First Merchants Corporation (FRME) vs WaFd, Inc. (WAFDP)

A side-by-side comparison of First Merchants Corporation and WaFd, Inc. 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 — FRME vs WAFDP

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 6y
FRME +26.1% (+3.9%/yr)WAFDP -9.4% (-1.6%/yr)FRME compounded faster over this window
6080100120140Start $10020222023202420252026$126$91
FRME WAFDP

FRME vs WAFDP: by the numbers

  • •WAFDP is the larger company ($2.57B vs $2.49B market cap).
  • •WAFDP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (4.71 vs 12.68 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • •WAFDP converts more revenue to profit (18.47% vs 17.08% net margin).
  • •WAFDP grew revenue faster over the past five years (16.67% vs 14.59% CAGR).
  • •WAFDP pays the higher dividend yield (7.92% vs 3.67%).

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricFRMEWAFDP
P/E ratio12.684.71
Forward P/E12.224.38
PEG ratio1.761.53
P/S ratio2.291.85
P/B ratio0.930.94

Profitability

MetricFRMEWAFDP
Operating margin18.95%23.63%
Net margin17.08%18.47%
ROE6.89%8.49%

First Merchants 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.

WaFd, 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.

Dividends

MetricFRMEWAFDP
Dividend yield3.67%7.92%
Payout ratio46.65%37.27%

Growth (annualized)

MetricFRMEWAFDP
Revenue CAGR (5Y)14.59%16.67%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.24%3.16%
Total return CAGR (5Y)2.27%-3.07%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, FRME or WAFDP?
WAFDP has the lower trailing P/E: FRME trades at 12.68 and WAFDP at 4.71. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, FRME or WAFDP?
Over the past five years, WAFDP grew revenue faster — FRME at a 14.59% CAGR versus WAFDP at 16.67%.
Does FRME or WAFDP pay a bigger dividend?
FRME yields 3.67% and WAFDP yields 7.92% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is FRME or WAFDP more profitable?
WAFDP runs the higher net margin — FRME at 17.08% versus WAFDP at 18.47%.
How have FRME and WAFDP total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, FRME delivered 2.27% and WAFDP delivered -3.07% 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.