WallStSmart

Meridian Bank (MRBK)vsPNC Financial Services Group Inc (PNC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

PNC Financial Services Group Inc generates 20236% more annual revenue ($22.32B vs $109.76M). PNC leads profitability with a 31.1% profit margin vs 18.4%. MRBK trades at a lower P/E of 8.3x. PNC earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 73/100 (B).

MRBK

Strong Buy

65

out of 100

Grade: B-

Growth: 8.0Profit: 7.0Value: 8.3Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 4/9Altman Z: 0.14

PNC

Strong Buy

73

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 7.5Value: 10.0Quality: 5.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 0.15
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

MRBKUndervalued (+75.8%)

Margin of Safety

+75.8%

Fair Value

$82.84

Current Price

$19.01

$63.83 discount

UndervaluedFair: $82.84Overvalued
PNCUndervalued (+73.5%)

Margin of Safety

+73.5%

Fair Value

$776.41

Current Price

$205.95

$570.46 discount

UndervaluedFair: $776.41Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

MRBK4 strengths · Avg: 9.0/10
P/E RatioValuation
8.3x10/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

Price/BookValuation
1.2x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Operating MarginProfitability
28.7%8/10

Strong operational efficiency at 28.7%

EPS GrowthGrowth
38.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 38.1% YoY

PNC6 strengths · Avg: 9.2/10
Price/BookValuation
1.5x10/10

Reasonable price relative to book value

Profit MarginProfitability
31.1%10/10

Keeps 31 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
39.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 39.3%

Market CapQuality
$83.43B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

P/E RatioValuation
12.4x8/10

Attractively priced relative to earnings

EPS GrowthGrowth
29.1%8/10

Earnings expanding 29.1% YoY

Areas to Watch

MRBK3 concerns · Avg: 2.3/10
Market CapQuality
$168.27M3/10

Smaller company, higher risk/reward

Free Cash FlowQuality
$-23.84M2/10

Negative free cash flow — burning cash

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.142/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

PNC2 concerns · Avg: 3.0/10
PEG RatioValuation
2.174/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
0.152/10

Distress zone — elevated risk

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : MRBK

The strongest argument for MRBK centers on P/E Ratio, Price/Book, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 18.4% and operating margin at 28.7%. Revenue growth of 12.8% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : PNC

The strongest argument for PNC centers on Price/Book, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 31.1% and operating margin at 39.3%.

Bear Case : MRBK

The primary concerns for MRBK are Market Cap, Free Cash Flow, Altman Z-Score.

Bear Case : PNC

The primary concerns for PNC are PEG Ratio, Altman Z-Score.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

PNC carries more volatility with a beta of 0.97 — expect wider price swings.

MRBK is growing revenue faster at 12.8% — sustainability is the question.

PNC generates stronger free cash flow (2.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

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

Bottom Line

PNC scores higher overall (73/100 vs 65/100), backed by strong 31.1% margins. MRBK offers better value entry with a 75.8% margin of safety. 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.

Meridian Bank

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

Meridian Corporation is the holding company for Meridian Bank offering commercial banking products and services in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. The company is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

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PNC Financial Services Group Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES · BANKS - REGIONAL · USA

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (stylized as PNC) is a bank holding company and financial services corporation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Its banking subsidiary, PNC Bank, operates in 21 states and the District of Columbia with 2,296 branches and 9,051 ATMs. The company also provides financial services such as asset management, wealth management, estate planning, loan servicing, and information processing.

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