First Financial Bancorp. (FFBC) vs Mechanics Bank (MCHB)

A side-by-side comparison of First Financial Bancorp. and Mechanics Bank 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.

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Total return — FFBC vs MCHB

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
FFBC +114.0% (+7.9%/yr)MCHB -23.6% (-2.7%/yr)FFBC compounded faster over this window
50100150200250Start $10020182020202220242026$214$76
FFBC MCHB

FFBC vs MCHB: by the numbers

  • •FFBC is the larger company ($3.31B vs $3.30B market cap).
  • •FFBC trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (11.14 vs 11.99 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •MCHB converts more revenue to profit (26.53% vs 21.41% net margin).
  • •MCHB grew revenue faster over the past five years (21.79% vs 13.90% CAGR).
  • •MCHB pays the higher dividend yield (10.43% vs 3.21%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFFBCMCHB
P/E ratio11.1411.99
Forward P/E10.3514.41
PEG ratio1.030.43
P/S ratio2.483.12
P/B ratio1.111.23

Profitability

MetricFFBCMCHB
Operating margin26.86%31.51%
Net margin21.41%26.53%
ROE9.55%10.46%

First Financial Bancorp.: 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.

Mechanics Bank: 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

MetricFFBCMCHB
Dividend yield3.21%10.43%
Payout ratio35.69%124.80%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFFBCMCHB
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.90%21.79%
EPS CAGR (5Y)10.95%28.37%
Total return CAGR (5Y)9.86%-15.32%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FFBC or MCHB?
FFBC has the lower trailing P/E: FFBC trades at 11.14 and MCHB at 11.99. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FFBC or MCHB?
Over the past five years, MCHB grew revenue faster — FFBC at a 13.90% CAGR versus MCHB at 21.79%.
Does FFBC or MCHB pay a bigger dividend?
FFBC yields 3.21% and MCHB yields 10.43% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FFBC or MCHB more profitable?
MCHB runs the higher net margin — FFBC at 21.41% versus MCHB at 26.53%.
How have FFBC and MCHB total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, FFBC delivered 7.73% and MCHB delivered -2.87% 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.