First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsPNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$38.18
+0.53%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.41B
PNC
PNC Financial Services Group Inc
$205.95
-0.19%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $83.43B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
PNC Financial Services Group Inc generates 3378% more annual revenue ($22.32B vs $641.70M). FRME leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 31.1%. FRME appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. PNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).
FRME
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
PNC
Strong Buy73
out of 100
Grade: B
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-59.4%
Fair Value
$26.38
Current Price
$38.18
$11.80 premium
Margin of Safety
+73.5%
Fair Value
$776.41
Current Price
$205.95
$570.46 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 42.7%
Reasonable price relative to book value
Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Earnings expanding 29.1% YoY
Areas to Watch
Revenue declined 4.6%
Earnings declined 10.9%
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
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 35.2% and operating margin at 42.7%. PEG of 1.40 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bull Case : PNC
The strongest argument for PNC centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.1% and operating margin at 39.3%.
Bear Case : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : PNC
The primary concerns for PNC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a declining stock while PNC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
PNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.
PNC is growing revenue faster at 9.6% — sustainability is the question.
PNC generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
PNC scores higher overall (73/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 31.1% 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.
PNC Financial Services Group Inc
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (stylized as PNC) is a bank holding company and financial services corporation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its banking subsidiary, PNC Bank, operates in 21 states and the District of Columbia with 2,296 branches and 9,051 ATMs. The company also provides financial services such as asset management, wealth management, estate planning, loan servicing, and information processing.
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