First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsSun Life Financial Inc. (SLF)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$40.66
-0.66%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.55B
SLF
Sun Life Financial Inc.
$80.85
+1.00%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $43.97B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Sun Life Financial Inc. generates 5155% more annual revenue ($35.53B vs $676.12M). FRME leads profitability with a 29.2% profit margin vs 9.5%. SLF appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. FRME earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
FRME
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
SLF
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 45.0%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Revenue surging 21.0% year-over-year
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 43.2% YoY
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Distress zone — elevated risk
Distress zone — elevated risk
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : FRME
The strongest argument for FRME centers on Price/Book, Operating Margin, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.2% and operating margin at 45.0%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : SLF
The strongest argument for SLF centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth. PEG of 1.33 suggests the stock is reasonably priced for its growth.
Bear Case : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : SLF
The primary concerns for SLF are Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a growth stock while SLF is a value play — different risk/reward profiles.
FRME carries more volatility with a beta of 0.88 — expect wider price swings.
FRME is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
SLF generates stronger free cash flow (90M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FRME scores higher overall (78/100 vs 67/100), backed by strong 29.2% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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.
Sun Life Financial Inc.
FINANCIAL SERVICES · INSURANCE - DIVERSIFIED · USA
Sun Life Financial Inc., a financial services company, provides insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate clients around the world. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
Compare with Other BANKS - REGIONAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?