First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$40.66
-0.66%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.55B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$59.60
+1.75%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $91.50B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 4024% more annual revenue ($27.89B vs $676.12M). USB leads profitability with a 30.0% profit margin vs 29.2%. FRME appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. FRME earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 78/100 (B+).
FRME
Strong Buy78
out of 100
Grade: B+
USB
Strong Buy73
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
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Keeps 30 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 40.1%
Large-cap with strong market position
Reasonable price relative to book value
Generating 4.8B in free cash flow
Areas to Watch
ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency
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 29.2% and operating margin at 45.0%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 30.0% and operating margin at 40.1%.
Bear Case : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a growth stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.
FRME is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (4.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FRME scores higher overall (78/100 vs 73/100), 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.
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.
Compare with Other BANKS - REGIONAL Stocks
Want to dig deeper into these stocks?