WallStSmart

First Merchants Corporation Depository Shares (FRMEP)vsJPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM)

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Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

JPMorgan Chase & Co generates 27112% more annual revenue ($173.56B vs $637.81M). JPM leads profitability with a 33.9% profit margin vs 31.2%. FRMEP trades at a lower P/E of 6.8x. JPM earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

FRMEP

Hold

39

out of 100

Grade: F

Growth: 4.0Profit: 6.5Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.11

JPM

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 8.0Profit: 8.0Value: 5.7Quality: 5.5
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.55

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FRMEP4 strengths · Avg: 9.5/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.8x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.6x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.2%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
22.6%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 22.6%

JPM5 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Market CapQuality
$824.35B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Profit MarginProfitability
33.9%10/10

Keeps 34 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
43.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 43.7%

P/E RatioValuation
14.9x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
2.5x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Areas to Watch

FRMEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Return on EquityProfitability
8.0%3/10

ROE of 8.0% — below average capital efficiency

Revenue GrowthGrowth
-2.5%2/10

Revenue declined 2.5%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-52.1%2/10

Earnings declined 52.1%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

JPM4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.383/10

Elevated debt levels

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-211.76B2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.552/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FRMEP

The strongest argument for FRMEP centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.2% and operating margin at 22.6%.

Bull Case : JPM

The strongest argument for JPM centers on Market Cap, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 33.9% and operating margin at 43.7%. Revenue growth of 12.7% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bear Case : FRMEP

The primary concerns for FRMEP are Return on Equity, Revenue Growth, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : JPM

The primary concerns for JPM are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, Free Cash Flow.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FRMEP profiles as a declining stock while JPM is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

JPM carries more volatility with a beta of 1.02 — expect wider price swings.

JPM is growing revenue faster at 12.7% — sustainability is the question.

FRMEP generates stronger free cash flow (59M), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

JPM scores higher overall (73/100 vs 39/100), backed by strong 33.9% margins and 12.7% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Hold" 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 Depository Shares

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

First Merchants Corporation Depository Shares (ticker: FRMEP) serve as a key investment option within the Midwest's financial services sector, showcasing the strength of one of the region's prominent banks. The company excels in offering a comprehensive suite of services, including commercial banking, consumer lending, and wealth management, all designed to address diverse customer needs. Emphasizing strategic growth and operational resilience, First Merchants maintains a strong commitment to community-centered banking while enhancing shareholder value. Its demonstrated financial stability and consistent performance across different economic landscapes further establish its appeal to institutional investors seeking reliable opportunities.

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JPMorgan Chase & Co

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - DIVERSIFIED · USA

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is an American multinational investment bank and financial services holding company headquartered in New York City. JPMorgan Chase is incorporated in Delaware. As a Bulge Bracket bank, it is a major provider of various investment banking and financial services. It is one of America's Big Four banks, along with Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. JPMorgan Chase is considered to be a universal bank and a custodian bank. The J.P. Morgan brand is used by the investment banking, asset management, private banking, private wealth management, and treasury services divisions.

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