Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. (ESQ) vs Mercantile Bank Corporation (MBWM)

A side-by-side comparison of Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc. and Mercantile Bank Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of October 6, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total return — ESQ vs MBWM

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 9y
ESQ +706.5% (+26.1%/yr)MBWM +157.5% (+11.1%/yr)ESQ compounded faster over this window
0200400600800Start $1002019202120232025$807$258
ESQ MBWM

ESQ vs MBWM: by the numbers

  • •ESQ is the larger company ($1.03B vs $1.02B market cap).
  • •MBWM trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (10.44 vs 19.59 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •ESQ converts more revenue to profit (29.32% vs 24.79% net margin).
  • •ESQ grew revenue faster over the past five years (24.48% vs 14.13% CAGR).
  • •MBWM pays the higher dividend yield (2.63% vs 0.66%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricESQMBWM
P/E ratio19.5910.44
Forward P/E17.1110.70
PEG ratio0.680.69
P/S ratio5.702.67
P/B ratio3.271.36

Profitability

MetricESQMBWM
Operating margin40.57%28.78%
Net margin29.32%24.79%
ROE16.81%12.61%

Esquire Financial Holdings, Inc.: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Mercantile Bank Corporation: Gross margin is not shown for a lender or insurer: its revenue is interest, premiums and fees rather than the sale of goods, so there is no cost of goods sold to measure it against.

Dividends

MetricESQMBWM
Dividend yield0.66%2.63%
Payout ratio12.79%27.46%

Growth (annualized)

MetricESQMBWM
Revenue CAGR (5Y)24.48%14.13%
EPS CAGR (5Y)29.96%15.04%
Total return CAGR (5Y)32.17%16.02%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, ESQ or MBWM?
MBWM has the lower trailing P/E: ESQ trades at 19.59 and MBWM at 10.44. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, ESQ or MBWM?
Over the past five years, ESQ grew revenue faster — ESQ at a 24.48% CAGR versus MBWM at 14.13%.
Does ESQ or MBWM pay a bigger dividend?
ESQ yields 0.66% and MBWM yields 2.63% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is ESQ or MBWM more profitable?
ESQ runs the higher net margin — ESQ at 29.32% versus MBWM at 24.79%.
How have ESQ and MBWM total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, ESQ delivered 32.17% and MBWM delivered 16.02% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified October 6, 2026.