WallStSmart

First Merchants Corporation Depository Shares (FRMEP)vsSun Life Financial Inc. (SLF)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

Sun Life Financial Inc. generates 5432% more annual revenue ($35.53B vs $642.19M). FRMEP leads profitability with a 29.0% profit margin vs 9.5%. FRMEP trades at a lower P/E of 6.6x. SLF earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 65/100 (B-).

FRMEP

Hold

43

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.7Profit: 7.0Value: 6.7Quality: 4.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: -0.11

SLF

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.7Profit: 6.0Value: 5.0Quality: 7.3
Piotroski: 5/9

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FRMEP4 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.6x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.6x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
34.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 34.3%

Profit MarginProfitability
29.0%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

SLF2 strengths · Avg: 8.0/10
Price/BookValuation
2.7x8/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

EPS GrowthGrowth
43.2%8/10

Earnings expanding 43.2% YoY

Areas to Watch

FRMEP4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
2.8%4/10

2.8% revenue growth

Return on EquityProfitability
7.4%3/10

ROE of 7.4% — below average capital efficiency

EPS GrowthGrowth
-28.7%2/10

Earnings declined 28.7%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

SLF1 concerns · Avg: 4.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.614/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : FRMEP

The strongest argument for FRMEP centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 29.0% and operating margin at 34.3%.

Bull Case : SLF

The strongest argument for SLF centers on Price/Book, EPS Growth.

Bear Case : FRMEP

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

Bear Case : SLF

The primary concerns for SLF are PEG Ratio.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

FRMEP carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.

SLF is growing revenue faster at 7.5% — sustainability is the question.

SLF generates stronger free cash flow (90M), providing more financial flexibility.

Monitor BANKS - REGIONAL industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.

Bottom Line

SLF scores higher overall (65/100 vs 43/100). 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 (FRMEP) represent a robust investment opportunity in the Midwest's financial services landscape, underpinned by a strong regional banking institution. The company delivers a wide array of financial services, encompassing commercial banking, consumer lending, and wealth management, tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. With a proactive approach to community engagement and a commitment to sustainable growth, First Merchants emphasizes enhancing shareholder value while ensuring resilience against market fluctuations. This strategic orientation positions First Merchants as an attractive option for institutional investors aiming for dependable returns in a dynamic economic environment.

Visit Website →

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.

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