue as profit

P/E RatioValuation
12.7x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

FRMEP4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.6x10/10

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

Areas to Watch

BRK-B2 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Piotroski F-ScoreQuality
3/93/10

Weak financial health signals

PEG RatioValuation
10.062/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

FRMEP4 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 : BRK-B

The strongest argument for BRK-B centers on Market Cap, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 22.3% and operating margin at 32.6%.

Bull Case : FRMEP

The strongest argument for FRMEP centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.0% and operating margin at 34.3%.

Bear Case : BRK-B

The primary concerns for BRK-B are Piotroski F-Score, PEG Ratio.

Bear Case : FRMEP

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

Key Dynamics to Monitor

BRK-B profiles as a mature stock while FRMEP is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.

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

BRK-B is growing revenue faster at 10.0% — sustainability is the question.

BRK-B generates stronger free cash flow (5.6B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

BRK-B scores higher overall (74/100 vs 43/100), backed by strong 22.3% margins. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.

Berkshire Hathaway Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is an American multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The company wholly owns GEICO, Duracell, Dairy Queen, BNSF, Lubrizol, Fruit of the Loom, Helzberg Diamonds, Long & Foster, FlightSafety International, Pampered Chef, Forest River, and NetJets, and also owns 38.6% of Pilot Flying J; and significant minority holdings in public companies Kraft Heinz Company (26.7%), American Express (18.8%), The Coca-Cola Company (9.32%), Bank of America (11.9%), and Apple (6.3%).

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First Merchants Corporation Depository Shares

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Merchants Corporation Depository Shares (FRMEP) represent a robust investment opportunity in the Midwest's financial services landscape, underpinned by a strong regional banking institution. The company delivers a wide array of financial services, encompassing commercial banking, consumer lending, and wealth management, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. With a proactive approach to community engagement and a commitment to sustainable growth, First Merchants emphasizes enhancing shareholder value while ensuring resilience against market fluctuations. This strategic orientation positions First Merchants as an attractive option for institutional investors aiming for dependable returns in a dynamic economic environment.

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