First Merchants Corporation (FRME)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)
FRME
First Merchants Corporation
$38.18
+0.53%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $2.41B
USB
U.S. Bancorp
$51.89
-0.56%
FINANCIAL SERVICES · Cap: $81.01B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
U.S. Bancorp generates 4007% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $641.70M). FRME leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 28.7%. FRME appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.40. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).
FRME
Buy64
out of 100
Grade: C+
USB
Strong Buy75
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
+75.8%
Fair Value
$214.00
Current Price
$51.89
$162.11 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%
Attractively priced relative to earnings
Reasonable price relative to book value
Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%
Large-cap with strong market position
Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Earnings expanding 24.7% 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 : USB
The strongest argument for USB centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 28.7% and operating margin at 39.3%.
Bear Case : FRME
The primary concerns for FRME are Revenue Growth, EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : USB
The primary concerns for USB are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
FRME profiles as a declining stock while USB is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
USB carries more volatility with a beta of 1.04 — expect wider price swings.
USB is growing revenue faster at 5.3% — sustainability is the question.
USB generates stronger free cash flow (2.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
USB scores higher overall (75/100 vs 64/100), backed by strong 28.7% 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.
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?