WallStSmart

First Merchants Corporation Depository Shares (FRMEP)vsU.S. Bancorp (USB)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

U.S. Bancorp generates 4007% more annual revenue ($26.35B vs $641.70M). FRMEP leads profitability with a 35.2% profit margin vs 28.7%. FRMEP trades at a lower P/E of 6.7x. USB earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 75/100 (B).

FRMEP

Hold

41

out of 100

Grade: D

Growth: 4.0Profit: 7.5Value: 7.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: -0.11

USB

Strong Buy

75

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.3
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.39
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

FRMEPUndervalued (+1.5%)

Margin of Safety

+1.5%

Fair Value

$25.91

Current Price

$25.60

$0.31 discount

UndervaluedFair: $25.91Overvalued
USBUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$214.00

Current Price

$51.89

$162.11 discount

UndervaluedFair: $214.00Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

FRMEP4 strengths · Avg: 10.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
6.7x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
0.6x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
35.2%10/10

Keeps 35 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
42.7%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 42.7%

USB6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
P/E RatioValuation
11.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.4x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$81.01B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

Profit MarginProfitability
28.7%9/10

Keeps 29 of every $100 in revenue as profit

EPS GrowthGrowth
24.7%8/10

Earnings expanding 24.7% YoY

Areas to Watch

FRMEP3 concerns · Avg: 2.0/10
Revenue GrowthGrowth
-4.6%2/10

Revenue declined 4.6%

EPS GrowthGrowth
-10.9%2/10

Earnings declined 10.9%

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
-0.112/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

USB2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.804/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.392/10

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 35.2% and operating margin at 42.7%.

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 : FRMEP

The primary concerns for FRMEP 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

FRMEP 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 41/100), backed by strong 28.7% margins. 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) represents a notable investment avenue in the Midwest's financial services landscape, leveraging its strong position as a leading regional bank. The company is adept in commercial banking, consumer lending, and wealth management, providing a diverse range of products tailored to meet the needs of its clientele. With a focus on strategic growth and operational resilience, First Merchants demonstrates a commitment to community-focused banking while prioritizing shareholder value. Its consistent financial performance across varying economic conditions reinforces its attractiveness to institutional investors.

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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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