First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsJPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$40.44
+1.56%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.53B
JPM
JPMorgan Chase & Co
$313.23
+1.29%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $828.64B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
JPMorgan Chase & Co generates 27112% more annual revenue ($173.56B vs $637.81M). JPM leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs 31.2%. FRME appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. JPM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
FRME
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
JPM
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 43.0%
Generating 368.4B in free cash flow
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Areas to Watch
ROE of 8.0% — below average capital efficiency
Revenue declined 2.5%
Earnings declined 52.1%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Elevated debt levels
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FRME
The strongest argument for FRME centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. 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 : JPM
The strongest argument for JPM centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.9% and operating margin at 43.0%. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : JPM
The primary concerns for JPM are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a declining stock while JPM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
JPM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
JPM is growing revenue faster at 12.7% — sustainability is the question.
JPM generates stronger free cash flow (368.4B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
JPM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 33.9% margins and 12.7% 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.
JPMorgan Chase & Co
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA
JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. JPMorgan Chase is incorporated in Delaware. As a Bulge Bracket bank, it is a major provider of various investment banking and financial services. It is one of America's Big Four banks, along with Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. JPMorgan Chase is considered to be a universal bank and a custodian bank. The J.P. Morgan brand is used by the investment banking, asset management, private banking, private wealth management, and treasury services divisions.
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