First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$41.11
+0.02%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.59B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$62.84
-0.26%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $97.91B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 4154% more annual revenue ($27.32B vs $642.19M). USB leads profitability with a 29.9% profit margin vs 29.0%. FRME appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
FRME
Buy63
out of 100
Grade: C+
USB
Strong Buy77
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 34.3%
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Strong operational efficiency at 39.7%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Earnings expanding 21.6% YoY
Areas to Watch
2.8% revenue growth
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
Earnings declined 28.7%
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 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.
Bull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on Operating Margin, Market Cap, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.9% and operating margin at 39.7%. Revenue growth of 10.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Revenue Growth, Return on Equity, EPS Growth.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a value stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.
USB is growing revenue faster at 10.4% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (77/100 vs 63/100), backed by strong 29.9% margins and 10.4% 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.
U.S. Bancorp
FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA
U.S. Bancorp is an American bank holding company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and incorporated in Delaware. The company provides banking, investment, mortgage, trust, and payment services products to individuals, businesses, governmental entities, and other financial institutions.
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